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“Why is my LG Refrigerator not cooling or freezing?” Whether it’s a compressor, thermal fuse, heating element, or other part, we’ll show you how to find the culprit and fix the problem. Your fridge is the largest and most important of all the appliances in your kitchen. Keeping food fresh is not something you have time to wait for!
Most of the time, quality refrigerators last for years without even a thought. Unfortunately, there will come a time when something goes wrong… and you notice that the interior temperature is not staying where it is supposed to.
Below are some common causes of why an LG refrigerator is not cooling.
- LG Refrigerator Not Cooling Or Freezing
- LG Refrigerator Is Not Cooling Enough But Freezer Is Working
- FAQ
- LG Refrigerator Not Cooling And No Error Code
- How Do I Know If LG Refrigerator Compressor Is Bad?
- Why LG Refrigerator Is Not Cooling After Power Outage?
- Is There A RESET Button On A LG Refrigerator?
- LG Refrigerator Service Manual
- Is There A Recall On LG Refrigerators or Lawsuit Against LG ?
- LG Refrigerator problems (Mostly Affected Models)
LG Refrigerator Not Cooling Or Freezing
Failed Inverter Linear Compressor
If your LG refrigerator is not cooling in both compartments, this cooling problem is common for double door (French door) refrigerators, and in roughly 90% of cases, is related to a failed inverter linear compressor. In the remainder of cases, it’s typically due to a failed start relay. If the freezer is still cold but the fridge section is warming up, this problem in 80% of cases is caused by restricted airflow, due to burnt defrost thermal fuse, defrost heating element, or failed evaporator fan.
This new generation of linear compressors on LG refrigerators didn’t prove themself as reliable. They fail quite often.
So, if you have a refrigerator not cooling at all in both the freezer and fridge compartment, then you need to pull out the fridge from its place, remove the back lower panel and listen, to determine whether the compressor is running or not.
If you hear the compressor is running, but not cooling, then you have a failed compressor. In other words, it’s not pumping refrigerant in the sealed system in order to cool down the refrigerator.
But the good thing is, most of these LG compressors have 10 years warranty. So check your warranty first and then call LG Customer Service 1-888-542-2623 for help.
Compressor Start relay failed (If Not Linear Compressor)
In an LG refrigerator, the start relay is a very important part of the cooling system.
It works in conjunction with the compressor unit of the refrigerator and if it is not working properly or not working at all it will prevent the compressor unit from working properly or not at all.
You will need to gain access to the bottom part of the refrigerator by opening the back access panels.
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The first thing is you need to do is pull out the refrigerator so that you can unplug it from the outlet and disconnect the water line if attached.
Move the refrigerator to a position that will allow you to open the back access panels.
The start relay will be at the bottom of the unit near the compressor, using a multimeter you need to test the relay for continuity between the start and run terminals if you don’t have continuity you will need to replace the relay.
Contact LG to find out about getting a new start relay . After getting the new part, replace it and button everything back up and plug the unit in and reconnect the water line if it was disconnected.
Check to see if the compressor is running normally.
LG Refrigerator Is Not Cooling Enough But Freezer Is Working
Dirty condenser coils
The most important part of the refrigerator’s cooling system is the condenser coils.
The condenser is where the refrigerant is contained and the coolant is circulated inside the coils.
The air inside the refrigerator flows across the condenser coils and removes the heat.
So, if you notice that the temperature inside the refrigerator is not maintaining the temperature that you selected, it is possible that there is something wrong with the condenser unit or maybe the coils are dirty.
The condenser unit is located at the bottom of the refrigerator and you will need to access it from the back of the unit.
Be sure to unplug the unit from the wall and disconnect the water line if you need to move it too far.
After inspecting the condenser unit and it turns out that coils are in fact dirty, you can simply remove any debris using a stiff brush, compressed air, for really caked-on dirt you can use soapy water along with the brush.
If you use water be sure that everything dries before testing it out.
Condenser fan motor not working
The key to the LG refrigerator cooling system is the circulation of cool air.
A big part of that is the condenser fan which moves the air across the condenser coils which cools the air.
If you suspect that airflow is being reduced or non-existent, the possibility is the fan blades are obstructed or the fan motor is faulty.
Always check to be sure that the power is off before you work on anything that uses power.
First, check to be sure that the fan is turning freely and free of any debris. If everything looks good you should test the motor for continuity with a multimeter.
If you determine that the motor windings are the problem you will need to contact LG and get a replacement motor.
After getting the new part to do the repairs, remove the old fan motor and then install the new fan motor.
When you have the repairs done, close up all covers and reconnect the water line if necessary, plug the power cord back in and move the refrigerator back in place.
Give the unit time to start the cooling process and check to see if it cooled down to the proper setting.
Evaporator fan motor not working
The evaporator fan circulates the air across the cooling coils and into the freezer and refrigerator sections of the refrigerator.
In most refrigerators, there is only a single evaporator system and it is located behind the freezer section.
If the air is not circulating properly it will not keep either of the sections cool enough.
Always check the fan to be sure that it is spinning freely and not bound up with debris.
If the fan will not turn you are likely dealing with a bad evaporator fan motor.
You can test the motor for bad internal windings using a multimeter and check for continuity.
You there is an indication that the windings are the problem you will need to contact LG and get a new evaporator fan motor.
If you need to replace the fan motor be sure that you unplugged the power cord and disconnect the water line if necessary.
Gain access to the back of the refrigerator to get at the evaporator motor.
Disconnect the power leads for the motor and remove the mounting bolts that are holding the motor in place.
Take out the old motor and put the new one in place and button everything back up and plug the unit in.
Temperature control thermostat not working
The thermostat is a big part of the electrical system within the LG refrigerator and it controls that flow of power to the motors (Evaporator fan, condenser fan, and compressor) that are all part of the cooling system.
If it is not working properly one or more parts of the cooling system will not function.
If you suspect the
The thermostat will be located at the bottom of the unit and will be easy to find. A quick way to check it for operation is to turn the knob and if it clicks the thermostat it likely working.
However, to be sure you will want to test it for continuity as you turn the knob.
If the thermostat is bad, you should contact LG and order a replacement part for your model refrigerator.
Once you get the replacement part installed and button everything back up and reconnect the water line (if you disconnected it) and plug the unit back in and test it out.
FAQ
LG Refrigerator Not Cooling And No Error Code
If your refrigerator has no error codes but at the same time is not cooling, that means the main control board can not detect problems using internal sensors. This is one of the common problems with LG Linear Compressors. It seems like its running but not producing any cold.
How Do I Know If LG Refrigerator Compressor Is Bad?
If you have your compressor running (you can tell by listening to the compressor), but not cooling at all, this is the first symptom that the compressor is failed.
Why LG Refrigerator Is Not Cooling After Power Outage?
One of the reasons why the refrigerator stopped cooling after power outage is the main control board failure caused by voltage spikes. You can try to reset power by flipping breaker, but if it will not solve the cooling problem, than the control board is malfunction and you need to call for repair.
Is There A RESET Button On A LG Refrigerator?
In order to reset LG refrigerator, you need to turn power OFF for 2 minutes. This procedure will reset the main control board/motherboard.
If the first recommendation above will not help, likely LG refrigerator control board comes with a TEST button on the back of the fridge. Please refer service manual above to perform this procedure or watch the video below.
If you have LG Instaview Refrigerator, you can perform Smart Diagnosis Test as well.
LG Refrigerator Service Manual
Is There A Recall On LG Refrigerators or Lawsuit Against LG ?
There is a recall on LG refrigerators with linear compressor failure that started on September 23, 2020 for refrigerators purchased between 2014 and 2017. If you have No-Cooling event on your fridge, you can contact
LG Refrigerator problems (Mostly Affected Models)
lfxs26973s lfcs22520s lfxc22526s lfcc22426s lfxs28968s lfc22770st lfxs26596s lfds22520s lfxc24726s lfc24770st lfxs26973s lfxc22526s lfxs28968s lfxs26596s lfxc24726s lfxs28596s lfxs32766s lfxs26973d lfx31925st
lg fridge lsxs26366s freezer / fridge. Will random have have thawed food in the freezer. If I unplug it and turn it back on again it will start to cool again for about a week and then do the same thing again. The condenser coils are cleaned. So I just want to know your thoughts. Thanks
you said condenser coils (behind the fridge) are clean. What about evaporator coils (those inside the freezer)? Are they frost or ice free?
Hi there,
I have an LFX23965SST I purchased used. It worked perfectly at the home owners. I moved it standing up and now the compressor wont start. It appears someone over time has installed a URCO810 Supco Range Relay Capacitor at some point and Im wondering if it has failed. Output after removal of the EDCP-24A120 SH Capacitor in line is only 104VDC. The unit engages but the compressor fails to start. Any ideas? Many thanks, Bert
Seems like you have not a linear compressor, which is good )) So, install a new start relay and see if the compressor will start. But before check resistance on the compressor pins. Make sure none of then grounded
Hi there,
I have the LFC23760ST fridge, and for the past week, I’ve been getting the error code FF with the fridge not cooling (freezer still works to some degree). Compressor still works, cleaned condenser coils thoroughly. Opened up the back panel of freezer, and noticed a lot of ice buildup on evaporator. Cleaned it all up and closed it off, fridge still not working. Thinking it’s the evaporator fan motor but unsure if there’s an issue with defrost cycle instead or control board. Thoughts?
If you had frost build up on the evaporator coils, the problem can be with:
1. Defrost thermal fuse
2. Defrost heater
3. Control board
Check this article. At the bottom, you will find a service manual for LG fridge
https://howtofixit.net/lg-refrigerator-ice-maker-problems/
Hi,
I have a LFX31945ST fridge that stop cooling (fridge and freezer). Apparently is the compressor which is still in warranty. Contacted LG and they will send a technician in a week! Question, should I disconnect the fridge or leave it connected until the technician comes? All looks good but there is no cool air coming in ….
Doesn’t matter
Hello,
I have the lg lsxc22426s
My refrigerator/freezer were working perfectly fine until someone tried to empty the icemaker. I’m not sure exactly what they did, but the freezer stopped working immediately. I didn’t realize it until 6 hours later when the fridge smelled funny and I opened the freezer to find my completely frozen pack of chicken was thawed out and perspiring.
Could a sensor have been tripped somehow from messing with the ice maker?
The fridge isn’t cooling either.
Hello Eugene,
I have an LG LSXS26396S knock window. My ice maker is not pouring water into the ice compartment. The freezer works well but no ice. It is only four years old. In 2019 they replaced the compressor within warranty.
Try to replace ice maker water inlet valve
Im having an lg model cooling is happening properly but suddenly icing is not ……….im unable to guess what could be the issue
Get a fridge thermometer from HomeDepot in order to know the exact temp. With an LG fridge, if you have a problem with cooling in the freezer compartment, you will have the same problem with the fridge compartment.
I have a peculiar cooling/freezing issue. I have an LG French door model LFX31945ST/02. During the winter months it cools, freezes, makes ice as it should. The temperature is set @ 33 for fridge and -6 for freeze. Which is as lowest setting. But I’ve noticed as it warms up in the house it doesn’t cool, freeze, or make ice as it should. A repair man inspected it and said it had plenty of Freon but doesn’t quite know where to go from here. The compressor was replaced maybe a year ago. Please send any repair suggestions. Thanks
Does condenser coils are clean behind the fridge? If they are dirty you will not have proper heat exchange and thus not proper cooling
Hi Eugene, hoping you can help me out. I have a LFX25961AL, it’s about 11 years old, it stopped working after a power outage. After troubleshooting I suspected it was the control board, so I took it out to inspect, and sure enough it was burnt from the back. Looks like one of the circuit lines burned. I reordered a new board and replaced it. Upon plugging in the power, there was a series of clicks on the board from the relays, then the evaporator fan turns on, then the board started smoking followed by one of the circuit lines bursting. The compressor never turned on. It looks like there a current overload of some sort. What could be causing the board to burn like that?
I would check compressor for a short circuit to the ground. every control board has a fuse, in case of overvoltage or overcurrent it will blow the fuse, but not the board circuit lines. You can try to 1) repair that circuit line or replace with a new board, 2)Disconnect connector from the compressor and power unit on. Or if you don’t want to risk, call a trusted appliance repair company to take a look at.
We have a 3 year old LG refrigerator with model lsxs26366s. There was some ice showing on items in freezer so we reduced the freezer temperature, after which it looks like it defrosted and since then it is not cooling. The compressor seems to be making normal sound. Any idea what could be the issue here?
Take a look on the back panel inside freezer. Can you see some frost build up on the panel? If yes, remove panel and if you will see a lot of ice build up behind it, there is an issue with defrost cycle. Check continuity of the thermal fuse and defrost heater. Most likely fuse blown.
Hi I have a LG LFXS28566s that is not cooling nor freezing. It’s showing code 22 so I replaced the relay and it still showing the same code. Could it be the compressor even though it’s running? Or is it the capacitor?
is any sound coming from the compressor? Does power come to the compressor? There are many things that needs to be checked, without proper tools it’s not easy to figure out. if you already put a new start relay and still not working, maybe the compressor is caput
I have an LG LFC22760WS, about 10 years old. Now the compressor runs continuously and the freezer does not get cold enough. It has the freezer on a large bottom drawer. Took it apart and looked at the coils. There was no ice on the coils. Started the fridge…freezer fan ran OK. After about five minutes ice started to form on the coil where it first comes into the freezer, but the further coils did not get very cold. Wondering if this is fixable, or should buy a new fridge. What could be the problem…mother board??
Sounds like a lack of refrigerant. You have a leak in the system. You cant fixed by yourself properly, you need to call a technician. But usually, it’s a not cheap repair
I have an odd issue with my LG refrigerator. It stops working (water and ice maker do nothing, fridge and freezer don’t cool or freeze). The interior light is out, but single blinks slowly. After a couple of days, it starts working fully again. After a few more days it stops again. After a few more days it’s working again. It’s been in this constant loop for at least a couple of month now. The longest it was out is 4 1/2 days, the shortest 9 hours; the longest it stays on for is 4 1/2 days, the shortest 1 1/2 days.
Had rolling blackouts in Texas freeze Feb 2021.multiple power lpses over three day period.Can hear hum , no frost and fan at coils not running. DIAGNOSTIC READ FF .fan is not functioning freezer and fridge at ambient temperature
Are there lights in the fridge compartment? For me, it sounds like a control board failure
Have an LG LMXS27626S. The freezer would get cold, but the fridge would not go below 50 degrees F, regardless of the setting. No noisy compressor, clean coils, all fans working an NO fault codes. The problem is a tiny, motorized door in the inside of the refrigerator, behind the rear panel. The tiny flap breaks and it will NOT set a fault code. I took it out and threw it away and the fridge stays at 34 degrees F all the time now…
Robert, Thank You!! Your post appears to have fixed my problem. I too have the same model & had from what I could tell was a working fridge…ice in the bin, frozen ice cream in the freezer but luke warn everything in the main portion. After hours of checking & searching for causes I stumbled on your post. Sure enough the little door had an end split out on the “axle” & was laying there mostly blocking the hole up from the bottom. I took it out & reassembled the panel & the temp. is dropping fast on the thermometer. Thank You for taking the time to post your findings!
So I have an LG LFX28968ST Model. It’s got a linear compressor. It’s a little over 3 years old. It’s not cooling enough. I’m in Canada and I can read here and through my investigations that my model seems to be one of the ones with the compressor issue. A pretty big issue apparently. Do you know if LG Canada is dealing with the issue? Is there a sure fire test that I can do to determine if it is the compressor failing?Thanks. Your site is really informative.
Hi Marvin, its better to call LG and ask them about warranty. As i know, LG should provide 10 years warranty for their compressors. It doesnt matter if you in Canada or US
Better off to get a whirlpool bc its more than likely ur compressor and good luck with getting lg to replace it for ya!!
Do you have to be the original owner to call lg if you bought a fridge second hand and it’s not getting cold does the warranty still apply
Still apply if you have a receipt, as i know
Fridge part dose not work, lost lot of food, freezer work fine had a new part put on behind freezer wall got snow all the way up the back wall paid a lot for part
Defrost thermal fuse or defrost heater issue
Hi, I have an LG Fridge, model LRFC25750ST. It stopped working with an error code DH. LG site suggests unplugging the fridge for 2 minutes to reset and plugging it back in. I did this and the compressor is working, the freezer is getting cold, but not the fridge. What would be the next place to look? The error was for the defrost took too long, but since the freezer is freezing now would it be the evaporator fan? Thermostat? Let me know what you think, thanks.
If you have evaporator coils frosted over in the freezer, then Defrost thermal fuse blown or defrost heater.. As long you have a freezer works fine, but fridge compartment is not.
Have a 12yr double door LG,GR-456ZMQ,freezer @16°C, fridge@1°C,no frost in rear of freezer, so defrost is ok, evaporator fins clear,condenser cleaned,and fan ok, evaporator fan running, just feel air flow to fridge is less, has icebeam door cooling, no visible moisture seen in fridge compt..when u open fridge,even kept freezer flap at position 1..still feel flow is less..any suggestions welcome..otherwise entire refrigerator is ok…
I have an LG linear. It has stopped cooling and freezing. Compressor is running, Fan is working, coils were dusty but not terrible. The water over flow was full. Any idea where to start.
Call LG, it’s a major issue