Troubleshooting an LG Refrigerator That Is Not Cooling

If your LG refrigerator is not cooling there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to diagnose and fix the issue yourself. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a series of simple yet effective troubleshooting steps to get your LG refrigerator back to its cooling best. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-time problem solver, this article will help you identify common issues, understand the causes, and provide practical solutions to restore the chill to your refrigerator. 

Preliminary Checks

Before diving into specific troubleshooting steps, it’s essential to perform some initial checks to gather information about the problem. These preliminary checks will help you narrow down potential causes and provide valuable insights for further diagnosis. Here’s what you should do:

• Start by confirming that your refrigerator is receiving power. Check if it’s plugged in securely, and verify that the circuit breaker or fuse controlling the refrigerator’s outlet hasn’t tripped.
• Ensure that the temperature settings on the refrigerator are correctly adjusted. In many cases, accidental adjustments to the temperature controls can lead to cooling issues. Refer to your refrigerator’s manual to set the temperature to the recommended levels for both the fridge and freezer compartments.
• Listen closely for any unusual sounds coming from the refrigerator, such as loud humming, clicking, or rattling. Unusual noises can provide clues about potential issues with components like the compressor or fans. Additionally, inspect the exterior and interior of the refrigerator for visible damage, such as dents, cracks, or loose parts, which might affect its cooling performance.

By conducting these preliminary checks, you’ll gather essential information that can guide you in the troubleshooting process. If the issue remains unresolved after these checks, proceed to the next steps to delve deeper into diagnosing and resolving the cooling problem with your LG refrigerator.

Inspecting the Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils are integral to the cooling process in your LG refrigerator, responsible for removing heat from the air inside the appliance. If these coils become frosted or icy, it can hinder their efficiency and cause cooling problems. Here’s how to inspect and address issues related to the evaporator coils:

The evaporator coils are typically located in the freezer compartment, often behind a panel or cover. Open the freezer compartment and visually inspect the evaporator coils. Look for any signs of excessive frost or ice buildup on the coils. Frost or ice accumulation can impede the cooling process.

If you notice significant frost or ice on the coils, you may need to manually defrost them. Here’s how:

• Disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet or turn off the circuit breaker.
• Empty the freezer compartment of all food items and place them in a cooler with ice packs to keep them cold.
• Leave the freezer compartment door open and allow the coils to thaw naturally. You can expedite the process by placing bowls of hot water near the coils, being cautious not to damage any electrical components.
• Once the coils are free of frost or ice, dry the area with a towel and remove any water or moisture.
• As an alternative to natural thawing, you can use a hairdryer to carefully melt the frost or ice on the coils. Hold the hairdryer at a safe distance to avoid damaging the coils. Again, be cautious of electrical components.

Frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coils can be caused by issues like a malfunctioning defrost heater, defrost thermostat, or defrost timer. If you’ve experienced repeated icing of the coils, these components may need to be tested and replaced if necessary.

Use a multimeter to test the defrost heater, defrost thermostat, and defrost timer for proper operation. Refer to your refrigerator’s manual or the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on testing and replacing these components.

Ensuring that the evaporator coils are free from excessive frost or ice is crucial for your LG refrigerator’s cooling efficiency. By addressing icing issues and maintaining these coils, you can help restore proper cooling performance and prevent future cooling problems.

Evaporator Fan Examination

The evaporator fan in your LG refrigerator is responsible for circulating cold air within the fridge and freezer compartments, helping to maintain a consistent temperature. If this fan malfunctions, it can lead to cooling problems. Here’s how to examine and test the evaporator fan:

The evaporator fan is typically located in the freezer compartment, often behind a panel or cover. Open the freezer compartment and listen for the sound of the evaporator fan running. It should produce a gentle humming or whirring noise. If you don’t hear anything, it could be a sign of a malfunction.

• If you can’t hear the fan, you may need to physically inspect it. Follow these steps:
• Ensure your safety by disconnecting the refrigerator from the electrical outlet or turning off the circuit breaker.
• Depending on your refrigerator model, you may need to remove shelves, drawers, or a rear panel to access the evaporator fan. Refer to your refrigerator’s manual for specific instructions.
• Carefully examine the fan blades for any obstructions like ice buildup or debris that may be preventing it from turning.
• With a gentle push, try spinning the fan blades manually. If they don’t move freely, this could indicate a mechanical issue with the fan motor.
• If you have a multimeter, you can further test the fan motor for electrical continuity. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the multimeter to check for continuity in the fan motor windings.

If you’ve confirmed that the evaporator fan is not working properly, it may need to be replaced. Replacing a malfunctioning fan can often resolve cooling issues and restore proper temperature control in your LG refrigerator.

Checking the Start Relay

The start relay is a critical component of your LG refrigerator’s compressor system. If the start relay fails, it can prevent the compressor from starting, leading to cooling issues. Here’s how to check and test the start relay:

• The start relay is typically located on the side or rear of the compressor. You may need to remove a cover or panel to access it.
• Carefully disconnect the start relay from the compressor by pulling it straight off the compressor’s terminals. Note the orientation and connections for later reassembly.
• Set your multimeter to the ohms (Ω) setting.
• Touch one multimeter probe to each of the relay’s terminals (usually a start terminal and a run terminal).
• The multimeter should display a reading indicating continuity. If it shows an “open” or no continuity, it suggests a faulty relay that needs replacement.

Testing and replacing a faulty start relay can be an effective solution if your LG refrigerator is not cooling properly due to compressor-related issues. Ensure you use the correct replacement part to restore normal cooling operation.

Conclusion

By following the guidelines provided in this article, you can become a more informed and confident DIY troubleshooter for your LG refrigerator. With regular care and attention, you can keep your LG refrigerator running smoothly, ensuring your groceries stay fresh, and your drinks stay cold for years to come.

For more appliance repair tips and troubleshooting guides, be sure to check out AppliancePartsPros.com. We have extensive resources on DIY fixes for dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, ranges, and more. Our website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel provide useful articles, videos, part schematics, and other materials to help you troubleshoot and repair your appliances.