Lg Refrigerator: temperature fluctuation

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing temperature fluctuations in your LG refrigerator? This issue can lead to food spoilage as the internal temperature rises and falls unexpectedly. Common causes include airflow blockages, dirty condenser coils, or door seal leaks. Identifying the problem early can help maintain a stable environment for your food.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG models vary in control interface; refer to manual for adjusting temperature settings and resetting controls.

Possible Causes

Airflow obstruction inside refrigerator

How to Identify: Check for blocked vents inside fridge/freezer; crowded shelves disrupting cool air movement.

Part: Internal air vents and circulation pathways

Dirty condenser coils

How to Identify: Visually inspect coils at rear/bottom for dust buildup; feel fridge working harder and cycling more. "Dirty coils cause inefficiency leading to temp swings."

Part: Condenser coils

Faulty or miscalibrated thermostat or temperature control

How to Identify: Temperature does not correspond with setpoint; multimeter testing shows thermostat out of spec; digital controller error codes.

Part: Thermostat/temperature sensor/control board

Evaporator fan malfunction

How to Identify: Listen for unusual noises or no airflow from freezer vents when compressor runs; uneven chilling zones.

Part: Evaporator fan motor

Door seal leaks or misalignment

How to Identify: Visual inspection shows cracked/damaged seals; perform paper test (paper slips out easily when door closed.

Part: Door gaskets/seals

Excessive door openings or environmental heat

How to Identify: Frequent door openings; fridge placed near heat source or in hot ambient environment.

Part: User behavior/ambient conditions

DIY Solutions

Ensure proper airflow inside refrigerator

Easy 10-20 minutes
  1. Remove or rearrange items blocking air vents inside fridge and freezer compartments.
  2. Avoid overpacking; leave space for air circulation around food items.

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment or coil brush
  1. Unplug refrigerator and pull it away from wall.
  2. Locate condenser coils (rear or bottom) and carefully clean dust/debris with brush or vacuum.
  3. Push fridge back, plug in and monitor temperature over next 24 hours.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure unplugging before coil cleaning to avoid electrical hazards.

Inspect and adjust thermostat/controls

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: thermometer (optional)
  1. Check current temperature setting and adjust to recommended. (LG JP
  2. Place thermometer inside to verify real temperature and calibrate setting accordingly.
  3. If digital controls seem stuck, reset fridge per model instructions (power cycle).

Check and clean door seals

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: mild detergent, warm water
  1. Inspect door gaskets for cracks, debris, or gaps.
  2. Clean seals with warm, soapy water to ensure tight contact.
  3. Perform paper test to check for leaks and adjust/replace if needed.

Professional Repairs

Replace evaporator fan motor

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Thermostat or control board replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $350

Refrigerant leak repair and recharge

Estimated Cost: $300 - $800

When to Call a Professional

Evaporator fan motor not spinning or loud grinding noises.
Thermostat/control board tests show failure after DIY checks.
Suspected refrigerant leak or compressor issues causing large temp swings.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Efficiency loss and temp fluctuations
    Frequency: annually
  • Inspect door seals: Warm air ingress causing unstable temps
    Frequency: every 3 months
  • Monitor internal airflow: Airflow blockages affecting temp distribution
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Refrigerator temperature fluctuation?
Common causes include airflow obstruction, dirty condenser coils, or door seal leaks.
How do I fix LG Refrigerator temperature fluctuation myself?
Ensure proper airflow, clean condenser coils, and check door seals.
How much does it cost to fix temperature fluctuation?
Professional repairs range from $80 to $800 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for temperature fluctuation?
If DIY solutions fail or issues persist, it's time to consult a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty Thermistor
  • Dirty Condenser Coils
  • Damper Control Issues

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and replace the thermistor if faulty. Locate the thermistor, usually found near the evaporator coil, and test it with a multimeter. If it does not show the correct resistance, replace it.

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

  3. Inspect and replace the damper control if it is stuck or malfunctioning. Access the damper control located between the freezer and refrigerator compartments and ensure it opens and closes properly.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. LG fridge problem

Community Discussions

freezer temperature fluctuates from -18C to 0C

Technician adjusted gas levels and performed tests; freezer is cooling better now.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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