When you’re facing the daunting challenge of an LG refrigerator compressor not working, understanding the root causes and exploring efficient troubleshooting steps can significantly ease the process.
The issue often manifests through symptoms such as lack of cooling, unusual noises, or the refrigerator remaining warm, indicating potential compressor or associated component malfunctions.
In my journey with home appliances, I’ve encountered my fair share of compressor failures, each a unique puzzle demanding a tailored solution.
Key Takeaways:
- Troubleshooting an LG refrigerator compressor involves checking the power supply, temperature settings, door seals, condenser coils, start relay, and overload protector, and considering a professional for refrigerant issues.
- Error codes can guide troubleshooting; a reset may resolve minor glitches.
- Common causes of compressor failure include overheating due to dirty coils or electrical faults like a faulty start relay.
Why is My LG Refrigerator Compressor Not Working?
Faulty compressor seal
That’s annoying! One big reason for that is probably a busted compressor seal. Yep, that little thing can stop the whole fridge from working.
Wanna check it out yourself? Look at the back of your fridge, near the compressor. If the seal looks cracked, torn, or just plain worn out, that’s your problem.
If the seal looks okay, maybe the compressor itself is kaput. There’s a way to test it, but it’s kinda tricky. You’re probably better off calling for help again.
Quick tip: sometimes you can kinda stretch out the seal a bit if it’s just a little wonky. But, I mean, that’s just a temporary fix. You’ll still need to replace it.
Also, make sure the area around the compressor is clean. No gunk or dirt should be hanging around there. Wipe it down with a cloth.
Defective condenser motor
unplug your fridge. Safety’s super important, right? Okay, now find the panel at the bottom back of your fridge. Unscrew it and take it off.
See those coils back there? Yeah, they need to be clean. Grab your vacuum with the brush attachment and suck up all that dust and gunk.
Next, check out those fan blades. Make sure they spin freely. If something’s blocking them, clear it out.
Still not cooling right? Let’s see if the motor’s okay. You’ll need a multimeter for this. If the motor’s dead, don’t worry, we can replace it.
Disconnect the old motor, take it out, and put the new one in. Just follow how the old one was hooked up.
Once the new motor’s in, put the panel back on, plug it in, and see if it’s chilly again!
Faulty start relay
Find the relay: Okay, first things first, you gotta get to that relay. Pop off the back panel of your fridge. You’ll find it hanging out near the compressor, usually at the bottom.
Test that thing: Grab your multimeter and check if the relay is still alive.
Get a new one: If it’s kaput, you need a new relay. Make sure it’s the right one for your LG fridge.
Put it back in: It’s like building a Lego set in reverse. Pop the new relay in where the old one was.
Faulty evaporator fan motor
Your LG fridge is making that annoying compressor noise, but your stuff isn’t getting cold? It might be that little fan in the freezer. Yeah, that thing. It’s supposed to blow cold air around to keep everything chilly.
But if it’s clogged with dust or just plain broken, your fridge is gonna be a warm mess.
Here’s what you can do:
- Check for gunk: Open up your freezer and take a look around. Is there a bunch of dust or fuzz on that fan? If so, give it a good clean.
- Is it stuck? Make sure the fan can spin freely. If it’s stuck, something’s wrong.
- Let’s see that motor: You gotta get to that fan motor. It’s usually behind a panel in the freezer. Unplug your fridge first, okay?
- Test that baby: Hook up the motor directly to power. Does it spin? If not, it’s toast.
- Get a new one: Find the right fan motor for your fridge. It’s like finding the right piece to a puzzle. Then, swap out the old one for the new one.
Refrigerant leak
check for some clues. Is there frost building up where it shouldn’t? Or maybe you’re hearing some weird hissing noises. And is your fridge actually, you know, cooling? If not, a leak might be the culprit.
Next, take a good look at the insides. Check out those coils and tubes. Any cracks or damage? Keep an eye out.
If you want to get serious, grab a leak detector. That thing is like a sniffer dog for refrigerant. It’ll tell you exactly where that pesky leak is hiding.
For tiny leaks, there’s this sealant stuff you can try. But let’s be real, it’s just a bandaid. If it’s a big leak, you’ll need to call in the pros.
Compressor failure
Check if it’s still under warranty. LG’s been pretty good about covering fridge repairs for the past few years, so you might get lucky. If you bought it after 2018, there’s a good chance parts and labor are covered for five years.
But let’s be real, fridge repairs can be a pain. It’s probably best to call in a pro to take a look. They know this stuff inside and out. Just a heads up, if it is the compressor, replacing it can be pricey – we’re talking like half the cost of a new fridge.
FAQs
How do you reset the compressor on a LG refrigerator?
To reset the compressor on an LG refrigerator, unplug the unit for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then plug it back in. This simple action can reset the refrigerator, allowing the compressor to restart and stabilize the unit’s cooling process within 24 hours.
What would cause a refrigerator compressor not to kick in?
A refrigerator compressor might not kick in due to issues like a faulty start relay, a malfunctioning overload relay/switch, or a damaged motherboard. Checking these components for damage or malfunction can help identify the cause.
What is the most common cause of refrigerator compressor failure?
The most common cause of refrigerator compressor failure is overheating, which can result from dirty condenser coils, insufficient refrigerant, or a malfunctioning condenser fan. These issues lead to the compressor working harder than normal, increasing the risk of failure.
What causes LG compressors to fail?
LG compressors often fail due to a faulty seal system in linear compressors, leading to refrigerant leakage, or due to the compressor’s inability to maintain the necessary pressure for cooling. Other factors include electrical issues like a damaged start relay or overload relay.
Can fridge compressor be repaired?
While it’s possible to repair a fridge compressor, it often requires professional skills and tools. Issues like refrigerant shortage or electrical problems can be fixed by replacing the faulty components. However, due to the complexity and the potential cost involved, sometimes replacing the refrigerator might be more economical than repairing the compressor.
