If your LG refrigerator has heating problems, it is important to find a solution. Fortunately, this article explains possible solutions.
Table of Contents
How to Replace an LG Refrigerator Defrost Heater
To replace the defrost heater in an LG refrigerator, do the following:
Step 1
Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power. Next, empty the freezer to gain easy access to the back panel inside the compartment.
Then, remove the panel and find the defrost heater. Typically, it should be under the evaporator coils since it should warm them when they get too cold.
Step 2
Disconnect the wire harnesses that connect the heater to the refrigerator. Do this carefully, and don’t pull the wires in the harnesses. Afterward, check to see if there is any other connection that needs disconnection before removing the heater.
Step 3
Slowly remove the wires that wrap around the coils from the heater. They may go all the way to the top of the coils. Unclip the connectors and remove the heater.
Step 4
Install the new defrost heater. Make sure it is the right part for your LG refrigerator model. Next, reconnect the wire harnesses. Put the panel back in place and reconnect the refrigerator to electric power.
This video is a step-by-step demonstration of how to replace the defrost heater in an LG refrigerator…
LG Refrigerator Defrost Heater Problem
If an LG refrigerator stops defrosting, one of the first components to check in the defrost system is the defrost heater. But while the heater is responsible for warming the evaporator coils, the defrost timer and defrost thermostat have a role in how it functions.
Therefore, make sure the defrost timer is advancing the refrigerator into the defrost cycle. Turn it manually until the compressor stops and the heater turns on. Wait to see if it advances the system out of the cycle within thirty minutes.
If the timer does not advance the system out, it is defective. Replace it. But if it does, check the thermostat with a multimeter. It should sense the temperature change in the coils and close contacts so that voltage can flow to the heater.
However, if the thermostat is faulty, it cannot close contacts. As a result, the heater won’t get the needed voltage to turn on. If the thermostat does not show continuity on the multimeter, replace it.
But if the thermostat is working, check the heater. It is crucial to test the other components before trying the heater. It is easy to misdiagnose the heater if there is a defrost problem in the refrigerator.
With a multimeter, run a continuity test. If the heater does not show continuity, replace it.
If you want a visual guide for testing the heater, watch this video…
Check out these other articles…
LG Refrigerator Making a Noise [Solutions]
LG Refrigerator Is Not Cold Enough [How to Fix]
LG Refrigerator after Power Outage [Issues & Solutions]
LG Refrigerator Condensation [Problems & Solutions]
How to Use an LG Refrigerator [Quick Guide]
LG Refrigerator Warming Up – How to Fix
If you find that your LG refrigerator is warming up, check the following:
1. Evaporator Coils
You will find the coils behind the back panel inside the freezer. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet and remove the panel to see if the coils are frozen. If they are, you have two options: defrost the unit manually or use a steamer to melt the ice.
If you are going for a steamer, channel the heat directly on the coils until the ice melts. But note that the process may take a while.
But if you choose a manual defrost, store the food from the unit in another refrigerator or an ice-packed cooler. Leave the doors open and place towels on the floor around the refrigerator.
The defrost process may take some hours, but afterward, clean the refrigerator, allow it to air-dry, and power it. And when it reaches a food-safe temperature, put the food back in it.
Defrost System Problem
Next, troubleshoot the components of the defrost system. Start with the defrost timer and move on to the defrost thermostat if the timer is in good working condition.
If the thermostat is working, then check the heater and the control board. Replace any defective components.
The evaporator coils provide the cool air that the evaporator fan circulates inside the refrigerator. If frost accumulates on them, they become unable to release the cold air, and consequently, the refrigerator begins to warm up.
2. Evaporator Fan
While checking the coils, check the fan. Inspect the blades for any damages due to frost buildup. Turn them to determine whether or not they are working fine. You may have to replace them if you notice they are bent or damaged in any way.
Next, check the motor. The functionality of the blades can tell you the working condition of the motor. But to be sure, take a multimeter and check the motor for continuity. If you get no continuity, replace the motor. If you are not sure of performing the test yourself, have a service technician do the job.
One cause of LG refrigerator heating problems is a faulty cooling fan. The fan spreads the cold air inside the refrigerator so needs to remain functional. Otherwise, the refrigerator begins warming up.
3. Condenser Coils
Inspect the coils and clean them if you notice a lot of dirt on them. Use a condenser cleaning brush or a vacuum cleaner for the job. If you can reach them easily, go the extra step and wipe the coils with a cloth after vacuuming the dirt.
This is another cause of LG refrigerator heating problems. The coils directly affect the cooling capacity of the refrigerator. If they are clean, they efficiently remove heat from the refrigerant but if they are dirty the heat transfers.
There are a few other components to check if the refrigerator is warming up:
- Temperature control thermostat
- Thermistor
- Start relay/capacitor
- Condenser fan
However, these parts don’t directly contribute to the cooling of the refrigerator. They work in conjunction with one or more of the components above.
Main or Electronic Control Board
The control board controls the functions of the refrigerator through its connection to different components. So if it begins to malfunction, the components tend not to function optimally.
If you believe the board is responsible for LG refrigerator heating problems, and you are not sure how to test it, contact LG or chat with any of our technicians using the chatbox to your right.
LG Refrigerator Compressor Running Hot – Solved
Compressors tend to be hot during normal operations as they work to cool the refrigerator. So a hot compressor in an LG refrigerator is normal. You should worry when the heat is excessive to the point of being injurious.
The following possible reasons why your LG refrigerator compressor is running hot and how to fix each one:
1. Thermostat Set Low
Setting the thermostat too low causes the compressor to work extra hard. And when this happens, the compressor begins to overheat from all the stress.
Check the thermostat inside the refrigerator and set it to mid-point if it is too low or even too high. Give the unit time and see if the compressor stops running hot.
2. Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is the gas that flows in the refrigerator to cool it. If it begins to run too low, the compressor picks up the slack automatically in a bid to make up for the gap. This is because it will sense that the unit is not cooling as it should.
It is not the job of an untrained user to check the refrigerant level. Thus, it is best to hire a professional appliance technician to check the gas and refill if necessary. You can also contact LG to report the issue.
In the meantime, unplug the refrigerator so the compressor stops running. Remember to store food items in another refrigerator until you fix the compressor issue.
3. Defective Evaporator Fan
Check the fan in the freezer section. Try the blades to see if they spin well. If they don’t, make sure nothing is obstructing them and they are not damaged. Clean them and check the shaft for functionality.
Next, test the windings of the motor of the fan with a multimeter to check continuity. If the windings have no continuity, the motor is defective and should be replaced.
If the fan is unable to spread cold air inside the refrigerator, it causes the compressor to work more to help the unit maintain a cool temperature. As a result, it starts running too hot.
4. Dusty Condenser Coils
Clean the coils using a condenser coil cleaning brush or a vacuum cleaner. If possible, wipe them with a cloth to remove any leftover dirt. Ensure you make a routine of cleaning them every six months and more often if you have pets that shed hair.
Additionally, make sure the refrigerator is not too close to the wall or surface behind it so that there will be proper ventilation for the coils. Due to their job of dissipating heat from the refrigerator, they need space. Otherwise, the compressor begins to overheat.
Note: Allow the refrigerator to sit without power for about 30 minutes before touching the compressor. The compressor may be too hot and you may scald yourself if you touch it immediately after switching the unit off.
LG Fridge Hot on Side – Quick Fix
Keep the condenser coils clean and create space between the sides of the fridge and the surrounding walls or surfaces.
If the fridge is new, the compressor tends to run longer in order to produce a lot of cold air for the unit. As a result, it generates heat. The same happens during the summer months.
This is normal and does not mean something is wrong with the fridge. It is just the unit’s way of dealing with a lot of condensation in the heat. In fact, the temperature will fluctuate between cold and hot during the hot months and this is due to low radiation of heat. Ensure there is proper air circulation around the unit.
In addition to the above, don’t overload the fridge with warm food or food close to room temperature.
It will take a longer time to cool it and the compressor will generate heat to do this, thus causing the side walls to become hot. While a fridge that runs normally is warm on the side, a fridge that runs constantly is hot to the touch.
However, contact LG to report any LG refrigerator heating problems, both of the compressor and the walls of the fridge. Alternatively, chat with any of the appliance technicians we have available for assistance.
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