Is your LG refrigerator not working? There are a number of reasons why this happens. But it is important to find a solution as quickly as possible.
Table of Contents
LG Refrigerator Not Working after Power Outage – Quick Fix
If you find that your LG refrigerator is not working after a power outage, check the following:
1. Circuit Breaker
Check the circuit breaker for that part of the house or that controls the refrigerator. It may have tripped off during the outage. If you are not sure how to check whether or not it is tripped, check online resources or hire a professional.
2. Switch
If your LG refrigerator has a power switch or button, it may have malfunctioned or gone off. Check it and turn it on again if it is off.
3. Power Outlet
This is one of the likeliest causes of the problem. Run a test on the outlet to see if it is damaged or has tripped. Plug a small table lamp into the outlet to see if it turns on. The result you get informs you of the status of the outlet.
4. Power Cord
If all the above check out, then move on to the power plug and cord. The plug may have burned or the wire connections may be bad due to surge.
Also, the cord may have burned-out wires from the outage. You may not be able to tell any of these until you try another plug and cord compatible with the refrigerator.
When you troubleshoot all the above parts and they check out, the refrigerator may just need some minutes to begin cooling properly after the power outage. Give it 15 to 30 minutes and check again to see if there is an improvement.
However, if this does not work, one or more components of the refrigerator may have failed. Troubleshoot the unit and replace faulty parts, contact LG or hire a professional for this job.
Note: These diagnostic and repair steps also apply if your LG refrigerator is not working after a power surge.
LG Refrigerator Not Working after Moving – Solved
If an LG refrigerator stops working after you moved it from one location to another, start by checking the power cord. Make sure it is fully plugged into the wall outlet.
If it is, then be sure you did not inadvertently turn it off if it has a power switch or button. Turn it on and give it some time to see if it cools.
Another point to consider is how you positioned during the movement. If you laid it on its side, oil from the compressor may have gotten into its cooling lines. This makes it near impossible for the refrigerator to cool.
If this applies to you, allow the unit to stand for about 5 hours before you plug it into electric power. To be safe, plug it in after 24 hours, especially if it is laid for too long on its side.
If none of the above applies, an internal component may have gotten damaged during the movement. Check the compressor and coils for starters. Report the issue to LG Support and request service or have an independent appliance technician check it for you.
LG Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working After Replacing Filter – Solutions
Take the following steps if the water dispenser of an LG refrigerator stops working after replacing the water filter:
1. Check Water Filter Type
LG refrigerators use brand water filters if they are going to work optimally. So if the water dispenser stops working after you replace the filter, be sure the filter is compatible with the refrigerator. Replace it if it is not.
2. Check for Damages
But if the filter is the right type, then remove it and check for damages. The head may be damaged or something else may be broken. This may happen if there was a forceful installation or even from the factory.
3. Check for Obstruction
Be sure there is nothing obstructing that point where the filter attaches to the refrigerator. There may be some part of the filter’s wrapping that covers that part, restricting the flow of water.
Additionally, ensure the water filter is not dirty or clogged with debris even on the outside. Clean it thoroughly if it is. Otherwise, replace the filter.
4. Check Installation
It is possible you did not screw the filter on properly. Make sure to fully thread it into the water filter housing.
If you are not sure how to do this, consult the user manual for the refrigerator for instructions on how to correctly install a water filter. You will have to remove it completely and fix it back again in order to get it right.
5. Check Seal
The seal in the water filter housing that prevents leaks may have shifted when you uninstalled the old filter or installed the new one. If your refrigerator filter housing has this seal, remove it and fix it back. Be sure to align it correctly with the filter and housing.
6. Check Trapped Air
Trapped air in the water line can restrict the flow of water from the source, through the filter, and to the dispenser. If you hear a hammering sound, this is a clear indication that there is air.
Run water from the refrigerator for about three minutes to clear the air and fix the pressure issue. If the dispenser does not dispense at all, use the water line at the back of the refrigerator.
Afterward, try dispensing water again. If you can, it means the trapped air was the origin of the problem.
In addition to the above, the filter may not be soaking water fast enough to work. This may be why the dispenser is not working. Soak the filter in water before installing it. This helps to work faster.
Check out these other articles…
LG Refrigerator Filter [Issues & Solutions]
LG Refrigerator Is Beeping [How to Fix]
LG Refrigerator Door [Problems & Solutions]
How Old Is My Frigidaire Refrigerator [Solved]
LG Refrigerator Mode [Problems & Solutions]
Why Isn’t My LG Freezer Working?
Your LG freezer is not working for one or more of the following reasons:
1. Faulty Evaporator Fan
Open the door of the unit and listen for the fan. Typically, it should stop running. If it stops, activate the switch on the door of the freezer to get it running again. And if it does not resume running after you activate the switch, consider replacing the fan.
But if this test is not satisfactory, open the inside rear panel of the unit and turn the blades of the fan to check functionality. If there is any sign of stiffness, the motor may be wearing out. But you may want to oil the shaft on which the blades rotate to see if the friction eases.
Next, run a continuity test on the motor using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the motor.
The fan is responsible for drawing air over the coils and cooling the freezer with the refrigerator. If it stops working, the freezer won’t work.
2. Dusty Condenser Coils
Clean the coils to remove dirt, dust, and other debris. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a condenser cleaning brush and do this once or twice every year.
Significantly dirty coils cannot dissipate the heat from the refrigerant efficiently. This causes the freezer’s temperature to rise and it may eventually stop working to cool.
3. Frozen Evaporator Coils
Make sure the coils behind the freezer’s interior back panel are not frozen. If they are, it means the defrost system is no longer working if the freezer has an automatic defrosting system.
For a temporary fix, defrost the freezer by unplugging it and leaving the door or lid open for at least 8 hours. Then, troubleshoot the defrost system and replace any faulty part.
The defrost heater should turn on to warm the coils when the thermostat senses that they are cold enough. If it does not, the defrost timer may be defective, or the defrost control board is malfunctioning.
The evaporator coils cool the air that the evaporator fan passes over them for the unit. If they become frozen, the freezer won’t have any cold air.
4. Damaged Compressor
Heat can cause the compressor to stop working. Ensure there is enough space around the refrigerator for proper ventilation. And make sure the coils beside the compressor are clean to avoid heat transfer and overworking the compressor.
If the compressor fails, nothing else works in the refrigerator. Therefore, it is important to check the component.
You can also run a test to check for continuity between the pins on its side. If there is no continuity or resistance, you may have to replace the compressor.
5. Defective Start Relay
Pull the relay out of the side of the compressor and shake it. If there is a rattle, the relay has become faulty. Also, if it smells as if it is burnt, replace it.
In addition, check to see if the relay has continuity between its start and run terminals using a multimeter. If you find no continuity, replace the relay.
More times than not, the compressor stops running when the relay fails. The start relay makes power available for the compressor to run and without it, the freezer cannot work.
6. Bad Condenser Fan
Make sure the blades of the fan turn freely and there are no obstructions. If they don’t spin, it is an indication that the motor bearings are worn. Consider replacing the motor.
But to be sure, test the motor to check for continuity using a multimeter. If there isn’t any continuity, replace the motor.
The condenser coils and compressor don’t overheat because of the condenser fan. Therefore, if it fails, the coils build heat and reducing the cooling and general working capacity of the freezer.
Malfunctioning Control Boards
The temperature and user control and display boards may malfunction and affect the freezer’s capacity to cool and work. But don’t replace them in a hurry since they are easily misdiagnosed. Be sure all the other components check out before checking them.
If all else fails, check the sealed system of the freezer. Aleak would cause the freezer to stop working. The first indication of a leak is a chemical smell. But this is easy to miss as the gas is almost odorless.
To determine if there is a leak, open the inside back panel and check the evaporator coils. If only one section has frost on them – no even distribution – there is a leak. Another way to check is the shelves. If only one shelf is cooling, the sealed system is leaking.
Only a certified technician can check the system, certify this, and recommend a lasting solution.
LG Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working – What to Do
If the ice maker on your LG refrigerator is not working, do the following:
1. Make Sure the Ice Maker Is On
If the ice maker has a power switch, check it to make sure it is in the on position. If it is off, you have an easy fix. Simply turn it on.
2. Make Sure There Is Water
The water should b connected and should not have any kinks or squeeze. If you move the refrigerator too far back towards the wall, the water line may squeeze to the point that the water supply is restricted.
Therefore, check the line behind the refrigerator. Straighten it if it is kinked or squeezed. But if it has any cracks, replace it. You will know this by checking for leakages.
Additionally, make sure the water valve is fully open. Try to dispense water and check how well it flows. Then, check the water valve under the sink or at the back of the refrigerator. Also, check the water inlet valve.
3. Make Sure the Temperature Is Right
The internal temperature of the freezer must be at 19 degrees Fahrenheit or below for the ice maker to work optimally. And the temperature must not go below -4 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, it would be too cold for the ice maker.
Because of this, check to be sure the freezer temperature is set right. Adjust it if necessary and give the ice maker time to adjust and produce ice.
4. Try Resetting the Ice Maker
If nothing else works, try resetting the ice maker. To do this, check to see if your ice maker has a power button. If it does, reset it by pressing the button right under the ice maker’s tray and holding it for 3 seconds. The ice maker should kick into action.
But if it does not have a button, find the tiny hole by the ice maker’s left side. Insert a paper clip into the hole and press for 3 seconds. The ice machine’s arm should start to turn, meaning you have reset it.
Note that a new refrigerator with an ice maker needs about a day or two for proper ice production to begin. So if your unit is new, all you need is patience for the ice machine to pick up.
LG Refrigerator Ice Dispenser Not Working – Quick Fix
Check for correct leveling of the refrigerator. If it is not correctly leveled, you may find the dispenser not working, along with some other key functions.
Next, look inside the ice chute to see if there are fragments of ice or ice cubes stuck there. If you find this, use a spatula to try to break up the ice. Then, pour some warm water down the chute to flush out the ice stuck there.
Pull the ice bucket out and check the auger motor for ice buildup. You may find it a little difficult to remove the ice maker if the motor is frozen so give it a gentle hit with the heel of your hand to release it.
If you find ice on the motor, you may want to use a dryer or steamer to thaw it. You can also opt to press the lever of the dispenser and allow the motor to warm up and thaw itself out. However, this method can be detrimental to the motor in the long run.
It is also important to find out why there is ice accumulation on the motor. There may be a hole through which warm air is seeping in and causing moisture to freeze around the motor.
Increasing the temperature in the freezer also helps keep the auger motor from freezing in the future.
Ice Chute Flap Frozen…
The ice dispenser may not be working because the ice chute flap through which ice passes is frozen shut. Fragments of ice can melt around it and over time, cause it to freeze.
Use a warm wet cloth and clean the flap and around. Then, dry it completely to prevent an accumulation of moisture and try the dispenser. Increasing the temperature in the freezer helps prevent a recurrence of this issue.
However, if the chute flap is not frozen shut and none of the steps above work, your refrigerator needs to be serviced. Contact LG Support to request service.
LG Refrigerator Craft Ice Not Working – Solved
If the Craft Ice ice maker in an LG refrigerator is not working, take a look at the power switch to be sure it is turned on. The switch is usually on the right side of the ice machine.
Turn it on if it is off and give the machine between 18 and 30 hours for it to make ice. You may have to wait as long as 48 hours for the first batch to come out.
But if the switch of the ice maker is on yet it is not working, reset the machine. To do this, turn the machine off and back on. Then, wait to see if it begins working.
If it remains the same, test the operation of the ice maker using the test mode. Take the ice bucket out and replace it with a small bowl to catch dripping water.
Next, press the test button, located on the top left side of the machine, and hold it for about 3 seconds. In the test mode, the ice maker should go through 3 stages: supply of water, production of ice, and harvesting of ice.
Reinsert the ice bucket in its place after the test. Be sure to insert the bucket correctly, according to the instruction in the user guide. Otherwise, you may find that the ice maker is not working because it thinks the ice bucket is full.
Contact LG Support to request service if the Craft Ice ice maker doesn’t work after resetting it.
Here is a video showing how to troubleshoot and fix a Craft Ice ice maker that is not working…
Freezer Not Working in LG Refrigerator – Solutions
To troubleshoot and find a solution to this problem, start by disconnecting the refrigerator from electric power for 24 to 36 hours. If the evaporator coils have a large accumulation of ice, they will thaw within this period.
Of course, you will need to find an alternative means of storing your food and other items in the freezer. And you will need to troubleshoot the defrost system to find the faulty component and replace it.
Next, check the air vents in the freezer to be sure nothing is obstructing them. Cold air from the evaporator fan may not find its way into the freezer if the vents are blocked.
If the vents are clear, check the door gasket. Make sure it is sealing tightly and if it is not, replace it. Also, clean the gasket thoroughly with warm water and soap if it is significantly dirty.
In addition, ensure the refrigerator is correctly leveled as incorrect leveling causes a variety of issues with the refrigerator. And check the temperature setting of the freezer to be sure it is at the correct point – no more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit and no lower than 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
If all these check out, do the following:
1. Clean the Condenser Coils
Dust and clean the coils once or twice a year for the refrigerator to work optimally. If you live in an area with a lot of dust or you have hairy pets, clean them more often.
When they are significantly dirty, they cannot remove heat, and consequently, the heat reduces how well the freezer cools or works.
2. Test the Fan Motor
The evaporator fan is behind the inside back panel of the freezer. Once you open the door of the freezer, it stops running. But when you activate the door switch, the motor kicks into action.
If the motor does not start running when you activate the switch, test its windings with a multimeter to check for continuity. And if you find no continuity, replace the motor.
The freezer stops cooling if the fan is not working. This is because the fan circulates cold air in the freezer.
3. Check the Start Relay
Disconnect the refrigerator and detach the start relay from the compressor. Shake it a little to see if there is a rattling. If it rattles, the relay might be defective. And if you smell a burnt odor from it, replace it.
Go a step further and test it between ts start and run terminals to check for continuity. Use a multimeter for the test. If you don’t find continuity, replace the relay.
The compressor will have a hard time starting and running if the relay is bad. This is because the relay provides a power boost for it to run. And if the compressor does not run, the unit won’t work.
Freon Issue…
If all the parts check out, then there may be a freon issue. The tubing through which the gas flows may have sprung a leak, causing the gas to flow out and the freezer to stop working.
If the evaporator coils have only one part covered with frost or only one shelf in the freezer is cooling, then you know there is a freon issue.
However, if the freezer is not working at all, you may not be able to determine if there is a leak through these methods. Therefore, contact LG or a certified independent appliance technician to check the freezer and proffer a permanent solution.
Light in LG Refrigerator Not Working – What to Do
Do the following if the light in an LG refrigerator is not working:
1. Check the Light Bulb
The bulb is usually the first thing to check if the light in the refrigerator stops working. It might have burned out so replace it and see if the light starts working again.
2. Check the Light Socket
If the bulb is not the problem, then check the socket. Take a multimeter and check to see if the socket is getting enough power. If it is getting power yet the new bulb is not working, then the socket is defective. Replace it with a compatible replacement part.
3. Check the Light Switch
The switch that controls the light might be faulty. So, take a multimeter and test the switch to check for continuity. If there isn’t any continuity, replace the switch and see if the refrigerator light starts working again.
4. Check the Door Switch
This switch controls when the light comes on and off as you open and close the door of the refrigerator. To check its functionality, take a multimeter and test the switch to see if it has continuity. If you find no continuity, replace the door switch.
5. Check the Assembly
The entire light assembly may be malfunctioning. For newer LG refrigerators, you may find individual parts for the assembly but for older ones, this may not be possible. You may have to replace the entire assembly.
6. Check the Board
The light board controls the function of the light in the refrigerator. If the board stops receiving the needed amount of voltage, the light in the refrigerator will stop working. But if it is receiving the right amount of power yet the light is not working, replace the board and see if anything changes.
LG Refrigerator Not Working – Quick Fix
Troubleshoot the following components if you find that your LG refrigerator is not working:
1. Fan Motors
Start with the condenser fan. Turn the blades with your hand to see if they spin freely. Make sure there are no obstructions on them. If the blades don’t turn freely, consider replacing the motor.
But if the blades turn freely and nothing is obstructing them, take a multimeter and run a continuity test on the motor. If you don’t find continuity, replace the motor.
The fan pulls air through the coils and passes it over the compressor. If it stops working, the refrigerator may overheat and stop working.
Next, check the evaporator fan. If your LG refrigerator model has only one evaporator fan, you will find it behind the rear wall inside the freezer.
Listen for a loud noise from inside the freezer. If you hear it, the motor is faulty. But start with the blades. Try to spin the blades manually. If they don’t spin well, it is an indication of a faulty motor.
Take it a step further and check for continuity in the windings of the motor using a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the motor.
There will be no cold air in the refrigerator and freezer if the evaporator fan stops working. It has the job of circulating cold air in the unit after passing the air over the cooling coils.
2. Condenser Coils
Take a look at the coils, usually at the bottom back of the refrigerator. If you notice a significant amount of dirt on them, it is time to clean them.
With a brush attached to a vacuum cleaner, clear the dust and debris on the coils. Do a thorough job of it. Then, wipe any remaining dirt on the coils and clean the floor around them.
They won’t effectively dissipate heat from the refrigerator if they are dirty. As a result, the refrigerator will be unable to keep the right temperature – you will find it rising.
3. Start Relay and Capacitor
Pull the relay from the compressor and test it with a multimeter to check its resistance. Some models come with the relay and capacitor as one device. But if not, test the capacitor separately using the multimeter.
If the relay rattles when you shake it, consider replacing it. And if it smells as if it is burnt, replace it. However, if none of these applies yet it has no continuity between the run and start terminals, the relay is defective so replace it.
And if the start capacitor has no continuity when you test it, it is bad. Replace the capacitor.
4. Thermistor
Find the thermistor in your LG refrigerator and check its resistance. You should find it changing as long as the temperature in the refrigerator changes.
If the resistance of the thermistor remains the same or there is no continuity, replace the thermistor.
The thermistor keeps an eye on the temperature of the refrigerator and sends its findings to the control board. The board, based on the temperature readings, regulates power to the fan and compressor.
If the thermistor is faulty, the readings would be wrong. As a result, the control board may not regulate enough power and the cooling system won’t work.
5. Temperature Control Thermostat
Find the thermostat and rotate it to take it to the highest temperature setting from the lowest point. As you get to the point, listen for an audible click.
If there is no click, run a continuity test on the thermostat using a multimeter. If there isn’t any continuity, replace the thermostat.
The thermostat senses the temperature needs of the refrigerator, closes its contacts, and directs power to the fan motors and compressor. If it becomes faulty, the cooling system may not run as needed. Consequently, you may find the refrigerator not cooling or working.
6. Compressor
With a multimeter, check the resistance of the compressor between the pins by the side. If you find an open circuit, the compressor is bad and should be replaced. However, only a licensed technician must replace it according to the law.
7. Control Boards
Check the temperature and main control boards for damages or burns. But before doing that, make sure to check other components and eliminate each one from being the origin of the problem. You don’t want to misdiagnose any of the boards.
Note: These steps work for basic cooling problems in all types of LG refrigerators, including smart refrigerators.
Control Panel on LG Refrigerator Not Working – Solved
If the control panel on an LG refrigerator is not working, it is likely that the control is locked. You will find a lock button on the control panel; press and hold it down for about 5 seconds to unlock it.
Make sure to hold down the button for the required number of seconds. Some features on the control panel need the button to be held down for just 3 seconds to unlock them. Others, on the other hand, need the button to be held down for longer than 3 seconds before they begin to function.
LG Refrigerator Inside Fan Not Working – Solution
If the evaporator fan inside an LG refrigerator is not working, unplug the refrigerator, remove the evaporator cover inside the freezer and inspect the fan.
There may be ice around the blades of the fan and if this is the case, use a dryer to melt it or simply defrost the freezer manually.
Then, check the blades to see if they are bent. If they are, replace them. Straightening them won’t work because they would be out of shape and the fan won’t work optimally anymore.
The problem may stem from dirt in the bearings of the motor. In this case, infuse some penetrating oil to lubricate the bearings and get the fan running smoothly again.
However, moisture and long use can wear the fan out and cause the motor to stop running. If you suspect this, disconnect the fan and run a continuity test on the motor with a multimeter. If you don’t get any continuity in the windings of the motor, replace the motor.
Sometimes, it may just be that the motor is not receiving enough power. With a multimeter, check the voltage in the terminals of the motor. You should get up to 120 volts. If it is less than that or shows 0 volts, the motor is not receiving voltage.
The thermostatic control may be bad, causing the break in voltage supply. But check the wires that run between the control and the motor of the fan. If they are not broken, replace the control.
LG Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working After Power Outage – Quick Fix
Ensure the feeler arm or paddle of the ice maker is down in the on position or under the ice maker. If the arm or paddle is in the on position, inspect the ice maker for a power switch. If you find one, make sure it is on.
The water line may have a piece of ice stuck inside it if the ice maker is turned on and not working. Though there is a system to prevent this type of obstruction, the system may fail after a power outage.
Remove the ice maker and find the water line behind it. Inspect it to see if there is any piece of ice blocking it. Pour warm water over it until the ice melts if you find any.
But if the water line is not obstructed, then check the power supply to the refrigerator. The compressor and other key components may not be receiving enough voltage to run and cool the freezer for the ice maker to make ice. The power outage may have damaged some wires or connections.
Check the temperature in the freezer and make sure it is below 19 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjust it if necessary and give the freezer a day or two before determining if the temperature change improved the functionality of the ice maker.
In addition, one or more components may have become damaged when power was restored. This is especially true if there was a power surge. You may need the services of a qualified appliance technician to ascertain this and fix the problem.
Recap
A variety of reasons cause an LG refrigerator to stop working. Finding the cause and fixing it quickly is important if the refrigerator is to keep functioning. Fortunately, this article is a detailed guide in troubleshooting and fixing different LG refrigerator issues.
However, if nothing seems to work in fixing your LG refrigerator that is not working, contact LG and request service as soon as possible. You can choose to use any of our technicians by chatting with them using the chatbox to your right.
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