Like many other refrigerators, an LG refrigerator can develop different problems. But there is a way out, as we explain in this article on LG refrigerator problems and solutions.
Table of Contents
LG Refrigerator Problems and Solutions
The following are possible LG refrigerator problems and solutions to each one:
LG Refrigerator Not Cooling – Quick Fix
If you find that your LG refrigerator is not cooling, do the following:
- Check the condenser fan motor.
- Clean the condenser coils.
- Replace the evaporator fan motor.
- Check the temperature control thermostat.
- Change the start relay/ start capacitor.
- Replace the thermistor.
- Test the compressor.
- Check the main control board.
You will find details for each troubleshooting step here if your LG refrigerator is not cooling.
LG Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working – Quick Fix
The following are possible fixes for the problem of an LG refrigerator water dispenser not working:
- Replace the water inlet valve.
- Change the water filter.
- Thaw the water tube.
- Test the door switch.
- Check the dispenser control board.
- Test the dispenser switch.
Check out this article for details on each step.
LG Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working – How to Fix
If you find that the ice maker in your LG refrigerator is not working, check the following:
1. The Temperature in the Freezer
Since most ice makers are in the freezer compartment, it is important to check the setting. If it is higher than 10 degrees Fahrenheit, adjust it to a point between 0 degrees and 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideally, the temperature setting in which the ice maker works best is -4 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if that is too low, you can adjust to a setting within the range set out above.
An LG refrigerator ice maker starts working when the set temperature is lower than 19 degrees. Therefore, it is important to keep the compartment conducive for the ice-making process.
2. The Water Inlet Valve
First, ensure the pressure of water that goes to the valve is up to 20psi. If it is lower, the valve won’t be able to open to supply water to the ice maker. Consequently, the ice maker won’t work at making ice.
If you are sure the pressure is sufficient, check to see if the electric power goes to the valve using a multimeter. If electric power goes to the valve and the pressure is enough yet water won’t fill the ice maker, replace the valve.
3. The Ice Maker Module
Turn on the power switch of the ice maker if it is off or push the arm down if the ice maker has no switch. Next, run a continuity test on it using a multimeter. If there is no continuity on the module, replace the ice maker.
The module has a motor that turns the ejector arms or ice tray to push ice out into the bucket. Afterward, it transmits power to the inlet valve to fill the ice tray again. Therefore, if it is faulty, the ice maker cannot make ice or dispense it.
4. The Door Switch
With a multimeter, check the door switch for continuity. If you find no continuity when you activate it, replace the switch.
The switch controls the water and ice dispenser by turning it off once you open the door and turning it back on once you close the door. If it fails or sticks, the dispenser won’t work, even if there is ice in the ice maker.
5. The Water Filter
Check the indicator for the water filter on the control panel. If it is flashing, you need to replace the filter. Otherwise, water won’t flow freely to the ice maker or dispenser because it lowers the water pressure. And if the ice maker does not get enough water, it wouldn’t work.
Besides, a clogged or old water filter reduces the water quality. If you have no other filtration system installed, replacing the water filter when due is important.
In addition to the above, check the ice maker mold thermostat; check for continuity using a multimeter. Check the ice level control board; make sure it is getting power. And check the icemaker switch; check for continuity using a multimeter.
6. The Ice Maker
You may have to replace the ice maker if none of the parts above is faulty. One of the components may have failed and finding individual replacement parts may be difficult. But if you have a newer model, you may find parts from LG or any other trusted dealer.
LG Refrigerator Ice Dispenser Not Working – Quick Fix
The following are components to check if the ice dispenser in an LG refrigerator is not working:
- The dispenser switch
- The auger motor
- The dispenser door motor
- The actuator
- The dispenser solenoid
- The dispenser control board
Learn more about how to troubleshoot each component in this article that explains the problems with dispensers.
LG Refrigerator Not Defrosting – Solutions
Take the following steps if you find that your LG refrigerator is not defrosting:
1. Check the Defrost Timer
Advance the dial of the defrost timer slowly into a defrost cycle. As you do this, you should hear the compressor turn off and the defrost heater come on automatically.
If the defrost timer sends no power to the other defrost components and does not advance out of the defrost cycle automatically within thirty minutes, it is faulty. It is important to replace it in order to restore the defrost cycle.
The defrost timer transmits power to other components of the defrost system. If it fails, it won’t advance the components into a defrost cycle. As a result, the refrigerator won’t defrost.
2. Check the Defrost Heater
Find the defrost heater under the evaporator coils. With a multimeter, check to see whether or not the heater has continuity. If you don’t get continuity from the heater, replace it.
A defective heater cannot melt accumulated frost on the evaporator coils, causing a buildup and a reduction in the cooling capacity of the refrigerator.
3. Check the Defrost Thermostat
Locate the defrost thermostat on top of the evaporator coils and check it for continuity using a multimeter. If there isn’t any continuity when it gets to the lowest temperature within its operating range, replace the thermostat.
Once the temperature of the evaporator coils drops to a preset point, the thermostat senses it and closes its contacts so that power can flow to the heater. If it becomes defective, its contacts remain open and the heater won’t get power, thereby stopping the defrost cycle.
4. Check the Defrost Sensor Fuse
Some defrost sensors or thermostats come with a fuse to back them up in the event of failure. The fuse blows to stop the operation of the defrost heater if the sensor is unable to stop it when due. However, if the fuse blows, the defrost cycle won’t work even if the sensor is still functional.
If yours comes with this fuse, test it, along with the sensor, with a multimeter to check for continuity. If you don’t find continuity, replace the sensor.
5. Check the Defrost Control Board
If an LG refrigerator is not defrosting, the defrost control board is likely to have failed. It controls the entire defrost system and nothing works if the board is not working.
Therefore, check the board and replace it if the defrost thermostat and defrost heater are in good working condition.
6. Check the Main Control Board
Since the main control board is responsible for regulating power to all the components of the refrigerator, it is important to check the board if other parts of the defrost system are working well. But be careful not to replace it if it is not damaged.
Important Note
These steps apply to LG refrigerators that self-defrost. But if you have an LG refrigerator that does not defrost automatically, you have to defrost it manually if there is a buildup of frost.
Unplug the refrigerator from electric power and empty it. Store food items in another refrigerator or in a cooler with packs of ice.
Lay towels on the floor around the unit and leave the doors open for some hours. If you have the time, leave them open overnight.
Clean up afterward, restore power to the refrigerator, allow it to cool considerably, and put the food back into it.
LG Refrigerator Is Loud – Solutions
The following are possible solutions to a loud LG refrigerator:
1. Clean the Fan Blades
Start with the evaporator fan, especially if the noise is coming from the freezer section. Remove the cover panel inside the freezer to gain access to the fan. Check the blades for any obstruction.
Clean them if they have debris on them and make sure they are not bent. And if there is ice around them, melt the ice with a steamer or dryer. You may have to replace the blades if they don’t turn well or they are bent out of shape.
Next, check the condenser fan blades. The fan is at the bottom back of the refrigerator, next to the compressor. Due to its location, it is easier to gather debris and get damaged.
Therefore, clean the fan and blades thoroughly before turning them to check for functionality. Ensure nothing is obstructing them before determining whether or not they need a replacement.
2. Replace the Fan Motors
If the noise is from the freezer compartment, open the door. And if the noise stops once you open the door, it may be the motor of the evaporator fan.
Activate the door switch and wait for the noise. If you hear it, replace the motor. But if you don’t, make sure the motor is running. Otherwise, replace it.
Next, check the motor of the condenser fan. Move the refrigerator to gain access to the bottom rear. As the refrigerator runs, listen to the fan and compressor. If the noise is from the fan, it means the bearings of the motor are worn. The only fix is to replace the motor.
3. Check the Water Inlet Valve
If your LG refrigerator has a loud noise coming from the back, which increases when water is filling the ice maker, check the water inlet valve.
An accumulation of mineral deposits and other debris inside the inlet valve restricts the flow of water. The valve may strain to push water out despite the obstructions and in the process, may generate noise.
You cannot repair the valve so if you notice it is noisy, replace it.
4. Check the Compressor
A compressor with internal damages generates a lot of noise. If you believe the noise is from the compressor area, move the refrigerator and check the condenser fan. Eliminate it from the list before moving to the compressor.
Get ready to replace it if the noise is from the compressor. It means the component is about to fail. And since compressors cannot be repaired, the only solution is to replace the compressor.
Note: Most noises that come from an LG refrigerator are caused by the components listed above. Rarely do other components cause a loud noise from the refrigerator.
LG Refrigerator Leaking – Quick Fix
The following are quick troubleshooting steps and fixes for a leaking LG refrigerator:
- Inspect the defrost drain
- Check the water tank or reservoir
- Check the drain pan
- Examine the water inlet valve
You will find details of how to fix each step in this article on a leaking LG refrigerator.
In addition to the above, check the water filter. It is possible that during installation, you did not fit it properly into the water filter housing. Remove it and follow the steps in the user guide to install it properly.
But if it is properly fitted, remove it and check the water filter head for damages. Also, check the seal on the head to see if it has tears or is missing. If any of this applies, replace the water filter.
This video demonstrates how to replace the filter head on an LG refrigerator…
However, if the head and seal are intact, then check the filter housing. It may have cracks, leading to the leakage of water. Replace it if you find that the housing is broken.
LG Refrigerator Freezer Cold But Refrigerator Warm – How to Fix
The following are possible causes for an LG refrigerator having a cold freezer but a warm refrigerator:
1. Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor
Locate the fan behind the inside rear panel of the freezer compartment. If the motor is noisier than usual, consider replacing it. But to be sure, turn the blades of the fan with your hand to check whether or not they turn well. If they don’t, there may be a problem with the motor.
Take a multimeter and run a continuity test on the windings of the motor. If you don’t get continuity from the windings, replace the fan motor.
The fan has the job of circulating cold air from the coils inside the freezer and refrigerator. If the motor fails, the freezer may remain cold due to its freezing temperature but the refrigerator becomes warm.
2. Broken or Stuck Damper
Check the damper between the freezer and fresh food sections to see whether or not it is stuck in the closed position or broken completely.
If it is stuck closed or broken, cold air from the freezer won’t get into the refrigerator. This is for refrigerators with a single cooling system. As a result, the refrigerator won’t cool but the freezer will remain cold.
3. Frozen Evaporator Coils
While checking the evaporator fan, inspect the coils. There should be a light coating of frost on them if all is well. But if the coating is heavy, something is broken in the defrost system.
To fix the problem of the frozen coils temporarily, manually defrost the refrigerator. Unplug the refrigerator from electric power and empty it. Store food items in another refrigerator or in a cooler with packs of ice.
Lay towels on the floor around the unit and leave the doors open for some hours. If you have the time, leave them open overnight.
Clean up afterward, restore power to the refrigerator, allow it to cool considerably, and put the food back into it.
Afterward, check the components of the defrost system individually. You can check the section on LG refrigerator not defrosting in this article to find out how to troubleshoot each component.
4. Defective Thermistor
With a multimeter, check the resistance of the thermistor. You should find it changing as the temperature in the refrigerator is changing. If the resistance of the thermistor remains steady or you don’t find continuity, replace the part.
The evaporator fan and compressor get the power to run from the control board. And the board knows how much power to regulate from the temperature reading that the thermistor sends.
So if the thermistor becomes defective, the reading would be wrong and the cooling system won’t function as it should.
In addition to the above, check the temperature control board and the main control board. But before checking them, make sure all the other components that are more likely to fail are in good working condition.
LG Refrigerator Defrost Drain Clogged – How to Fix
If you find that the defrost drain in your LG refrigerator is clogged, check the following:
1. Drain Heater
If your LG refrigerator comes equipped with a drain heater, check to see if it is properly positioned. Adjust it properly and make sure it is still working. You may have to replace it if you are not sure of its functionality.
The heater prevents the freezing and refreezing of the water collected in the drain pan. If the water freezer, the defrost drain would become choked and water would not flow out.
2. Ice Layer
The drain may have a layer of ice over it, preventing water from flowing out. If this is the case, soak a towel in warm water and clean the drain until the ice melts. You can also use a dryer or steamer to thaw the drain.
Note: Ensure the drain pan is empty. If it is overflowing, water would not have a way out and would remain inside the freezer. Over time, it would freeze and clog the drain opening.
3. Drain Strap
In the place of a drain heater, some refrigerator models have a drain strap. The defrost heater, when it is hot, heats up the aluminum or copper strap which fits partway into the drain.
The heat from the strap in the drain keeps ice away; water cannot freeze over the drain as long as the strap is well positioned and the defrost heater is working.
LG Refrigerator Freezing Food – Quick Fix
Do the following if an LG refrigerator is freezing food:
- Ensure proper sealing
- Adjust the thermostat
- Check the thermistor
- Inspect the damper
- Check the main control board
- Keep fresh food away from vents
- Load enough content
Check out this article for more details on fixing this problem.
LG Refrigerator Water and Ice Dispenser Not Working – What to Do
To fix an LG refrigerator water and ice dispenser that is not working, do the following:
1. Check the Dispenser Switches
There is more than one dispenser switch so to know whether or not the switches are bad, test them one by one with a multimeter. If you find a switch has no continuity, replace it.
The switches work together to send voltage to the water and ice dispenser. If one of them is defective, the dispenser would stop working.
2. Check the Door Switch
Run a continuity test on the door switch of the refrigerator to determine whether or not it has continuity. If you get no continuity when you activate it, replace the door switch.
The door switch has the job of turning off the water and ice dispenser as soon as you open the door of the refrigerator. However, if it stops working or becomes stuck, the dispenser won’t work, either.
3. Check the Dispenser Control Board
If just one part of the dispenser system is not working, then the control board is not the origin of the fault. But if the entire dispenser stops working, check the board because it controls how the system functions.
4. Check the Main Control Board
The main control board should be replaced if none of the above components is defective. The board controls how the entire refrigerator functions and should be responsible for the failure of the system.
LG Refrigerator Ice Maker Is Overflowing – How to Fix
Check the following if the ice maker in an LG refrigerator is overflowing:
1. Water Pressure
Dispense water from the refrigerator; try filling a glass ¾ of the way within 10 seconds. If you can, the water pressure is sufficient. But if not, the pressure is too low.
You may want to replace the water filter because a clogged one restricts the flow of water. The same applies if the filter is the wrong type for an LG refrigerator.
Additionally, if you have installed a water system in your home, it may be impeding the water flow. One way to fix this is to install a water line to the refrigerator that is not fed through the filtration system.
The water pressure from the housing supply to the water inlet valve determines how the valve opens and closes. If the pressure is lower than 20psi, the valve may not close fully, causing water to continuously leak into the ice maker. Eventually, the machine will overflow.
2. Water Inlet Valve
Apart from insufficient water pressure affecting the valve, the component itself may fail. If it is not getting enough power, it may malfunction and not close completely. Consequently, the ice maker receives more water than it needs, leading to an overflow.
Test it with a multimeter. If the valve is receiving power yet is not closing fully, it is faulty. Replace it.
3. Ice Maker
The ice maker itself may no longer be functioning properly. For older models, you may not find individual replacement parts. However, newer ones may have readily available replacement parts.
LG Refrigerator Runs Constantly – Solved
To solve the problem of an LG refrigerator that runs constantly, take the following steps:
1. Check the Temperature Setting
The temperature setting in the freezer should not be above 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The refrigerator should not exceed 44 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, the temperature starts rising.
When this happens, the compressor begins to run constantly in a bid to lower the temperature. While this helps, the compressor tends to overwork itself and fail sooner than normal.
2. Check the Condenser Coils
Move the unit away from the surrounding walls or surfaces and inspect the coils. A heavy settlement of dirt or debris on them means the refrigerator is overheating.
Clean the coils with a vacuum cleaner or condenser brush. If none is readily available, use a leaf blower. Make sure you get all the dirt and wipe down the coils if you can easily reach them.
The coils have the job of dissipating heat from the refrigerant so it does not transfer to the refrigerator. But dirt, a lot of it, keeps them from being effective.
As a result, the refrigerator’s internal temperature rises and the compressor begins to run non-stop to help it maintain a cool temperature.
3. Check the Door Gasket
Open the door of the refrigerator and close it on a dollar bill or piece of paper. Now, pull the bill or paper; if you pull it out without tearing it, the gasket is weak and should be replaced.
Next, check the gasket for dirt. If it is noticeably dirty, clean it with warm water and soap. Scrub it to remove dirt until it is squeaky clean.
Dirt keeps the gasket from sealing tightly. And the gap it creates lets warm air in which compromises the internal temperature.
4. Check the Defrost System
Troubleshoot the defrost timer, defrost heater, defrost thermostat, and the defrost control board. If one of them is faulty, the system won’t function properly; you may find the evaporator coils overburdened with frost and unable to cool air for the refrigerator.
Check out the section of this article that deals with an LG refrigerator not defrosting for instructions on how to troubleshoot the components.
5. Check the Fan Motors
Open the inside back panel of the freezer and turn the blades of the fan. If they are stiff or unresponsive, the motor may be bad.
Take a multimeter and test the windings of the motor. If the windings show no continuity, replace the motor of the fan.
The fan circulates cold air inside the unit. If the motor fails, there will be no cold air and the refrigerator will begin to run constantly to try to remain cold.
Next, go to the bottom back of the refrigerator and check the condenser fan. Turn its blades and if they don’t turn well, it may be an indication that the bearings of the motor have worn out. But make sure nothing is obstructing them.
Run a continuity test on the motor with a multimeter. If you find no continuity, replace the motor of the fan.
The condenser fan cools the compressor and the condenser coils so they don’t overheat. If they become too hot, the refrigerator becomes hot, too. This affects the internal temperature so it begins to run constantly in a bid to maintain a cool temperature.
6. Check the Main Control Board
The board controls the defrost system and other refrigerator components. If the defrost system does not work, the board may be bad. But first, make sure other parts are in good working condition before replacing the board.
LG Refrigerator Light Not Working – Quick Fix
The following are parts to check if the light in an LG refrigerator is not working:
- Bulb
- Light socket
- Light switch
- Door switch
- Light assembly
- Light control board
This article explains each step and how to fix it.
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