LG Refrigerator Not Cooling? 6 Easy DIY Fixes & Reset Guide (2026)

Is your LG freezer cold but the fridge is warm? Learn how to fix LG cooling problems, from dirty condenser coils to the dreaded linear compressor failure. Do the quick checks below to determine the cause of the problem first. Below, follow the detailed step-by-step diagnostic guide to save on a service call today.

How to Fix an LG Refrigerator That Won’t Cool (Quick Checklist)

If your LG fridge has stopped cooling, check these 6 things before calling a technician:

1. Clean the Condenser Coils: Dust buildup on the coils at the bottom-back of the fridge is the #1 cause of cooling failure.
2. Check the Evaporator Fan: If you can’t hear a fan running in the freezer, cold air isn’t being pushed into the fridge section.
3. Inspect the Start Relay: A clicking sound from the back of the fridge usually means the compressor’s start relay has failed.
4. Clear Blocked Vents: Ensure food items aren’t blocking the air vents inside the freezer or fridge.
5. Test the Door Seals: Use the dollar bill test to ensure your gaskets aren’t letting cold air escape. See below on the drink door air leaks.
6. Demo Mode/Showroom Mode: If you recently had a power outage or surge, your fridge might have reverted back to Demo Mode, and will not cool. Press and hold the Refrigerator and Ice Plus buttons for 5 seconds to restore normal function. The display will show actual temp instead of “off.”

For a detailed LG ice maker troubleshooting guide, read: LG Refrigerator Ice Maker Problems

LG Refrigerator Not Cooling Or Freezing

Fridge and Freezer are both warm, but the lights are on? Your Compressor or Start Relay is likely the culprit. Keep reading for details on each below.

Failed Inverter Linear Compressor

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 (90% of the time). In other words, it’s not pumping refrigerant in the sealed system in order to cool down the refrigerator. Compressors cannot be repaired and you’ll need a professional. See warranty details below.

Compressor Start relay (10%)

When the thermostat in the fridge senses the temperature is too warm, it sends electrical signal to the compressor to turn on and start cooling. The start relay sits on the side of the compressor unit and sends a burst of start winding to get the compressor up to speed, similar to a starter in the car. It will shut off once the compressor is going.

Signs Your Start Relay is Failing

• Clicking Sound: You hear a distinct click from the back of the fridge every few minutes, followed by silence. This is the relay trying to start the motor and failing.
• Shake Test: If you unplug the fridge, pull the relay off the compressor, and shake it, a bad relay will often sound like a box of broken glass.
• Fridge is Warm, Compressor is Cold: If the relay is dead, the compressor never gets the signal to start, so it stays room temperature.
• Replacement start relays run around $10 on Amazon, click here. Double check model number before ordering.

Note: we may receive a small commission off your purchase, with no additional cost to you.

To access the start relay:

• Pull out the refrigerator so 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. It looks like a black box on most models. See Photo.
• Using a multimeter, you need to test the relay for continuity between the start and run terminals. See video below.
• If you don’t have continuity you will need to replace the relay. After installing new relay, return everything to its original position and connect to power.
• Check to see if the compressor is running normally.

LG Refrigerator Is Not Cold, But Freezer Is fine

How Your Fridge Cools: Fan & Compressor Roles

Dirty Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are where the refrigerant is circulated to cool the air. The air inside the refrigerator flows across the cold coils and removes the heat. If these coils are coated in dust, pet hair, or lint, your LG refrigerator won’t be able to cool efficiently. If your fridge is struggling to maintain its set temperature or is running constantly, dirty coils are the #1 suspect.

Located at the bottom-back of the refrigerator, you will need to pull the fridge out and remove the rear access panel to see them.

• How to Clean (Step-by-Step):
  • Always unplug the refrigerator and disconnect the water line before moving the unit.
  • Brush & Vacuum: Use a stiff coil brush or a vacuum attachment to pull away heavy dust. For “caked-on” grease or dirt, use a brush with mild soapy water. Ensure the coils are 100% dry before plugging the unit back in.
  • For hard-to-reach crevices, blowing compressed air can release trapped debris.

Pro-Tip: In a home with shedding pets, these coils should be cleaned every 6 months. It’s the easiest way to extend the life of your expensive compressor! Watch this video on how to clean.

Condenser Fan Motor Failure

The condenser fan pulls air across the coils to remove heat; if this fan stops, the refrigerator will quickly overheat and stop cooling completely. Your fan motor is faulty if the compressor is running but the fridge is warm. If you hear a buzzing sound from the back of the unit, near the bottom, the fan is usually the problem. How to fix it:

• Unplug the refrigerator and remove the rear access panel.
• Hear a humming at the back but no fan spinning? Check the Condenser Fan for a physical blockage (like a stray pet toy or dust bunnies).
• Spin the fan blades with your hand– they should turn easily. If they are stuck, remove the obstacle and retest. Vacuum the coils while you have the panel open.
• The Multimeter Test: If the blades spin but the motor won’t run, test the motor windings for continuity. If the multimeter shows an “open” circuit (no continuity), the motor is electrically dead.
• Replace the faulty motor with an original LG part. Condenser fans run around $25 on Amazon click here. Double check model number before ordering.
• Make sure all fan pieces and covers are snapped back into place to maintain proper airflow. After plugging the fridge back in, give it 12–24 hours to reach the proper temperature.
• Watch this video for help with testing the condenser motor. Click here.

Evaporator Fan Motor Failure

The evaporator fan is the blower that circulates cold air across the cooling coils and into both the freezer and refrigerator sections. If this fan stops, your freezer may stay somewhat cold, but your refrigerator will warm up fast. Other symptoms include: 1) you can hear the compressor running in the back, but you don’t hear air moving in the freezer, 2) you hear a squealing sound in the freezer. How to fix it:

• Unplug the fridge and remove the back panel to access the fan.
• If you see heavy frost on the back panel before removing it, the fan might just be iced over due to a defrost problem. Defrost the fridge to see if this gets the fan moving again.
• If you don’t see ice, check for other obstructions and make sure the fan blades spin freely. If they will not turn, the motor bearings may have seized up.
• The Multimeter Test: Check the motor’s internal windings for continuity. No continuity means the motor is electrically dead and cannot receive power.
• Replacement evaporator fans and motors are available on Amazon for $20+ click here. Double check model number before ordering.
• Disconnect the power leads and water supply, remove the mounting bolts, and swap the old motor for a new LG part.

Note: we may receive a small commission off your purchase, with no additional cost to you.

Watch the video below for help with the Evaporator Fan:

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.

LG Fridge Temperature Control Failure: Thermostat or Thermistor

The thermostat/thermistor is the sensor that regulates power to the compressor and both fans. If this part fails, the cooling system will not receive the signal to turn on.

Older or more basic model refrigerators use a Mechanical Thermostat—a physical dial you turn that opens/closes an electrical circuit. Modern LG ThinQ and InstaView models use an Electronic Thermistor, which is a small sensor that sends a variable electrical signal to a control board. If your LG fridge has a digital display, you likely have a thermistor (sensor) rather than a mechanical thermostat.

Mechanical Thermostat Failure

• The Symptom: Your refrigerator is completely silent—the fans aren’t spinning and the compressor isn’t humming—even though the interior lights still work.
• The “Click” Test: A quick way to check for mechanical life is to rotate the thermostat knob. If you hear a distinct click as you turn it from the “Off” position to a cold setting, the internal switch is likely making contact.

• How to Troubleshoot:
  • Multimeter Test: To be 100% sure, you must test for continuity. As you turn the dial to a colder setting, the multimeter should show a closed circuit. If it stays “open” regardless of the setting, the thermostat is dead.
  • Location: On most LG units, this is found near the control housing or at the bottom-rear of the unit.
• The Repair:
  • Safety: Unplug the fridge before handling the wiring.
  • Swap: Disconnect the wire leads and replace the faulty thermostat with a new OEM LG part.
• The Result: Once replaced, your fans and compressor should kick on immediately. Give the unit 24 hours to reach your desired temperature setting.

Electronic Control Board or Thermistor Failure

The Electronic Thermistor (Modern/Digital Models)

If your fridge has a digital display or touch buttons, it uses a thermistor. This part doesn’t “click”; instead, its electrical resistance changes based on the temperature.

• The Symptom: Your digital display might show an error code (like Er rH or 15 15), or the fridge may stay at one constant temperature regardless of your settings.
• How to Test: You must use a multimeter to measure Resistance (Ohms). A good thermistor will show a specific resistance value based on the current room temperature. If it reads “0” or “Infinite,” the sensor has shorted out.
• The Fix: These sensors are usually small plastic “bullets” clipped to the evaporator coils or the interior wall. Simply unplug the old sensor and snap the new one into place.

LG ThinQ and InstaView models- additional cooling issues

Software Update Fix

LG has recently started software updates to improve refrigeration “performance.” If your fridge is only slightly too warm, or has condensation, try updating the software. Connect the fridge to the LG ThinQ app. If an update is available, it will prompt you.

• In some areas, LG is even sending technicians out specifically to perform free “cooling optimization” software updates. If you get a text from LG about a “free update,” it’s likely legitimate and worth doing.

Door-in-Door Cooling Gap (Drink Door)

• The Problem: The gasket between the inner door and the outer door can fail, or the outer door may not latch perfectly. This allows cold air to leak out constantly, causing the main compartment to stay at 45°F instead of 37°F.
• The Fix: Clean the inner gaskets with warm, soapy water. If you can see light through the seal when the door is closed, the gasket needs to be replaced.

Smart Diagnosis™

Newer units have a speaker/mic system built into the top hinge.

1. Open the LG ThinQ app and select Smart Diagnosis. 2. Hold your phone’s microphone near the Smart Diagnosis logo on the fridge. 3. Follow the app’s prompt to press a button (usually the “Freezer” button) for 3 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 a No-Cooling event on your fridge, you can find information about LG Fridge Settlement at https://www.classaction.org/blog/lg-fridge-settlement-heres-how-to-file-a-claim-for-some-cash

LG Refrigerator problems (Mostly Affected Models)

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