LG Refrigerator – Diagnostic Mode. How To Enter And Use It?

LG refrigerators are designed for straightforward troubleshooting. So, if your fridge isn’t performing correctly, you can enter its diagnostic mode to see what’s wrong with it.

The Diagnostic Mode on an LG refrigerator is usually called its Test Mode. You can enable it by pressing the dedicated Test Mode button located on its main control board. There are 3 Test Modes, each testing different aspects of the fridge. Any errors will be communicated through an LED that blinks a specific number of times based on the problem.

This guide will help you understand how the diagnostic mode on an LG refrigerator works. Then, you’ll learn the step-by-step process necessary to enter and use that mode.

What Does Diagnostic Mode Do On An LG Fridge?

The diagnostic mode on an LG refrigerator is more commonly referred to as its ‘Test Mode’. That’s especially true when you read about it in the user manual or any other technical sheet provided by the manufacturer.

You can enable the Diagnostics or Test Mode by pressing a dedicated button on the fridge’s main control board.

When enabled, the Test Mode will make the fridge check its main control board and other crucial systems for problems. In doing so, the mode will look for problems with the fridge’s cooling system and other basic functions.

If any errors or problems are found during the Test Mode, the fridge will communicate it to you through error codes. More specifically, an LED on the main control board will blink a specific number of times to indicate the problem it’s facing.

Your LG has 3 Test Modes, each one testing different refrigerator functions. Once you proceed past the third one, the refrigerator will reset itself and end the Test Mode.

How Do I Enter Diagnostics Mode On An LG Refrigerator?

Here are the 5 steps you must follow to enter your

LG fridge’s Diagnostics or Test Mode:

Step 1: Access The Main Control Board

The Test Mode button is located on the fridge’s main control board. However, touching the board can be dangerous, so you must first disconnect the refrigerator from its power source.

Then, remove the access panel on the fridge’s rear that covers the main control board.

When you see the main control board, locate and identify the Test Mode button. Again, you can refer to the user manual to know where it is on your particular fridge model.

Before you press that button, you must reconnect your fridge to its power supply. That will energize the board and make it very dangerous to touch.

So, proceed carefully and ensure there are no pets or children around that might unknowingly touch the main control board.

Read: How To Fix LG Refrigerator Ice Maker Freezing Up

Step 2: Press the Test Mode Button 

When your

LG fridge is turned on and the main control board is energized, push the Test Mode button once.

Doing so will enter the fridge into the first Test Mode. Remember: there are 3 Test Modes in total.

Read: LG Refrigerator Error Code E Ch – Troubleshooting Guide

Step 3: Listen For Sounds, Watch For LED Lights

During the first Test Mode, you’ll hear the fridge make single beeps continuously. Those single beeps remind you that you’re in Test Mode 1, and it’s actively running.

During Test Mode 1, you will hear noises from its fans, compressor, and other parts. This is normal, and the sounds come from parts of the fridge being tested.

As each Test Mode runs, you might see an LED light on the primary control light blink. The number of blinks corresponds to a specific problem that requires your attention. You can translate the meaning of those blinking lights by referring to the user manual and tech sheet.

Read: LG Refrigerator Error Code E FF – Troubleshooting Guide

Step 4: Continue To Test 2 And Test 3

There are 3 Test Modes in total. Keep pressing the Test Mode button to progress from Test Mode 1 to:

1. Test Mode 2
2. Test Mode 3
3. End the Test Mode by resetting the fridge

As mentioned before, different components will become active during each Test Mode. For instance:

• Test Mode 1: The compressor and freezer fan will turn on. The refrigerator and freezer compartments will both become cold.
• Test Mode 2: The compressor and freezer fan will continue running, but the damper will close. So, only one compartment will become cold.
• Test Mode 3: The compressor and freezer fan will turn off. The damper remains closed, and the defrost heater will turn on.

During each Test Mode, you’ll hear the fridge beep the corresponding number of times. For example, the fridge will beep 3 times during Test Mode 3.

Read: LG Refrigerator Error Code DH F – Troubleshooting Guide

Step 5: End Tests Mode And Reset Fridge

When in Test Mode 3, press the Test Button a final time to reset the fridge to its settings before the test. The fridge will reset, and your LG refrigerator’s diagnostic/testing process will be complete.

Read: LG Refrigerator Error Code 1F Or IF – Troubleshooting Guide

What Does The Blinking LED Mean During An LG Fridge Test Mode?

When running the Test Mode on your

LG fridge, you might see an LED on the main control board start to blink. That’s the fridge’s way of letting you know that there’s a problem requiring your attention.

The number of LED blinks will correspond to a specific issue. For example:

• 1 blink: The fridge’s inverter is not functioning correctly.
• 2 blinks: The compressor’s piston stroke is too long.
• 3 blinks: There’s been a stroke trip.
• 4 blinks: There’s an error with the compressor’s wire harness.
• 5 blinks: The compressor’s piston is locked (e.g. due to lack of oil or foreign object jammed inside).
• 6 blinks: There’s an electrical current overload.
• 7 blinks: The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) has shorted out.
• 8 blinks: There’s a communication error between the condenser fan and the main control board.

As you can see, many of these problems are quite complex and might not be fixable as a DIY task. So, you’ll likely have to contact a qualified technician to troubleshoot the issue further.

That’s especially true with any problems related to the sealed system (i.e. the compressor, its piping, and the refrigerant inside). That sealed system can only be worked on by technicians with EPA certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the diagnostics of an LG refrigerator:

Is There A Reset Button On An LG Fridge?

There’s no reset button on an

LG fridge. If you need to reset it, disconnect its power supply for 1 minute. Then, plug it back in and allow the refrigerator to start over.

Why Is My LG Fridge Running But Not Cooling?

Your

LG fridge will run without cooling if there’s a problem with the sealed cooling system. First, you can put the refrigerator through its Test Mode to see if that’s the case. Then, a certified technician can help you fix the cooling system safely.

Where Is The Damper On An LG Refrigerator?

The damper on an

LG fridge is typically behind the compartment’s rear panel, close to the top. However, its exact position differs between models depending on their design.

Is It Worth Repairing An LG Refrigerator?

Yes, it’s worth repairing your

LG fridge if you’ve only had it for a few years. However, suppose the refrigerator is more than a decade old, and its repairs are more than the price of a new fridge. In that case, you’re better off upgrading.

Where Is The Control Board On An LG Refrigerator?

The control board is located at the rear of your LG refrigerator. You’ll find it behind a metal access panel that can be removed by unthreading a few screws.