Situation, when LG refrigerator begins to cool food excessively, turning vegetables into ice blocks and milk into stone, is a common problem for owners of this equipment. Often, users are faced with the fact that even with standard settings, arctic cold reigns inside the chamber, which not only spoils supplies, but also causes the compressor to wear out. Understanding the reasons for this behavior of the unit is the first step towards a solution, since ignoring the symptoms can lead to serious damage to expensive components.
Modern models, such as LG DoorCooling+ or classic two-chamber systems No Frostare equipped with complex electronics that must independently regulate temperature regime. However, malfunctions of the sensors, incorrect installation or a simple violation of operating rules can disrupt the fine-tuning of the system. In this material we will look at why The refrigerator freezes too muchand what actions need to be taken to normalize its operation without calling a technician.
The first thing you should pay attention to is recent changes in operation. Perhaps you loaded a lot of warm products at once or have not defrosted for a long time (if the model requires defrosting). The critical factor is often not a malfunction, but the settings that have been reset after a power surge. Let's look at all possible scenarios one by one, starting with the simplest and most obvious.
Checking the temperature settings and mode work
The most common, but common reason is accidentally changed thermostat settings. In a hurry or while cleaning, you can touch the control panel by switching the refrigerator to "Super cooling" or setting the minimum possible temperature. On the displays of modern LG models, this is displayed by numbers or indicators that are easy to miss at a quick glance.
You need to carefully examine the control panel. If the indicator in the form of a snowflake or the inscription Express Freezeis on, it means that the accelerated freezing mode is activated. In this state, the compressor operates continuously, ignoring standard rest cycles, which leads to freezing of food in the main chamber. You can usually disable this function by (long pressing) the corresponding button or through the settings menu.
If super cooling mode is disabled, check the set degrees. For the main camera, the optimal value is considered to be from +3°C to +5°C. Setting it to +1°C or lower will cause food near the rear wall to freeze. In the freezer the norm is -18°C; the -24°C value is used only for quick freezing of large volumes of fresh food.
It is important to consider that after changing the settings, the refrigerator needs time to stabilize. Electronics LG Smart Inverter does not change the operating mode instantly. The adaptation process can take from 2 to 5 hours, during which the temperature will gradually return to normal. Do not try to turn the regulator every 10 minutes - this will only disrupt the controller’s operating algorithms.
☑️ Checking the temperature settings
The influence of product placement and chamber loading
Circulation of cold air inside the chamber is a key factor in uniform cooling. If you crowd the shelves tightly with food, especially at the back wall where the air duct outlets are located, the cold air may not be distributed properly. As a result, the temperature sensor located in the free zone “thinks” that it is warm and forces the compressor to work more actively until the products near the wall have already turned into ice.
Particular attention should be paid to the placement of products. Don't put warm food in the refrigerator - this forces the cooling system to work overtime to compensate for the sudden increase in heat. In addition, hot vapors can lead to the formation of excess condensation and ice, which disrupts the operation of the system. No Frost.
- ❄️ Rear wall: leave a gap of at least 3-5 cm between the products and the back wall of the chamber for free air circulation.
- 🥦 Vegetables and fruits: store them in special boxes where humidity and temperature are optimal, and not on the top shelf at the outlet of the cold stream.
- 🍲 Hot: Never put food above room temperature in the chamber, let it cool on the table.
Overfilling the freezer can also cause problems. Although it seems that the more products, the better (they work as cold accumulators), excess mass interferes with normal airflow. If an ice crust freezes on food in the freezer, try unloading the chamber by 20-30% and check the result.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
If the settings are normal, but the food continues to freeze, there is a high probability of a technical malfunction. In LG refrigerators, special sensors (thermistors) are responsible for temperature control. Over time, their readings can drift (shift), and they begin to transmit incorrect data to the control board that it is warm in the chamber, although in fact it is already cold there.
The main element in mechanical models or older series is thermostat. This device physically opens the compressor power circuit when the set temperature is reached. If the thermostat contacts are “stuck” in the “on” position or the sensitive element has lost its properties, the compressor will thresh without stopping. In electronic models, this function is performed by a temperature sensor, which requires replacement during diagnostics.
⚠️ Attention: Diagnostics and replacement of the thermostat or sensors requires opening the case and working with electrical circuits. If you do not have experience with a multimeter and knowledge of basic electrical safety, do not attempt to disassemble the unit yourself - this may result in electric shock or damage to the electronics.
Symptoms of a sensor malfunction are often accompanied by errors on the display. LG models with Smart Diagnosis may display error codes, such as those related to the evaporator or airflow sensor. If indicators flash on the panel or alphanumeric combinations appear, check the instructions - this will indicate a specific unit.
How to check the sensor with a multimeter?
To check the temperature sensor, you need to disconnect the refrigerator from the network, remove the plastic panel in the chamber, disconnect the sensor connector and test its resistance. At room temperature, a working thermistor usually shows a resistance in the range of 5-10 kOhm (the exact value depends on the model). When cooling (for example, if you blow on it), the resistance should gradually increase. If the device shows a break (infinity) or zero, the sensor is faulty.
Problems with the No Frost system and defrost sensor
In systems No Frost the defrost cycle plays a critical role. If the defrost sensor is faulty, the system may become stuck in cooling mode without activating the heating element to melt the ice on the evaporator. As a result, the evaporator becomes overgrown with a “fur coat”, blocking the airflow (air flow), and the refrigerator begins to blow icy air directly onto the food, or, conversely, stops freezing, but more often in the context of “severe frost” we talk about regulation failures.
Another problem is clogging of the drainage system. Melt water should go into a special tray above the compressor. If the drain hole is clogged with crumbs or ice, the water freezes, forming an ice plug. This disrupts heat transfer and can lead to incorrect operation of temperature sensors, which begin to “lie” to the control system.
| System component | Function | Fault symptom | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defrost sensor | Evaporator temperature control | Ice coat on the evaporator, extreme cold | Replacing the sensor |
| Defrost heating element | Heating and melting ice | Ice does not melt, the compressor runs constantly | Checking the circuit, replacing the heating element |
| Timer/Board | Mode switching | Chaotic operation, lack of defrosting | Repair or replacement of board |
| Fan | Air circulation | Noise, uneven cold, ice in one corner | Cleaning or replacing the fan |
To eliminate problems with the defrost system, complete defrosting of the refrigerator is often required. Leave the unit switched off with the doors open for 24 hours. This will allow the ice to completely melt and clear the drain naturally. If after turning on the problem returns after 1-2 weeks, then the problem is in the hardware - the sensor or heating element.
Failures in the operation of the electronic control module
The “brain” of the LG refrigerator is the electronic control module. Voltage surges in the network, moisture ingress, or simply a manufacturing defect can lead to malfunctions in its operation. The board may send incorrect commands to the compressor, forcing it to work without interruptions, or incorrectly read readings from working sensors.
Often users notice strange display behavior: flashing lights, chaotic mode switching, or a complete failure of the control panel to respond to buttons. In such cases, a soft reset may temporarily help. To do this, you need to unplug the refrigerator from the outlet for 10-15 minutes and then turn it on again. This action reboots the microprocessor.
If a reboot does not help and the symptoms (severe frost, constant motor operation) persist, the board will probably need to be reflashed or replaced. Repairing electronic boards on your own without special equipment and circuits is practically impossible and economically unfeasible.
When you need to call a specialist
There are a number of situations when independent actions are not only useless, but also dangerous. If you have checked the settings, defrosted the unit, checked the seals and made sure that the food is placed correctly, but the refrigerator continues to “rage,” it’s time to call service. Especially when we are talking about models with an inverter compressor Linear Inverter, the diagnosis of which requires a special tester.
Also, the help of a specialist is necessary if:
- 🔧 You hear unusual sounds: relay clicks, a hum that either subsides or increases.
- 💧 Water has appeared inside the chamber or under the refrigerator, which was not there before.
- 🌡️ The temperature jumps from -5°C to +10°C in a chaotic manner.
- ⚡ A smell of burning or plastic has appeared.
⚠️ Attention: Opening the pipeline system (filling with freon, replacing a compressor) requires a license and special equipment. An independent attempt to repair a sealed circuit will void the warranty and may be hazardous to health due to the properties of the refrigerant.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is it immediately very cold in a new LG refrigerator?
New refrigerators, when turned on for the first time, work in enhanced mode to cool the internal volume to the specified parameters. This is normal and can last up to 24 hours. Also check if the “Super Cooling” mode is turned on by default upon delivery.
Is it possible to adjust the temperature in each zone separately?
Yes, most modern LG (Multi Air Flow) models have the ability to independently adjust the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer compartments. This is done through the control panel on the door or through the application LG ThinQ on a smartphone.
How often do you need to defrost a No Frost refrigerator?
Technically, the system No Frost does not require defrosting to remove ice. However, manufacturers recommend turning off the refrigerator at least once a year (preferably twice), washing it and letting it dry for hygiene and checking the operation of the drainage system.
What to do if ice freezes only on the back wall?
This is a sign that cold air is blowing directly onto the food. Move the food away from the back wall, check if the air duct holes are clogged and if the circulation fan is working.