When it comes to quality, LG is hard to beat. The company has been making incredibly durable products for more than 50 years, so you can have confidence in its refrigeration systems. However, this durability does not mean the products are immune to problems. At some point, things can go wrong with any refrigerator, especially if it’s used very frequently. Understanding why your refrigerator is not running properly is the first step in troubleshooting the issue. With that in mind, you should keep an eye out for these common LG refrigerator problems.
LG Refrigerator Problems – Troubleshoot and Diagnosis
LG refrigerators are great at keeping food cold. They’re also relatively affordable. But it’s not unusual for your LG refrigerator to experience some problems, especially if you haven’t had it long. While the first course of action is to check the owners’ manual, this LG refrigerator guide will help you out if you can’t find a solution.
This LG refrigerator troubleshooting will solve even the most random issues.
1. LG Refrigerator Linear Compressor Not Working
New refrigerators come packed with the latest technology, which makes them more efficient, quieter, and easier to repair. For an LG refrigerator, this means its linear compressor technology, now available in select models. It’s called “linear” because it operates only when the machine needs it — creating less friction and heat than conventional compressors. This technology is also energy efficient and quiet, so your food stays fresh for longer without annoying you with noise.
While the LG Refrigerator may be aesthetically pleasing, it comes with an unpleasant surprise in its compressor system. Many users have reported that they have experienced problems with the compressor unit in their refrigerator. The LG linear compressor refrigerators are often plagued by a faulty seal system, which can cause the fridge’s compressor not to run. If you’re experiencing this issue, it may be time to call a professional repair company such as this one.
If your appliance is running, but not cooling, there is a good chance that the part has failed. The central component in any refrigerator is the compressor, which compresses the gas to cool down your home’s temperature inside the fridge. Over time, they wear down and go out completely. If your fridge is running, but it isn’t cooling at all, then there may be an issue with the compressor.
2. LG Refrigerator Not Cooling
We all know that LG is a hugely popular, mainstream brand for refrigerators. However, after a lot of research, we found out that LG is not the best-performing brand in terms of its cooling capabilities. In fact, LG refrigerators have been known to stop cooling altogether. Unfortunately, this has caused a lot of consumers to make complaints online about their bad experiences with the item and urge other consumers to steer clear.
If your LG fridge isn’t cooling properly, you may not be able to locate the exact cause of the problem. In this case, it’s important to know the symptoms of a failing refrigerator and how to troubleshoot them. Different problems can lead to different symptoms, so it’s best to start by listing the issues you’re experiencing.
- Faulty compressor: The compressor of a refrigerator is designed to function in a specific manner; this is to ensure that the cooling system of the appliance is able to work effectively and keep the food inside fresh and cool. The compressor is therefore important for proper functioning of any refrigerator and faults or faults may occur, leading to several issues such as the fridge not cooling properly or staying too warm.
If your LG refrigerator isn’t cooling properly, the problem will be with the compressor. Compressors are typically located at the back or bottom of a refrigerator. You can test a compressor by removing the back panel and then listening for a running sound. If the sound isn’t coming from your fridge, then there’s another issue at hand — you can have it diagnosed by an expert refrigeration contractor. - Dirty Condenser Coils: The condensing coils are an essential part of the refrigerator. It is where the heat is removed from the inside of the refrigerator, resulting in cool air. Cool air is circulated throughout the refrigerator and the hot air is blown out through the vents.
If the fridge doesn’t maintain the temperature you set it to, and you’ve already confirmed that it’s not user error, it might be a problem with the condenser unit — or because the coils are dirty.
Ensure that the power is unplugged and the water line is detached from the refrigerator. You will need to remove the condenser unit in order to access the coils. The condenser can be removed by removing the screws at the back of your fridge and pulling it out. Examine the coils of the condenser unit, which are accessed from the back side of the unit. If dirty, clean with a stiff brush or compressed air. Dry before reconnecting water supply lines. - Faulty Condenser Motor: When your fridge is making weird noises or just doesn’t seem to be cooling as well as it used to, you should check your condenser coils for debris that may be interfering with the fan blades. This could cause decreased airflow, or even stop them from spinning at all — causing your entire refrigerator and freezer to shut down and not work. Common symptoms include your refrigerator being too warm, off-tasting food, and even an increase in energy bills. If you have noticed any of these issues, then you might need to replace your condenser fan motor.
If your refrigerator is having problems with its ‘condenser motor’, an HVAC technician can replace the part for you. Once the motor has been replaced, simply turn on the unit and let it run to cool down. - Evaporator fan motor not working: In your refrigerator, the evaporator fan circulates cold air from the freezer into the fridge. If you notice a messy buildup in front of your fan, there’s a good chance your fridge is not cooling properly. The fan cleans itself by spinning in a closed loop, but a clog can occur when you overload it with too much debris. So clean off any sticky buildups with a vacuum cleaner and check to make sure your motor is running freely.
Confirm the refrigerator evaporator motor and winding are connected correctly by using a multimeter. Confirm that the cooling motor is connected to the evaporator’s windings, and check for continuity between these connections. If it’s not working, you will need to buy a new motor and replace it. Replacing both parts is recommended because sometimes just replacing one or the other does not fix the problem. - Faulty Start Relay: When your refrigerator’s start relay is not working correctly, it can cause the compressor not to work properly. This means you have a problem with the start relay, which you can determine by testing its continuity. Testing the relay can be done from the bottom part of the unit by opening the back panel. Locate the relay, and then use a multimeter to test for continuity. If there is no continuity, the relay needs to be replaced.
3. LG Refrigerator Ice Maker Problems
Fridges are only as good as the ice that they produce. This is why ice makers are an important component of any refrigerator. They have a big impact on the functionality of the appliance, which is why it’s so important to have one that performs well. Unfortunately, some ice maker problems are common throughout all brands. Check below for possible causes and solutions:
- Faulty Water filter: Refrigerator water filters are an easy way to improve the quality of your drinking water at home. The filter removes all kinds of impurities from your water, including lead, copper, chlorine, and other contaminants that can be harmful to your health. Additionally, a refrigerated water filter can help to extend the life of your ice-maker.
You’ll be able to recognize when something’s not right with your filter as soon as you notice a change in the water, the flow rate, or no ice at all.
When customers buy a refrigerator water filter, they often wonder how long it will last — and how to extend its lifespan. First, the lifetime of the filter varies based on usage: heavy use can shorten the runtime to as little as six months, while sporadic use could stretch the lifetime up to 18 months. They will filter up to 600 gallons / ~2300 liters of water. We recommend replacing them every 6 months for best results. - Power Switch Issue: If your LG refrigerator ice maker isn’t making ice, first check that the power switch is turned ON. Also check that the water dispenser is turned on.
Some customers have reported a problem with the ice maker, where it won’t work when the power switch is flicked on. To fix this, you need to reset the ice maker manually or automatically as described in the manual. - Wrong Temperature Settings: The best temperature for your LG fridge is -4 degrees Fahrenheit. This low temperature is best for optimum performance and energy efficiency.
If you’ve just set up your refrigerator, it may take a day or two to adjust to the new low temperature. In the meantime, you can keep your food in a cooler with ice packs to keep it cool. Once the temperature inside the refrigerator has reached -4 degrees, open each compartment and move food around. - Control board failure: Some LG refrigerators can detect how much ice is in the ice machine using an infrared beam. When the machine isn’t getting power, or if there’s a mechanical problem with the machine, it can’t tell how much ice is really in the bucket.
If you’re having trouble getting ice out of your refrigerator, there’s a good chance that the problem is caused by the control board that regulates the machine. If this control board stops working, water is still supplied to the ice maker, but it won’t be able to produce any ice. To fix this issue, you’ll need to replace the control board entirely. - Door is Not properly Closed: LG refrigerators are equipped with an automatic door latch that shuts off the water and ice dispenser when the door is open. This eliminates the risk of spills and drips that can potentially damage your home or be a health hazard. If your refrigerator’s water and ice dispenser isn’t dispensing water, ice, or both, check to see if the door is shut all the way.
To fix this problem, try adjusting the door’s alignment by loosening the screws, setting the door into place, and then tightening them back up. Test continuity with a multimeter. If there’s a problem with the door switch, replace it with a new one.
4. LG Refrigerator Noise Problem
The refrigerator is one of the vital components of the kitchen. It helps to keep your food fresh. However, if some part of it malfunctions, then it can be really annoying for you. Today, we are going to talk about some of the tips that help you in fixing the LG Refrigerator Noise Problem.
- Check evaporator fan: Your evaporator fan is blocked. Try rotating the fan blade manually to fix it. Blockages in the fan can cause a lot of noise or low air flow, so this is a commonly occurring issue. Obstructions are limiting the evaporator fan blade from rotating properly. First, remove any obstructions in the fan blade. Also, if the motor is damaged, it could be making a lot of noise.
- Check Condenser fan: When troubleshooting your fridge, it’s important to be systematic in your approach. Start by turning the unit off and unplugging it. If you can, remove the rear access panel (some may require you to remove the entire back of the fridge) and inspect the condenser motor for anything blocking its path. You can also inspect the fan blade at this time to ensure that all parts are running freely.
5. LG Refrigerator Leaking Water
Refrigerator water leaking is one of the most common technical worries in an appliance. It is not uncommon for this leakage to occur, mostly when the refrigerator door is closed. This problem can be solved by following these steps.
- Frozen/Clogged Drain Line: If water overflows from your refrigerator, it can cause damage to the cabinetry below the fridge and leak onto your floor. To prevent this from happening, you need to note a few things. First of all, check if your refrigerator drain is frozen or clogged. If so, you need to melt the ice or clear out debris with hot water.
- Faulty Tank assembly: Some users reported leaks in the fridge. Thus, you have to check the tank connections every once in a while. If you notice leaks, be sure to replace it or else water will leak onto your flooring. Also, make sure to check the water inlet valve and the housing cracks if there are any.
How To Reset LG Refrigerator
LG was made for the practical home, and its appliances are designed to look smart and sleek. But sometimes they need help to fix mistakes — like manually resetting the control panel on an LG refrigerator. The good news is that you can easily do so by following these simple steps:
To reset your fridge, first open the doors of the appliance. Then, press and hold the refrigerator and ice plus buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds. After 5 seconds, your panel should begin to blink.
Once it does, display will change from the current temperature settings to a set of numbers followed by a confirmation that your refrigerator has been successfully reset.
Hi there! I’m Sam Hendricks, and I’m a repair technician and expert. I created this website to help people like you save money and time by fixing your own appliances.
Over the years, I’ve seen people spend a lot of money on unnecessary repairs or replacements. That’s why I decided to share my expertise and create easy-to-follow guides for fixing appliances on your own.