Lg Refrigerator: not cooling properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG refrigerator not cooling properly? You may notice warmer temperatures inside the fridge or freezer, leading to spoiled food. Common causes include dirty condenser coils, faulty fan motors, or improper air circulation. Understanding these issues can help you restore optimal cooling performance.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • Some LG models may have damper control or linear compressor quirks; refer to service manual for model-specific error codes and part locations

Possible Causes

Dirty condenser coils

How to Identify: Dust, pet hair, or debris visible on coils at back or beneath fridge; fridge runs constantly or inefficiently

Part: Condenser coils

Faulty evaporator fan motor

How to Identify: Warm fridge section while freezer remains cold, little or no airflow, unusual noises from freezer fan area

Part: Evaporator fan motor

Faulty condenser fan motor

How to Identify: Compressor runs but fan doesn’t spin; warm air at rear bottom of fridge; higher energy draw

Part: Condenser fan motor

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, coil brush
  1. Unplug refrigerator
  2. Access coils at back or bottom
  3. Use vacuum/brush to remove dust and debris
  4. Reassemble and restart fridge
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before cleaning

Clear internal air vents and adjust settings

Easy 10-20 minutes
  1. Remove food blocking internal air vents
  2. Set fridge to recommended temperatures
  3. Allow 24 hours for temperature stabilization

Inspect and clean door gasket

Easy 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: warm water, soft cloth
  1. Check gasket for debris, cracks
  2. Clean gasket thoroughly
  3. Replace gasket if damaged
  4. Ensure door closes tightly

Check and reset control panel/temperature settings

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Verify settings on control panel
  2. Lower temperature to appropriate range
  3. Unplug fridge for a few minutes to reset (if recommended)
  4. Monitor temperatures over next 24 hours

Professional Repairs

Replace evaporator or condenser fan motor

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

Repair sealed refrigerant leak or recharge system

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500+

Replace compressor or start relay

Estimated Cost: $300 - $700+

Replace door gasket

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

When to Call a Professional

No improvement after DIY steps
Unusual noises from compressor or fan motors
Evidence of refrigerant leak (e.g., constant running with poor cooling)
Compressor not starting or electrical control issues

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Heat buildup and poor cooling efficiency
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Inspect door gaskets: Cold air leakage and efficiency loss
    Frequency: monthly
  • Ensure adequate airflow around unit: Overheating and reduced cooling performance
    Frequency: ongoing

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Refrigerator not cooling properly?
Common causes include dirty condenser coils, a faulty evaporator fan motor, or a malfunctioning condenser fan motor.
How do I fix LG Refrigerator not cooling properly myself?
You can clean the condenser coils, clear internal air vents, inspect the door gasket, and check control panel settings.
How much does it cost to fix not cooling properly?
Professional repairs can range from $100 - $700+ depending on the issue, like fan motor replacement or compressor repairs.
When should I call a technician for not cooling properly?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect a refrigerant leak, it's time to call a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Air exchange issues between fridge and freezer compartments (2 mentions)
  • Cooling system components failure (compressor, return line) (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced crimped return line to compressor

    Success rate: 10.0%

  2. Returned refrigerator for a different brand due to cooling issues

    Success rate: 10.0%
Analysis based on 5 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. What brand/model refrigerator would you recommend?
  2. Considering LG LRFLC2706S refrigerator? Reconsider.
  3. LG Refrigerator fresh food section too cold
  4. LG Refrigerator compartment not exchanging air with freezer ...
  5. What temp does your refrigerator maintain?

Community Discussions

cooling poorly

Replaced crimped return line to compressor.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

left door does not cool below 40 degrees

LG was unhelpful, but Lowes accepted the return and the user purchased a Bosch 800 refrigerator which maintains temperature better.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

design flaw with the evaporation fan requiring manual defrosting every 90 days

Recommendations for alternative brands include Fisher and Paykel, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, Sub-Zero, and Beko.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

fridge too cold, causing milk to freeze

Main damper is not responsive; needs replacement.

DIY View on Reddit →

fresh food section runs too cold, milk and liquids freeze, leafy vegetables frost over

Adjusted thermistor placement to improve damper function.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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