Lg Refrigerator: not cooling or freezing

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG refrigerator not cooling or freezing? This common issue can lead to warm air inside, affecting food safety. Troubleshoot potential causes like blocked airflow, dirty condenser coils, or faulty fans to restore optimal cooling performance.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG fridges may use a damper control assembly to regulate cold air between freezer and refrigerator compartments; malfunction can cause fridge section not cooling.

Possible Causes

Faulty or blocked airflow (damper/air vents) between freezer and fridge

How to Identify: Freezer still cold but fridge compartment is warm; airflow vents blocked by items or malfunctioning damper

Part: Damper control assembly / air vents

Dirty or obstructed condenser coils

How to Identify: Back or bottom of fridge warm to touch; coils covered in dust/debris; compressor seems to run constantly without cooling

Part: Condenser coils and condenser fan

Evaporator or condenser fan failure

How to Identify: No airflow sound from fans; fridge not cooling while freezer may still be cold; fans not spinning when tested

Part: Evaporator fan motor, condenser fan motor

Incorrect temperature control settings

How to Identify: Temperature setting too warm on control panel; fridge above recommended 37°F/2.8°C or freezer above −18°C

Part: User temperature controls / thermostat

Compressor start components failure (start relay/capacitor)

How to Identify: Compressor struggles to start or runs intermittently; clicking noises; fridge doesn’t cool though freezer may be inconsistent

Part: Start relay, start capacitor

Low refrigerant or refrigerant leak

How to Identify: Both fridge and freezer not cooling; oil or chemical smell indicating potential leak

Part: Refrigerant system lines

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum, coil brush
  1. Unplug refrigerator
  2. Locate and clean condenser coils with vacuum/coil brush
  3. Reassemble and restore power
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug unit before cleaning

Ensure proper temperature settings

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Check temperature controls and set fridge to ~37°F and freezer to ~0°F
  2. Wait several hours to observe changes

Unblock airflow vents and reorganize contents

Easy 10-15 minutes
  1. Remove items blocking cold air vents
  2. Ensure space for air circulation inside fridge
  3. Monitor cooling performance

Clean condenser fan and evaporator fan area

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, vacuum
  1. Unplug unit
  2. Access fan areas according to manual
  3. Clean debris and ensure fans spin freely
  4. Reassemble and power on
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid contact with electrical parts when plugged in

Professional Repairs

Replace evaporator or condenser fan motors

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

Service compressor start components

Estimated Cost: $80 - $180

Refrigerant leak repair and recharge

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500+

When to Call a Professional

No cooling after cleaning coils and checking airflow
Fans not operating or compressor not running
Suspected refrigerant leak (e.g., chemical/oil smell)
Error codes persist after basic checks

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Poor cooling efficiency due to dust buildup
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Check door seals: Cold air leakage reducing cooling performance
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Refrigerator not cooling or freezing?
Common causes include blocked airflow, dirty condenser coils, and fan failures.
How do I fix LG Refrigerator not cooling or freezing myself?
Clean coils, check temperature settings, and ensure airflow is unobstructed.
How much does it cost to fix not cooling or freezing?
Professional repairs can range from $80 to $500+, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not cooling or freezing?
Call a technician if DIY fixes fail or if the problem seems complex.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Dirty condenser coils
  • Faulty thermostat
  • Malfunctioning compressor

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Clean the condenser coils. Unplug the refrigerator, locate the coils (usually at the back or beneath), and use a vacuum or brush to remove dust and debris.

  2. Check and replace the thermostat if necessary. Locate the thermostat, test it with a multimeter, and replace it if it shows no continuity.

  3. Inspect the compressor. If it's not running, check the start relay and overload protector. If these parts are faulty, replace them or the compressor itself.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. LG Refrigerator/Freezer "Lost Power"

Community Discussions

lost power

Check for a blown fuse on the control board; replacing it may involve soldering.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!