LG is one of the most famous North American household brands. It is known for high-quality, durable, advanced, and user-friendly machines. One of the most famous LG appliances is a refrigerator.
LG refrigerators are a synonym for powerful cooling, easy-to-use features, and a user-friendly control panel. Some of the latest features in an LG refrigerator are InstaView, door-in-door design, smart cooling sensors, dual ice makers, full-width drawers, cool guard, and ThinQ connectivity.
No doubt LG refrigerators increase the value of your home and make your life easy, but these machines are bound to some problems and need time to time maintenance and troubleshooting. In this article, we will discuss some of the common LG refrigerator problems that you may encounter in the long run. This discussion will help you make a well-informed purchase decision and help you evaluate your options.
LG Refrigerator Problems and How to fix them
Let’s start our discussion with the most common ones and frequently occurring LG refrigerator problems.
LG Refrigerator Temperature Problems
One of the most common problems an LG refrigerator or any other refrigerator can face is the temperature drop problem. The cooling problem primarily happens due to a wrong temperature setting. A lot of factors play a critical role in maintaining a constant temperature that keeps the food fresh or frozen inside the refrigerator.
You need to consider the ambient temperature, load inside the refrigerator, type of items, and the overall age of the machine. Lower the temperature in summers or when the machine is fully loaded. If you store a lot of raw meat in your refrigerator, keep it at a lower temperature. Similarly, if your machine is older than 10 years, it is a great idea to increase the temperature by 1-2 points to let it work efficiently or get the compressor checked.
Other reasons the machine may encounter temperature problems are due to faulty thermostat, condenser coils, blockage in the airways, problems in the condenser or evaporator fan. Sometimes the start relay, start capacitor, thermistor, main control board, or linear compressor can go bad as well.
Moreover, you must keep the temperature as per FDA’s recommendations. FDA has issued detailed refrigerator storage and temperature maintenance guide to help you store the food in the right way.
LG Refrigerator Loud Noise Problems
LG refrigerators are usually very silent. However, they get a bit loud as they age or develop problems. Many people highlight that their LG refrigerators are almost double noisier than the initial days.
If your machine has a loud constant humming sound, the fan blades need cleaning. The moving fan sucks the dust around the back of your fridge, and it accumulates over the fan blades and motor. The accumulated dust makes a constant bee-like sound when it moves.
Fan and evaporator blades usually make other sounds like rattling, grinding, and squealing. You may hear a loud bang or a thud or whistle-like sound from your LG refrigerator. These sounds indicate compressor problems.
While you can do a fan cleanup yourself, we don’t recommend messing with the compressor. Get it inspected by a technician or call LG customer service if the compressor is in warranty. LG offers a 5-10 year warranty on its compressors.
LG Refrigerator Freezer Problems
Another common LG refrigerator problem is the freezer not working optimally. Sometimes, the fridge section works properly, and the freezer section is not frosting or freezing ice.
This is often a technical issue when one compartment is working, and the other is not working. If the freezer is working and the fridge is not working or vice versa, check from the control panel of the machine that its temperature is correct and you have not turned it off mistakenly.
If the temperature is correct, perform cleanup and then check. Moreover, you can lessen the load on the freezer compartment to make it work.
What if your refrigerator starts freezing food? Check this guide to know the causes.
If nothing works, get the machine tested by an LG-certified professional.
LG Refrigerator Water Dispenser Problems
All the latest LG refrigerators come with a water dispenser to provide you with cold drinking water. This is a great feature that increases the usability of the machine.
However, the dispenser can stop dispensing water sometimes. You can get the problem solved by employing a few DIY techniques.
First, check the water filter and ensure that it is not blocked or jammed. Moreover, you must replace the water filter if it is about to expire.
Second, ensure that the pressure line in the incoming water line is enough for the dispenser to work. Each model has different operating pressure requirements. Check from the user manual and measure the incoming water pressure.
Third, a dispenser cleanup; if you can take apart the dispenser or open it, perform general cleanup. The mineral deposit can clog the water channels, and the dispenser may stop working. It is best to use a commercial-grade cleaner for clearing the buildups. You can also use vinegar and baking soda to clean the dispenser.
LG Refrigerator Not Smelling Good
Latest LG refrigerators come with an air filter to remove the odors inside the fridge. If your machine has an air filter and is smelling bad, it may need a replacement or a cleanup. If your LG refrigerator is without an air filter and it smells, use a bowl of baking soda to kill odors in the fridge.
For machines with an air filter, replace the air filter by opening the air filter box usually located in the center of the fridge compartment. You can open it by moving the box towards the left and pulling out the case. Insert the filter back, push it in, and lock the case by moving it towards the right side.
LG Refrigerator Ice Maker Problems
LG refrigerators have an advanced ice maker that supplies you with ice cubes on demand. However, it can get stuck at times and may need a replacement. If the ice maker is not working properly, you can check the water pressure in the incoming line and make sure that there are no blockages.
Moreover, you can run a test cycle to ensure that it works correctly. If the ice maker doesn’t undergo a test cycle, you will need to replace it.
Also Read: How to turn on ice maker on Samsung refrigerator.
LG Refrigerator Compressor Problems
LG uses high-quality compressors, but problems can happen occasionally, and they can only be sorted by a professional. LG offers a 10-year warranty on compressors.
LG has had some problems regarding its compressors. It had to settle a class-action lawsuit over refrigerator compressors. The things got too ugly for Lg that they had to compensate customers for having an LG French door or side-by-side refrigerator manufactured between 1st January 2014 and 31st December 2017. The compensation amount ranged from $50 to $3500, Consumer Reports reported.
In case you are hearing this for the first time, you can check whether you can file a claim or not. Click here to see if you are covered by the settlement or not.
LG Refrigerator Leaking Water Problem
A lot of users have reported LG refrigerator leaking water. This issue usually happens because of the defrost drain freezing. The water will overflow the drain and dip down to the compartment, resulting in leaks on the floor.
The best way to deal with leaking water is to check the drain line. If it is blocked or frozen, get it cleared.
You can also check tank assembly for any leaks in the tank connections. Water leaks usually need a replacement.
LG Refrigerator not Defrosting Problem
A handful of LG buyers also mention that their refrigerator doesn’t defrost properly. This problem can happen due to several factors.
The defrost control board is responsible for determining when to run a defrost cycle. If the defrost control board fails, the refrigerator will not go into the defrost cycle. The only solution is to replace the defrost control board. However, testing the defrost heater and defrost thermostat is recommended before replacing the defrost control board.
The defrost timer is responsible for turning on the defrost heater several times throughout the day to melt the accumulated frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. Any problem in the defrost cycle will not let the machine enter defrost cycle. Turn the thermostat dial or enter the defrost mode in the control panel; the compressor will turn off, and the heater should turn on.
If the refrigerator doesn’t start to defrost within 30-60 minutes, you need to replace the defrost timer.
Sometimes the defrost heater assembly may not work, leading to the refrigerator not defrosting. You can check the defrost heater by using a multi-meter to test for continuity. If the defrost heater doesn’t show continuity, get it replaced.
Another reason your LG refrigerator isn’t going to defrost is that the defrost thermostat may not work. The defrost thermostat is responsible for monitoring the temperature of the evaporator coils. If the defrost thermostat is not working, it will not be able to raise the temperature of the defrost heater, failing to melt the frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils.
The main control system is responsible for regulating the power supply to all refrigerator components, including the defrost system. If something is wrong with the main control board of your machine, the defrost system will not work. However, it is better to check all the defrost components before replacing the main control system.
LG Refrigerator Defrost Drain Clogged
If you notice water dripping down to the bottom of the fridge compartment, your fridge’s defrost drain is clogged.
The simplest way to deal with this is to thaw the defrost drain if it is frozen.
A lot of LG refrigerators are equipped with drain heaters. Drain heaters don’t let the water in the drainpipe freeze. If it is not working properly, the water in the drainpipe may freeze.
LG Refrigerator Light Not Working
Things can get pretty frustrating if the light on your LG refrigerator stops working. You’ll have to turn on kitchen lights to find something from your refrigerator or use your phone’s light to find something. The light on the LG refrigerator can go bad for various reasons.
The most common reason behind light not working is a faulty light assembly. Depending on your model, you can deal with this by installing a faulty component in the assembly or replacing the whole light assembly.
Another common reason the light may not work is the bulb has gone bad. Replacing the bulb on an LG refrigerator is a 5-minutes DIY task. All you have to do is unhook the cover, remove the bulb and insert a new one. However, you must check for compatibility before buying a new bulb. Similarly, the light socket may not be working. You can check it with a multi-meter to determine if it is getting power or not.
The door switch may not be working. You will need a multi-meter to check its continuity.
Sometimes the reason behind the LG refrigerator light not working is that the light board is not getting enough power. Check for voltage using a voltmeter. If it receives enough voltage and the light will not work, replace the light board.
LG Refrigerator Runs Constantly
If your LG refrigerator is constantly running and the compressor is not stopping, it can happen due to a lot of reasons. Some of the reasons behind this problem require a professional inspection.
You must start by checking the thermostat on your LG refrigerator. If the temperature on the unit is set below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the refrigerator will not get cold enough, and it will keep on running to achieve the set temperature. The ideal temperature for a freezer compartment is between 0-5F.
Your fridge may keep running if the condenser coils are dirty. These coils are located on the back of the fridge and dissipate heat from the refrigerator. Over time, dust and debris accumulate over them, and if not cleaned regularly, the buildup can cause problems for your machine. If your machine’s compressor doesn’t turn off, try cleaning the condenser coils.
Other reasons behind refrigerator running constantly include a faulty defrost heater assembly, defrost thermostat, door gasket, evaporator fan motor, defrost control board, defrost timer, main control board, and a defective condenser fan motor.
Final Words
LG refrigerators are one of the most user-friendly and easy to troubleshoot machines. Most of the problems discussed above can be fixed at home using help from credible online sources and your machine’s user manual.
However, if your machine is under warranty, we recommend you not mess with it. You can replace the filter, check water lines, check the temperature but don’t set out to replace any critical component as an unprofessional repair can void the warranty.
