Cooling problems in an LG refrigerator can be frustrating. If an LG refrigerator is not cold enough, it is important to find a solution as quickly as possible.
Table of Contents
LG Refrigerator and Freezer Not Cold Enough – Solutions
Do the following if your LG refrigerator and freezer are not cold enough:
1. Check the Temperature
Ideally, the temperature in the freezer should be 0 degrees Fahrenheit and that in the refrigerator should be 37 degrees Fahrenheit. If these settings must increase, the freezer should not exceed 8 degrees and the refrigerator should not exceed 44 degrees.
Use a thermometer to check the temperature even if the settings are showing on the display. You may need to adjust them to lower points, one degree at a time, and give the unit time to stabilize the new temperature.
More times than not, the temperature setting causes both compartments not to cool enough. Therefore, fix this first before checking other factors.
2. Check the Air Vents
Obstruction of the vents interferes with the cooling of the refrigerator. This is especially true if the unit has one cooling system.
If your LG refrigerator is not cold enough, make sure the vents have no item over them and the damper is working. If you have to, reduce the contents of both compartments and rearrange the remaining ones in order to improve the circulation of air.
3. Check the Condenser Coils
The coils are at the bottom back of the refrigerator. And if they are significantly dirty, the refrigerator and freezer won’t cool enough.
Move the refrigerator and inspect the coils. Clean them if they are noticeably dirty; be sure to get all the debris on them. A vacuum cleaner or leaf blower works for this job. But if you can get a condenser coil cleaning brush, that works, too.
Sweep the floor around the coils; it is important not to leave the debris around them so dirt does not adhere quickly to them.
Dirty coils are inefficient in dissipating heat from the refrigerant as it travels through them. As a result, the unit overheats and reduces the cooling capacity of both the freezer and refrigerator.
4. Check the Door Seals
If an LG refrigerator is not cold enough, as well as the freezer, close both doors or the doors and drawer of the refrigerator on a piece of paper. Now, try to pull the paper out without opening the door. If you pull it out successfully, replace the seals. You can try the doors one after the other.
But if the seals work fine, then check for dirt. Clean the seals with warm water and soap until they are squeaky clean. Dirt has the capacity to keep the doors from sealing tightly, thereby creating cooling problems.
Furthermore, ensure you don’t overload the doors. Storing too many items in the doors keeps them from closing properly, even if the seals are working and the refrigerator is leveled. This also affects the hinges and may push the doors out of alignment. Therefore, keep as little as possible in the doors.
Additionally, check the mullion. Ensure it sits properly and collapses fully. Otherwise, it will keep the door from closing fully and sealing.
5. Check the Fan Motors
Start with the evaporator fan because it is responsible for circulating cold air. Listen for an unusually loud noise from the freezer section. It is one tell-tale sign that the fan is faulty. It may be due to an ice buildup around the blades or a failing motor.
Open the freezer door and activate the door switch. Doing this should get the motor running again because once you open the door, it stops running.
But if the motor does not start running after the activation, it may be defective. If you are not certain, remove the cover of the fan at the inside back of the freezer. Disconnect the wire connector in order to separate the fan from the cover.
You will be able to see if there is an ice buildup and if there is, use a hair dryer or a steamer to melt the ice. Next, see if the blades are bent. You will have to replace them if they are.
However, if they are in order, then turn them to see if they turn well. If they don’t, it is an indication that the motor may be faulty. But make sure to clean them and remove any obstruction.
Take a multimeter and check the bearings of the motor for continuity. If you find no continuity, replace the motor of the fan.
The freezer and refrigerator won’t cool if the evaporator fan is not working, even if the evaporator coils are not frozen.
Condenser Fan…
Now, check the condenser fan. Began by checking the blades for obstructions. Clean them to remove accumulated debris; its location makes it easy for debris to stick to the blades.
Next, turn them with your hand. Even when the motor is not running, the blades should spin smoothly if the fan is working fine. But if they are stiff or don’t respond, the bearings of the motor might be worn out.
To be sure the motor needs a replacement, run a continuity test on it using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the motor.
The coils and compressor would overheat if the condenser fan fails to work. And if these parts overheat, the refrigerator ceases to cool properly. The same is true for the freezer.
6. Check the Defrost System
If your LG refrigerator is not cold enough and is the type that has an automatic defrost system, there may be a problem with it, causing the reduced cooling in the refrigerator and freezer.
Therefore, troubleshoot each component of the system. Start with the timer because it advances the other components in and out of the defrost cycle.
Turn the dial of the timer counterclockwise to advance it into a cycle. The defrost heater should turn on as the compressor goes off. Within 30 minutes, the timer should automatically advance the components out of the cycle. If this does not happen, replace the defrost timer.
Next, check the defrost heater. It should turn on and off to melt the frost off the evaporator coils. If the defrost timer checks out fine, then take a multimeter and run a continuity test on the heater. If you don’t get continuity, replace the heater.
Check the defrost thermostat. It should close contacts as soon as it senses the temperature needs of the evaporator coils, to allow power to flow to the heater. This process is prompted by the timer.
So if the timer is in good working condition, as well as the heater, check the thermostat for continuity. If there is no continuity even when it reaches the lowest temperature in its operating range, replace the thermostat.
Now, check the defrost control board if every other component is in good working condition. While it may fail, it is not a common occurrence; other components are more likely to fail.
If all else fails, check the main control board. Since it controls the entire refrigerator, it may be causing a problem with the defrost system.
7. Check the Evaporator Coils
Since the freezer is not cooling enough, alongside the refrigerator, the evaporator coils may be loaded with frost. Inspect them behind the inside rear panel of the freezer section. If there is a sizeable accumulation of frost on them, it would explain the inability of the freezer and refrigerator to cool properly.
This problem has to do with the defrost system if you have a self-defrost unit. But to fix the problem temporarily, defrost the refrigerator manually.
Unplug it from the dedicated wall outlet and empty it of all items. If you wish to, remove the shelves and bins to make cleaning the unit after the defrost process easier.
Next, lay some towels on the floor around the refrigerator to catch dripping water. Leave the doors open for the length of time you need the ice to melt.
Afterward, clean up and replace the shelves and bins. Restore power to the refrigerator and allow it cool to a food-safe level before putting food back inside it.
The coils cool the air that the evaporator fan passes over them. This is how cold air becomes available for the unit. If the coils are frozen, they cannot cool the air, thereby reducing the cooling capacity of the unit.
Note: Troubleshoot the defrost system to find the fault and fix it, if you have not already done so.
8. Check the Temperature Control Thermostat
Find the thermostat inside the temperature control housing in the refrigerator. Rotate it from low to high and wait for a click when you get to the highest point. If there is a click, the thermostat is likely working fine. But if there is no audible click, it may be faulty.
Go a step further and test the thermostat with a multimeter to see if it has continuity. If you find no continuity, replace the thermostat.
The sensor tube attached to the thermostat senses the temperature changes in the refrigerator. Once the temperature in the refrigerator rises, the sensor tube alerts the thermostat, and it turns on the compressor and evaporator fan. And when the temperature cools enough, it turns the compressor off.
However, if the thermostat fails, the cooling process is compromised. As a result, you find the refrigerator and freezer too warm or too cold.
9. Check the Thermistor
Find the thermistor inside the refrigerator and check its resistance with a multimeter. The resistance of the thermistor should change as the temperature of the refrigerator changes. If its resistance does not change or it shows no continuity, replace the thermistor.
The thermistor has the job of sending temperature readings to the control board or thermostat after monitoring the temperature. Once it becomes defective, the readings may become incorrect, leading to poor voltage supply to the compressor and fan. As a result, the refrigerator and freezer won’t be cold enough.
10. Check the Door Hinges
The hinges may get bent or damaged with constant use. This leads to poor dor alignment and frost buildup. The coils may freeze over and the defrost drain may get clogged with ice.
If you find that the doors don’t seal properly but the seals are working fine, check the hinges. There are instructions in the user guide for fixing the hinges and aligning the doors. But if you cannot fix it yourself or cannot find the guide, contact LG Support or hire a repair technician for assistance.
11. Check Leveling
Improper leveling affects how well the doors seal. If you notice that the doors don’t shut automatically or the gaskets don’t seal tightly, check the feet or legs of the refrigerator.
There are instructions in the user manual of your LG refrigerator on how to level the refrigerator. But if the manual is not readily available, this article explains how to level an LG refrigerator.
12. Check the Main Control Board
Test the main control board. If it fails or gets damaged, the refrigerator and freezer won’t cool enough or won’t cool at all.
Run a test on the control board using the diagnostic procedures included in the test sheet for the LG refrigerator. And if you find that it is no longer working, replace the board.
Why Is My LG Freezer Not Cold Enough?
Your LG freezer is not cold enough for one or more of the following reasons:
1. Dusty Condenser Coils
Dirty or dusty condenser coils affect the cooling capacity of the freezer. They cannot remove the refrigerant generates during the compression process. So when the gas travels to the freezer, it causes the temperature to rise.
Solution: Clean the coils and maintain a yearly cleaning routine for them. If you have pets that shed hair, clean the coils more often.
It is important to note here that some units have condenser coils within their walls. If your LG freezer does not have readily visible coils, there is no need to clean them.
2. Faulty Start Relay
The start relay attaches to the side of the compressor and provides a boost of power with which the compressor starts and runs.
Without the start relay functioning well, the compressor cannot run. Even if the compressor manages to run, it will turn on and off too often. Consequently, the freezer won’t have enough supply of cold air to cool enough.
Solution: Remove the relay from the compressor, shake it and if it rattles, replace it. If it does not rattle, run a continuity test on it, between the start and run relay. If there isn’t any continuity, replace it.
3. Leaky Door Seal
The door or lid seal ensures cold air does not escape from the freezer and keeps warm air from entering.
If the seal weakens, it begins to leak cold air, reducing the coolness of the interior part of the freezer. Moreover, warm air replaces the cold one and increases the chances of a frost buildup, which further compromises the temperature.
Solution: Replace the door seal with the right replacement part if you notice it does not seal tightly anymore. Also, check the door hinge to see if it is bent or damaged. That affects how well the seal works. Additionally, keep the seal clean as dirt can prevent tight sealing.
4. Defective Evaporator Fan
The evaporator fan spreads cold air from the cooling coils inside the freezer. If the blades are obstructed or get damaged, the fan would no longer spread cold air. The same applies, even more so, if the motor stops working.
Constant use can damage the fan. Also, moisture can get into the motor and ruin it. However, this is not a common occurrence.
Solution: Once you open the door or lid of the freezer, the motor should stop running. But the door switch should get it running again once you activate it. If this does not happen, remove the fan, if you can, and run a continuity test on it. If it doesn’t show continuity, replace the motor.
5. Frozen Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils provide cold air for the evaporator fan to circulate. Without the coils, there won’t be any cold air for the freezer.
The coils should not freeze if the freezer defrosts automatically. If they freeze, it means the defrost system is malfunctioning.
But before checking the system, fix the immediate problem of frozen coils. To fix this, manually defrost the freezer.
Empty the freezer and unplug it from the power outlet. Leave the door or lid open for the ice to melt. If necessary, allow the process to run all night. Doing this takes care of the frozen coils.
Afterward, troubleshoot the defrost system components. And when you find the faulty component, replace it. Otherwise, contact LG for assistance.
6. Faulty Condenser Fan
The condenser fan should be close to the compressor and condenser coils if your freezer has visible coils. If the motor fails or the blades are obstructed, the fan cannot pull air over the coils and compressor. Consequently, the freezer won’t cool enough or at all due to the buildup of heat.
Solution: Clean the blades of the fan thoroughly and make sure they turn smoothly. If they don’t, it may be a pointer to the fact that the bearings of the motor are worn. But test the motor to check for continuity just to be sure. If you don’t find continuity, replace the motor.
7. Bad Temperature Control Thermostat
The thermostat makes sure the compressor and evaporator fan get the needed voltage once the temperature in the freezer changes. If the freezer needs to be cooled, it turns the compressor and fan on. And if it cools enough, it turns the compressor and evaporator fan off.
So if it becomes defective, the compressor and fan may not get the needed power to run and cool the freezer. As a result, the freezer won’t be cold enough.
Solution: Check the functionality of the thermostat by turning it from the lowest point to the highest. If you hear an audible click, the component is working fine. But if you don’t, check it for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the thermostat.
8. Compressor
The compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through the condenser coils and evaporator coils after compressing the gas.
It hardly fails. But if it does, it stops the freezer from cooling completely. And if it is at the point of failing, the freezer won’t be cold enough.
Solution: Remove the start relay from the side of the compressor and check for continuity between the electrical points using a multimeter. If you find an open circuit, the compressor needs a replacement.
9. Sealed System
The sealed system in a freezer is the system through which the refrigerant flows. If the tubing springs a leak, the freezer would stop cooling like before.
The smell of the gas alerts you to a leak. But because it is usually faint, you may miss it. However, you may find that just one shelf is freezing well in the freezer. You may also find that the evaporator coils have just one section gathering frost.
Solution: If the freezer is old, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit. But if it is a newer model LG freezer, contact LG to report the issue and find a cost-effective solution that does not require buying a new freezer. This is especially needed if the unit is still under warranty.
Note: These steps apply to LG bottom freezers, top freezers, chest freezers, and upright freezers.
Check out these other articles…
LG Refrigerator Making a Noise [Solutions]
LG Refrigerator Condensation [Problems & Solutions]
LG Refrigerator Heating Problems [Solutions]
LG Refrigerator Overflowing [Solutions]
How to Use an LG Refrigerator [Quick Guide]
Why Is My LG Fridge Not Cold But Freezer Is?
The following are possible reasons why your LG fridge is not cold but the freezer is:
- Motor of the Evaporator fan is faulty
- Damper control is broken or stuck
- Evaporator coils are frozen
- Thermistor is defective
In this article, the details for each possible reason are explained in detail.
LG Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Cold Enough – Solved
If the ice maker in your LG refrigerator is not cold enough, it means the refrigerator itself is not cold enough.
The ice maker does not have a separate cooling system. It depends on the cooling capacity of the refrigerator or freezer to cool enough to make ice.
Therefore, check the following in the refrigerator to determine why it is not cold enough for the ice maker to freeze water:
- Condenser coils
- Condenser fan
- Evaporator fan
- Start relay/capacitor
- Evaporator coils
- Thermistor
- Temperature control thermostat
- Compressor
- Main control board
It is also important to check the door gasket. If it is weak, it would not seal enough for the refrigerator to cool. The same applies if it is dirty.
Next, check the door mullion. It should collapse when you close the door so that the gasket can seal properly. So if it is not collapsing fully, it may be broken and in need of a replacement.
Furthermore, check the temperature setting. You may have inadvertently increased it. Make sure the refrigerator is set at 37 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer is set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal results, set the freezer at -4 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you need the ice maker to become cold quicker than usual, you may want to activate the Express Freeze or Ice Plus feature.
These features cause the compressor to run for 3 hours non-stop. As a result, there is a lot of cold air and the unit freezes quicker. However, after 24 hours, the features turn off automatically.
LG Refrigerator Water Not Cold Enough – Quick Fix
If the water coming out of your LG refrigerator is not cold enough, consider how often you use the water. Also, consider the size of the water reservoir in your refrigerator model.
The water reservoir does not hold a lot of water; at most, it holds about 2 cups of water. And that is for side-by-side models. So if you use the water regularly, it will take longer for the reservoir to fill and cool. Typically, it takes about 6 hours for the water in the reservoir to cool.
Therefore, give the refrigerator some time to cool the water in the reservoir if that is the case.
There is also the temperature setting to consider. If it is set too high, it might take longer for the water to cool. Try lowering the temperature and see if there is an improvement.
Recap
If an LG refrigerator is not cold enough is a pointer to a problem with one or more of the components. Therefore, it is important to find and fix the problem as quickly as possible.
If you are not sure of doing this yourself, contact LG Support to request assistance. You can opt for any of our appliance technicians. Chat with them. They are available to assist you with your appliance problem.
Get Instant Help — Ask An Experienced Verified Appliance Technician
Need expert help? Click here to use the chat box on this page to speak with a verified appliance technician right away. No need for expensive in-home service calls. No appointments. No waiting.
