Refrigerators do us a great favor by keeping our food fresh/frozen so we can consume it later on. The whole refrigerator-benefit thing goes down the drain if it doesn’t cool properly and fails to keep your stored items safe.
If you own an LG refrigerator and it is not cooling as you would like and expect it to be, you are at the right place. In this article, we will look at all the probable causes of an LG refrigerator not cooling and how you can fix it.
Please note that the LG refrigerator not-cooling problem can happen for various reasons. Some causes can be fixed at home, while some may warrant a professional inspection. Let’s check why your LG refrigerator has stopped cooling all of a sudden!
LG Refrigerator not Cooling – Causes and Fixes
LG refrigerator not cooling problems are common. A lot of buyers experience these issues. You have to diagnose the problem yourself in many cases because LG didn’t put much thought into what happens if the system crashes or the unit goes bad.
Most LG refrigerators don’t even have codes to display cooling and refrigerant problems, even though it has sensors installed for refrigerant pressure and flow on board. So, you’ll have to do some testing yourself, pinpoint the problem and get it fixed.
Before you start diagnosing the possible reasons behind your refrigerator not cooling, you need to check if the problem is happening in both the freezer and fridge sections. If only one compartment is not cooling, the troubleshooting process will differ. We will discuss that later.
Cause #1: Dirty Condenser Coils
Dirty condenser coils are the most common cause behind your LG refrigerator not cooling up. The coils are located at the backside of the machine and attract dirt and debris as the machine works. Since the environment on the backside of the machine is warm, the dust and debris cling to the coils and prevent the coils from cooling the fridge.
Solution: Clean the Condenser Coils
You can clean the condenser coils easily. Follow the steps below to clean them.
- Unplug your refrigerator.
- Move the fridge so that you can access the backside.
- Remove the back cover with a screwdriver.
- Inspect the coils; clean them if they are dirty. It is better to use vacuum cleaners while cleaning the coils. If you don’t use a vacuum, you will be spreading all the dust on your kitchen floor, and then you will have another problem to deal with.
- Plug in your refrigerator and notice it’s working over the next 6-12 hours. If it is cooling properly, your work is done. You can place an appliance thermometer inside to see if it is cooling, or you can also test its working by keeping a water bottle inside.
Cause #2: Faulty Condenser Fan
LG refrigerator’s cooling system is based on continuous airflow. A condenser fan is one of the most important in these cooling systems as it moves air across the coils that cool the air inside your refrigerator.
The fridge stops cooling if the airflow decreases. One of the main reasons the airflow has decreased is that either the fan blades are dirty or the fan motor has gone bad.
Solution: 2 Ways to Fix a Faulty LG Refrigerator Condenser Fan
Before trying any of the methods listed below, make sure you unplug the machine and remove the power cord. If your LG refrigerator has a water inlet pipe, turn off the inlet valve and remove the pipe.
Clean it up: Get to the back of the machine and locate the condenser fan. It is usually located at the machine’s bottom on the backside. You will need to remove the back cover to inspect the fan. Check that the fan moves freely and has no debris, dust, or hair around it. You must also check the backside of the fan to see if there is any mess around it.
You can pull out the fan using pliers and a flathead screwdriver, as shown in the image below. Clean it and place it back. This might solve your problem.
Replace the Faulty Motor: Check the motor for continuity using a multi-meter. Order a new replacement motor if the motor needs to be replaced. You can follow the steps below to replace the fan motor on your LG refrigerator.
- Unplug the machine, close the water inlet valve and remove the water inlet pipe.
- Remove the back cover on your LG refrigerator and remove the fan blades off of the motor.
- Use a Philips head short screwdriver to remove the motor mounting bracket screws.
- Remove the wire harness connecting the fan motor to your fridge.
- Remove the old motor by pulling the bracket open. Transfer the rubber mounts on the old motor to the new one.
- Install the new motor in the same way you removed it. Install the wire harness, mounting screws, motor fan, and test your machine.
Cause #3: Evaporator Fan Motor Not Working
Sometimes the evaporator fan motor goes bad, resulting in your LG refrigerator not cooling. You can check the evaporator fan motor by unplugging the machine and locate the evaporator fan motor in the freezer section. Check the fan of the motor and see if it is overly noisy.
If the fan motor is not noisy, try turning the fan blades manually. If it is not moving freely, you need to replace the fan motor. If the blade moves freely, use a multi-meter to check the motor; if it shows continuity on the multi-meter, the evaporator fan motor works all right. If there is no continuity on the multi-meter, it needs replacement.
Solution: Replacing the Evaporator Fan Motor
Replacing the evaporator fan motor is not an easy task. You will need to dismantle the refrigerator and then take out the motor. You may be able to take apart everything, but putting them back won’t be an easy task. Hence, we recommend you contact LG to replace the evaporator fan motor.
Cause #4: Temperature Control Thermostat
The temperature control thermostat or the digital control panel on your LG refrigerator is responsible for sending temperature signals to other temperature-related components like the compressor, evaporator fan motor, and condenser fan motor. If this becomes faulty, the machine will not cool.
Solution: Check the Temperature Control Thermostat
You need to check the temperature control thermostat to confirm if it is working or not. Follow the steps below to confirm if it is working or not.
- Turn off the refrigerator.
- Locate the temperature controls.
- Rotate the thermostat from its lowest setting to the highest setting. When you move from the lowest setting to the next set, you will hear a click sound. Similarly, you will hear a click sound for digital controls when you move from the lowest temperature setting to the highest setting. You may need to turn on the machine if you have a digitally controlled refrigerator.
- If you hear a clicking sound, the thermostat is working fine. If there is no clicking sound, use a multi-meter to check the thermostat for continuity.
- If the multi-meter shows continuity reading, it is working correctly. If not, you will need to replace the thermostat.
Cause # 5: Faulty Start Relay
The start relay is responsible for boosting the compressor. If it is not working properly, the compressor will fail to start, and the fridge will not cool.
Solution: Check the Start Relay
The only way to diagnose a faulty start relay is to check if it is working or not. The start relay is located inside the same compartment as the compressor and is plugged into the back of the main device. If you can’t find the start relay, consult your refrigerator’s user manual.
There are two ways to find if your start relay is working or not. Let’s know both of them!
Clicking Relay Noise: You will hear a clicking noise easy time the start relay kicks in. This clicking noise is independent of the compressor, and you will hear it whether the compressor starts or not. If the compressor doesn’t power up, the start relay will try again after 2-5 minutes. This sound indicates that the start relay is working, and the problem is with some other component.
The Shake and Rattle Test: You can also check the start relay physically. To do this, unplug the refrigerator and remove the back cover. Identify the start relay and remove it. The start relay is plugged into the back of the main device. Remove the start relay and give it a good shake.
Listen closely when you shake the start relay. If you hear a rattling sound inside the relay, it is broken or damaged and needs a replacement.
Replacing the Start Relay: The only solution to a damaged start relay is to replace it. If you are not an experienced DIYer, it is better to call a professional and get it replaced. You can order the start relay online as well but make sure that you check compatibility with your machine.
Cause #6: Start Capacitor
The start capacitor is located near the compressor and sends a power boost to the compressor to help it start up the cooling process. If it fails, the compressor won’t start, and your machine won’t cool properly.
Solution: Checking and Replacing the Start Capacitor
- Turn off the refrigerator and remove the back cover.
- Locate the start capacitor on the machine. Consult your machine’s user manual if you can’t find it.
- Use a multi-meter to see if the capacitor has continuity. In case there is no continuity, the capacitor needs to be replaced.
- You can order a start capacitor online. However, you must ensure that it is compatible with your refrigerator.
- You can replace the capacitor yourself if you are an experienced refrigerator DIYer; otherwise, it is best to ask professionals to do this for you.
Cause #7: Faulty Compressor
The compressor compresses the refrigerant or cooling gas and circulates it through the condenser coils. If the compressor goes bad, there will be no refrigerant in the condenser, and the fridge will not work.
LG has faced a lawsuit regarding its compressors and had to compensate its customers who suffered from this problem. You can read more about the lawsuit here and check whether you are eligible for this settlement or not.
The compressor-related cooling problem is common for LG French door refrigerators. More than 90% of the not cooling cases are related to the linear compressor on French door models.
Solution: Replacing the Compressor
The only solution to a faulty compressor is to replace it. We recommend that you don’t try replacing the compressor at home and call professionals to do this for you.
The biggest and first sign that the compressor has gone bad is that it will be running, but the fridge will not cool. You can check this by listening to the compressor’s running sound.
Cause #8: Main Control Board
The main control board is responsible for controlling the refrigerator. It rarely goes bad, but the only solution is to replace it if it does.
Solution: Consult a Professional before Replacing Main Control Board
If you have tried everything above and still can’t find the issue, you must stop trying and contact LG customer support or the warranty center if your machine is under warranty.
LG Refrigerator – One Compartment not Cooling
All of the causes and solutions discussed above are related to both compartments, not cooling. If one of the compartments is not cooling, the problem can be related to your usage pattern. Sometimes, you don’t set the temperature correctly, or one section is overloaded.
If the fridge or freezer section is overloaded, the air vents will be blocked, and the fridge will not cool. Hence, you must not cover the air vents on your refrigerator to ensure that they are not blocked.
Similarly, ice buildup in the freezer section can stop the freezer and ice maker from working. It blocks the vents in your machine and stops the cold air from reaching inside the compartment.
You can change air filter in LG refrigerator for better cooling. Read more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why my LG refrigerator is not cooling after a power outage?
Not only LG but other refrigerators also stop cooling after a power outage. The reason is that the machines get stuck after a power outage and need a reset. A simple reset like unplugging and plugging back after 5-10 minutes can solve the problem. You can also reset your LG refrigerator from the control panel.
Will resetting solve the LG refrigerator not cooling problem?
If the problem is minor and the machine is stuck, you may be able to bring it back to normal after a reset. However, a reset will not work if a component has gone bad.
My fridge is not cooling, but the light is on?
The light in the refrigerator indicates that it is receiving power. The on light doesn’t indicate that the fridge is cooling. You will still need to check all the things mentioned above. An off light means that the fridge is not receiving power.
Final Words
It may look easy to replace the damaged part on your refrigerator, but it is difficult to dismantle parts and fridge compartments. Therefore, you should perform only basic fixes on your machine and call professionals for complex repairs.
