Is your LG refrigerator not cooling properly? I’ve researched and experienced this frustrating issue firsthand.
It’s a common problem that can leave you with spoiled food and a hefty repair bill. But don’t worry, there’s hope.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most likely causes and their solutions. From simple fixes you can do yourself to more complex issues requiring professional help, we’ll cover it all.
By the end, you’ll have a clear action plan to get your fridge back to its chilly best. Let’s dive in and save your groceries (and your sanity) together.
Key Takeaways
- Clean condenser coils regularly
- Check thermostat functionality
- Inspect evaporator fan motor
- Verify compressor operation
- Ensure proper refrigerant levels
- Clear blocked air vents
- Examine door seals
- Confirm correct temperature settings
Possible Causes of LG Refrigerator Not Cooling
Dirty Condenser Coils
Collected specks of dirt on the condenser coils can hinder heat transfer, leading to cooling issues.
Solution
We had this problem with our LG fridge not cooling right. Turns out, it was just dirty condenser coils! They stop the fridge from letting out heat like it should. We fixed it ourselves pretty easy:
First, ya gotta unplug the fridge and pull it out. Then take off the back panel – thats where the coils are hiding. We used our vacuum with the soft brush thingy to clean all the dust and junk off them coils. A toothbrush works good for the tricky spots too.
![vacuum-with-the-soft-brush Image of vacuuming condensor coil with the soft brush](https://lgappliancesfixit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/vacuum-with-the-soft-brush.webp)
While your back there, might as well clean up around the fridge. Then just put the panel back on, shove it in place, and plug it in. Don’t forget to flip the breaker back on!
It’s way simpler then we thought! Our fridge is working great now. You should give it a try if yours ain’t cooling right.
Check Thermostat Functionality
When a thermostat in a refrigerator is not working properly, it can mess up how cold the fridge gets, making it not cool things as it should.
Solution
We LG fridge owners know the pain when it stops cooling right. Most likely culprit? A busted thermostat. It’s the brains telling your compressor when to kick on and off, keeping things chilly.
Wanna check if that’s your problem?
Here’s what we do:
Unplug that fridge and pop off the back panel. You’ll see the thermostat wires.
Grab a multimeter and test for continuity between them terminals. Should be continuous at room temp.
![thermostat-in-a-refrigerator](https://lgappliancesfixit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/thermostat-in-a-refrigerator.webp)
No continuity? Thermostat’s probably shot. Good news is, replacements are cheap – like under 20 bucks usually.
Slap the new one in, put everything back together, and plug it in. If that was the issue, you should be back in business with proper cooling.
![thermostat-and-control-board Image of control board and thermostat](https://lgappliancesfixit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/thermostat-and-control-board-scaled.webp)
We’ve all been there with appliance headaches. But this fix ain’t too bad, and you’ll feel like a DIY champ when your beers are cold again!
Inspect Evaporator Fan Motor
A broken evaporator fan can cause problems with your cooling system. fan is responsible for circulating cool air throughout the system. If it is not working properly, your system may not be able to cool your space effectively.
Solution
We’ve seen this alot with LG fridges – the main reason they stop cooling is usually a bad evaporator fan motor. Here’s how we fix it:
First, let’s take off that evaporator cover to get at the fan motor. Now, try spinning the fan blade with your hand. If it don’t spin easy, you’ll wanna replace the whole motor.
![Place-of-evaporator-fan Image of finding the evaporator fan](https://lgappliancesfixit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Place-of-evaporator-fan.webp)
If it spins okay, we gotta check them motor windings with a multimeter. No continuity? That motor’s toast – replace it.
![Image of using the multimeter on evaporator fan](https://lgappliancesfixit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/use-multimeter.webp)
![Image of calculating the reading of evaporator fan using multimeter](https://lgappliancesfixit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Multimeter-reading-of-evaporator-fan.webp)
Make sure the control board’s sending power to the fan too. If it runs when we test it but not in normal use, could be a wonky control board or sensor.
We’ve done this tons of times, so don’t worry – it ain’t too hard once you get the hang of it! Let us know if you need any more help, we’re always happy to walk ya through it.
Verify Compressor Functionality
Issues with the compressor, like a defective start relay or capacitor, can prevent proper cooling as it regulates the refrigerant flow.
Solution
First off, we gotta listen for that humming noise. You know, the one the compressor makes when it’s doing its thing. If it’s dead silent, we might be dealing with a locked-up compressor or one that’s just given up the ghost.
Next up, we’re gonna need a multimeter. We’ll use it to check if there’s any juice flowing through them compressor windings. No continuity? Well, hate to break it to ya, but that means your compressor’s toast and needs replacing.
Now, let’s not forget about that overload thing. We’ll check for continuity across its terminals. If we’re not getting any, that overload’s gotta go.
Last but not least, we’ll take a look at that start relay. These little buggers can be real troublemakers. If it’s busted, your compressor ain’t gonna start no matter what. We’ll test it for continuity and swap it out if needed.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Insufficient refrigerant can impact the cooling process, causing the refrigerator not to cool effectively.
The compressor’s gonna be working overtime trying to cool things down, but it just can’t do it’s job with not enough refrigerant to soak up the heat.
To fix this mess:
Call up a legit LG repair place. They’ll figure out where the leak is, patch up the system, and top off your refrigerant. It’s the proper way to handle it.
If you’re feeling brave, you could try one of them car AC leak sealants as a quick fix. Just inject it into the low-pressure side using a Schrader valve. Might plug up small leaks for a bit, but don’t count on it lasting forever.
Now, if your warranty’s done, you’re gonna be shelling out some cash. Expect to drop around 800 bucks for the whole shebang.
Blocked Air Vents
Obstacles in the air vents can restrict airflow, leading to uneven cooling or lack of cooling in certain areas of the refrigerator.
![Obstacles in the air vents can restrict airflow](https://lgappliancesfixit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Clear-Air-Vents-to-Improve-Circulation.webp)
we gotta talk about our freezer situation! Ya know how sometimes we cram so much stuff in there that it blocks those little air thingies? Big mistake. We’re basically suffocating our poor freezer when we do that.
So here’s the deal – lets move our food around so those vents can breathe, okay? It’ll make the whole freezer work way better. Oh, and heres a pro tip: put the melty stuff like ice cream closer to those vents. It’s way colder there than in the door, where we usually stick em.
Trust me, if we do this, our freezer’s gonna thank us. No more warm spots or half-melted ice cream.
Inspect Door Seals
Worn-out or damaged door seals can allow warm air to enter the refrigerator, affecting its cooling efficiency.
![Inspect Door Seals: Worn-out or damaged door seals can allow warm air to enter the refrigerator, affecting its cooling efficiency.](https://lgappliancesfixit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/LG-fridge-Doors-Seal-Tightly.gif)
Take a good look at them. Are they dirty? Squished? Torn up? If they’re just dirty, no biggie – we can fix that easy. Just grab some warm water and mild soap, give them a good scrub. But if they’re damaged, you might need to replace them.
![Image of dirty and sticky door seal](https://lgappliancesfixit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dirty-door-seal-1024x492.webp)
Use warm soapy water to clean them then rinse well with plain warm water.
![cleaning-of-door-seal Image of cleaning the LG fridge door seal](https://lgappliancesfixit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cleaning-of-door-seal.webp)
Please do not use any abrasive chemicals as it will damage the seals and void the warranty. Wipe the seals dry when finished.
Oh, and make sure nothings getting in the way of the door closing all the way. We’ve all had that moment where a tall bottle or something’s sticking out, right?
One more thing – is your fridge sitting level? If it’s wonky, the doors might not line up right and that’ll mess with the seal.
If we take care of all that, we should have your fridge sealing up tight and keeping things cool in no time.
Confirm Proper Temperature Settings
We gotta make sure our LG fridge is cooling right, ya know? First thing, check if the temp is set good.
For the freezer, you wanna aim for like -8°F or -11°F. If its too high, your food might not freeze all the way through.
Just hit that [Freezer] button to make it colder.
Trust me, we don’t want our ice cream all mushy! If were not sure, it’s better to go a bit colder – we can always warm it up later if we need to. Keep an eye on it for a few days, and we’ll get it just right for us.
How to Fix LG Refrigerator not Cooling
Your LG refrigerator won’t cool properly, huh? That’s a bummer, especially when you are looking forward to a cold drink.
First things first, check if your freezer is still working because sometimes the freezer compartment is chilled, but the fridge not cooling is the real headache. Now, let’s try a quick fix.
Unplug that bad boy – I mean, the power cord from the power supply – wait about 30 seconds to reset the refrigerator, and then plug it back in. This can blow some life back into your appliance.
If that doesn’t work, make sure the freezer door and refrigerator door are closing tight.
Sometimes, a sneaky drawer that’s not fully closed can mess with the cold air circulation.
Not cool, right? Also, peep the recommended temperature for the refrigerator on the LG site or the LG USA support transcript to ensure it’s set to get your eats cold enough.
If you have danced – defrosting, checking the compressor, ensuring it’s not an overloaded ice maker, and your appliance repair skills have hit a wall, it might be time to hit up a professional repair service.
Before you scream ‘Why me?’, contact us at LG support or find some troubleshooting steps on the LG site.
Who knows? It might be something simple like flipping the circuit breaker or getting that refrigerator installed properly if it’s still throwing tantrums about wanting to get cold.
Also, a pro tip: sometimes the compartment behind the French door refrigerators gets a bit temperamental.
Make sure nothing’s blocking the vents; air needs to circulate to keep things cool. And hey, sometimes the universe just decides it’s time for your fridge to act up, but don’t let it ruin your day.
With a bit of DIY or a nudge to LG’s repair service, your fridge should be back to working normally, ready to tackle whatever leftovers you throw its way.
My Personal Experience
Recently, I observed water near my refrigerator’s freezer, which had leaked from the water dispenser. Upon examination, I discovered that all the items in my freezer had defrosted. To troubleshoot, I performed the following steps:
- I cleaned the condenser coil, which was dirty.
- The condenser fan was operating correctly.
- The compressor appeared to be functioning correctly, with no unusual sounds.
- The evaporator coil was not frozen, and I could confirm this by opening the panel.
- The evaporator fan was continuously running, even with the door open.
I’m unsure what else to check, as the compressor seems to be functioning correctly in the refrigerator but not in the freezer. Any further suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Request a Repair
If you’ve tried all the steps before and your unit still isn’t cooling down, then it’s time to request a repair. You can easily do this by chatting with our support team who are available 24/7.
If your unit’s warranty has already expired, please reach out to your extended warranty service provider or give us a call at 800-243-0000.
Summing…
When an LG refrigerator stops cooling, it can be due to various reasons like dirty condenser coils, thermostat issues, a faulty evaporator fan motor, compressor problems, low refrigerant levels, blocked air vents, temperature control board malfunctions, and damaged door seals.
To troubleshoot, unplug the fridge, check door seals, ensure proper temperature settings, and consider professional repair if needed.
FAQs
How can I troubleshoot the temperature control in my fridge?
Start by checking the set temperature inside the fridge to ensure it’s correct. If your refrigerator compartment is too warm, try adjusting the thermostat to a cooler setting. Also, make sure that the doors are closed tightly and the door seals, or gaskets, are not damaged to prevent warm air from entering.
Can a dirty condenser coil affect my refrigerator’s cooling performance?
Absolutely! When the condenser coils are clogged with dust and debris, they can’t release heat as efficiently, leading to poor cooling performance. Cleaning them with a vacuum cleaner can help improve refrigeration.
What should I do if the evaporator fan in my LG fridge stops working?
The evaporator fan circulates air over the coils, helping to keep the refrigerator cool. If it’s not working, check for any obstructions or signs of damage. You might need to replace the evaporator fan motor to resolve the cooling issue.
Why is it important to defrost my LG refrigerator if it has a defrost problem?
A defrost problem can lead to ice buildup, which insulates the coils from the air inside the fridge, affecting the cooling. Regularly defrosting your fridge helps maintain optimal cooling performance and prevents longer-term issues.
How can I contact you if my fridge’s compressor may need replacing?
If you suspect that the compressor may be the cause of your cooling issues, it’s best to contact us directly for support. The compressor is a critical part of the refrigerator’s sealed system, and replacing it might require professional help.
Can issues with my LG refrigerator lead to a class action lawsuit?
While specific issues with LG refrigerators have led to class action lawsuits in the past, whether or not your refrigerator’s problem qualifies depends on the nature and severity of the issue. It’s recommended to seek legal advice if you believe your refrigerator’s issue could be part of a larger problem.