Having an LG refrigerator with a freezer that’s not freezing properly can be incredibly frustrating. A freezer that doesn’t get cold enough fails to serve its main purpose – keeping foods frozen for long-term storage. When your LG freezer stops freezing adequately, it’s time to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
Common Causes of an LG Freezer Not Freezing
There are several common culprits behind an LG freezer not getting cold enough:
- Dirty or clogged condenser coils
- Faulty evaporator fan
- Defective temperature control thermostat
- Malfunctioning defrost timer
- Bad start relay
- Refrigerant leak
- Clogged defrost drain tube
- Failed compressor
- Bad control board
Understanding the common causes of the problem will help you diagnose and repair your LG freezer. Let’s look at each of these issues in more detail.
Dirty Condenser Coils
One of the most common reasons an LG freezer stops freezing properly is due to dirty condenser coils. The condenser coils are responsible for releasing heat from the refrigerant as it circulates through the system. When condenser coils get covered in dust, pet hair or other debris, their ability to dissipate heat becomes impaired.
To check and clean the condenser coils, unplug the refrigerator and pull it out from the wall. Remove the access panel on the lower back side to expose the coils. Use a vacuum hose and soft brush to thoroughly clean dust and debris from the coils. Make sure no coils are bent or damaged. Replace the access panel, plug in the refrigerator and allow time for the freezer to reach its set temperature.
Faulty Evaporator Fan
The evaporator fan is essential for proper freezing, as it circulates cold air through the freezer compartment. If the evaporator fan motor fails, cold air will not flow efficiently, and the freezer won’t maintain proper temperatures.
To diagnose a bad evaporator fan, open the freezer door and listen for the fan motor running. If you don’t hear it humming, the fan motor may need replacement. Evaporator fan motors often fail due to accumulated ice buildup or mechanical wear. Replacing the evaporator fan motor will typically resolve freezing issues if the fan has failed.
Defective Temperature Control Thermostat
The temperature control thermostat regulates cold air supply to the freezer based on temperature readings from the thermostat sensor. If the thermostat or sensor is defective, it can disrupt normal freezer operation.
You can test the temperature control thermostat by turning the temperature knob to the coldest setting. Listen for an audible click when adjusting the knob. Lack of a click often indicates thermostat failure. Replace a defective freezer temperature control thermostat to restore proper function.
Malfunctioning Defrost Timer
Frost inevitably builds up on evaporator coils as the freezer operates. The defrost timer periodically turns off the compressor and initiates a defrost cycle to clear this frost. If the defrost timer malfunctions, frost can accumulate continuously on evaporator coils, reducing freezing efficiency.
Test the defrost timer by turning its knob to the defrost position. You should hear the timer click into defrost mode. If not, the defrost timer likely needs replacement by a technician. This will restore the automatic defrost system.
Bad Start Relay
The start relay supplies power to the compressor during refrigerator start-up. If the start relay fails, the compressor may not turn on properly. No compressor function means no freezing capability.
Listen for noises like buzzing or clicking coming from the freezer compressor area. If heard, the start relay may be defective. Have an appliance technician assess the start relay and replace it if faulty. This should enable normal compressor operation.
Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is the substance which absorbs heat in the freezer’s evaporator coils. Low refrigerant levels from a leak can greatly reduce the freezer’s ability to get cold. Signs of a leak include higher-than-normal operating temperatures and reduced cooling capability.
Unfortunately, repairing refrigerant leaks often requires replacement of integral system components. Have an experienced appliance repair technician determine if your LG freezer has a refrigerant leak needing repair. The technician can pinpoint the leak, repair it, and recharge the refrigerant system.
Clogged Defrost Drain Tube
During defrost cycles, ice melt drips into a drain tube to exit the freezer compartment. If this tube gets clogged with debris or ice, the drain water can overflow and leak into the freezer. Large amounts of drain water in the freezer compartment hinder air circulation and cooling performance.
Carefully inspect the defrost drain tube that runs from the evaporator down to the freezer bottom. Insert a thin wire to clear any clogs or obstructions in the tube. Applying a heating pad can also melt blockages. Proper drain tube flow should then be restored.
Failed Compressor
The compressor pumps refrigerant through the system to produce cold air. If the compressor stops functioning, the freezer loses the ability to freeze items. Warning signs of compressor failure include louder-than-normal running noises and higher freezer temperatures.
Replacing a faulty compressor is typically not cost effective, as the repair costs often exceed 75% of a new refrigerator’s price. Instead of investing in a compressor replacement, purchasing a new LG refrigerator is generally the better option.
Bad Control Board
The control board is the brains of the freezer, monitoring temperature, activating components, and controlling freezer functions. If the control board malfunctions, numerous freezing issues can occur. Control board failures require professional diagnosis and repair.
Technicians use advanced tools to assess control board issues. If the board is faulty, only replacement with the proper LG control board will restore normal freezer operation. Due to high cost, control board replacement is usually reserved for newer refrigerators.
DIY Troubleshooting Tips for an LG Freezer Not Freezing
Before calling for service on your LG freezer, there are several do-it-yourself troubleshooting steps you can perform:
- Check the temperature setting – Make sure the freezer temperature is set to the proper cold level, around 0°F. The temperature control knob may have been inadvertently bumped.
- Inspect the door seals – Faulty door seals allow cold air to escape, raising freezer temperatures. Look for gaps, cracks, and incomplete seals needing replacement.
- Examine interior lighting – If the freezer interior light is not working, this signals an electrical issue impacting the compressor. Have an electrician evaluate the electrical supply, fuses, and wiring.
- Listen for compressor sounds – Place your ear against the freezer to listen for compressor operation. Lack of normal humming indicates the compressor could be defective.
- Check for frost buildup – Heavy frost inside the freezer can force cold air out and lead to freezing problems. Defrost the freezer fully to restore proper air circulation.
- Test with thermometer – Use an independent thermometer to verify the freezer’s actual temperature matches the temperature setting. If warmer than the setpoint, there is likely an internal malfunction needing repair.
- Reset control – Unplug the refrigerator, wait 30 seconds, and plug back in. Allow time for temperature to stabilize. This simple reset can resolve some electronic control faults.
- Clear condenser coil debris – Use a vacuum cleaner crevice tool to extract debris clogging the condenser coils on the freezer’s rear exterior. This allows optimal heat dissipation.
When to Call an Appliance Repair Technician
If your basic troubleshooting attempts don’t successfully resolve the LG freezer freezing issues, it’s wise to contact an appliance repair technician. Refrigerator repair pros have the advanced tools, expertise, and parts resources to properly diagnose your specific problem and get your LG freezer working again.
Be prepared to provide the refrigerator’s model number to the technician. This allows them to look up the unit’s repair history, diagnostic procedures, replacement parts, and service bulletins. Some common scenarios when professional LG freezer repair is required:
- Condenser coils very dirty/clogged after DIY cleaning attempts
- Evaporator fan motor not functioning
- Faulty defrost heater or timer
- Refrigerant leaks detected
- Compressor starting relay issue
- Compressor failure/malfunction
- Control board not sending proper voltage
Hiring a competent appliance repair technician to service your malfunctioning LG freezer the first time is wise financial decision over the long run. Their expert diagnosis and repairs can restore your LG freezer to working order and avoid the food spoilage, costs, and hassles of buying a new refrigerator unnecessarily.
Preventing Future Freezer Freezing Problems
Once your LG freezer is repaired and freezing properly again, be diligent about regular maintenance and care to prevent a recurrence of freezing issues:
- Clean condenser coils every 3 months to maintain airflow
- Defrost freezer interior as needed to limit frost buildup
- Use refrigerator covers to keep condenser dust-free
- Ensure door seals are clean and functioning
- Avoid overloading the freezer compartment
- Don’t install refrigerator in hot locations or near heat sources
- Keep refrigerator doors closed as much as possible
- Set freezer to appropriate temperature (0°F)
- Plug refrigerator directly into wall outlet, not power strip
Following LG refrigerator best practices, your freezer should provide consistent freezing performance for years of reliable food storage. But if freezing problems do arise again, use this guide’s troubleshooting tips to get your LG freezer back to properly freezing in no time.
Proper LG Freezer Temperature Settings
Proper temperature settings are crucial for an LG freezer to maintain ideal freezing temperatures. The ideal freezer temperature is 0°F (-18°C). At this temperature, foods freeze solidly and stored items remain safe indefinitely. To set the freezer to the optimal 0°F, turn the temperature control knob fully clockwise to the max cold position. Allow 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize after adjusting the setting.
Use an independent thermometer placed in the center of the freezer to check the actual temperature. If warmer than 0°F, there may be an issue with the temperature control or other components. Avoid setting the freezer temperature colder than 0°F, as this can cause freezer burn on foods. Remember to adjust the setting appropriately if you’ll be away from home for an extended time.
Energy Efficiency Tips for LG Freezers
LG refrigerators with freezers are designed for energy-efficient operation, but there are additional ways to maximize efficiency:
- Clean condenser coils regularly to allow proper airflow and heat dissipation
- Ensure door seals are in good condition to prevent cold air leaks
- Let hot foods cool before placing in freezer to reduce frost buildup
- Avoid overloading the freezer which hampers air circulation
- Set freezer and refrigerator temperatures appropriately (0°F for freezer, 37°F for refrigerator)
- Limit opening of doors and close them promptly when done
- Defrost manual-defrost freezers before frost becomes 1⁄4 inch thick
- Position the refrigerator away from heat sources like ovens or dishwashers
Making energy efficiency a priority can bring down operating costs, reduce environmental impact, and extend the service life of your LG freezer.
LG Freezer Temperature Fluctuations
If the temperature inside your LG freezer fluctuates up and down frequently, several factors could be responsible:
- Dirty condenser coils preventing proper cooling
- Failing compressor struggling to maintain consistent temperatures
- Defrost timer malfunction leading to excessive frost buildup
- Thermostat or temperature control problems resulting in temperature swings
- Refrigerator being located near a heat source or in direct sunlight
- Door seals cracked or not sealing properly, allowing cold air leakage
Have an appliance technician thoroughly evaluate your LG freezer if temperature swings are occurring. Solving the underlying cause will reestablish stable freezing temperatures.
LG Freezer Noise Troubleshooting
Unusual noises coming from an LG freezer should be diagnosed to avoid potential damage or failure. Common freezer noises, causes, and solutions:
- Knocking noise – Loose compressor or fan mount needs securing
- Squealing – Defective fan blade bearing needs lubricating/replacing
- Clicking – Relay or thermostat needs replacing
- Loud humming – Compressor failure, replace if confirmed
- Gurgling – Refrigerant flowing through evaporator is normal
- Popping – Contraction/expansion of cooling system parts is normal
- High pitched whine – Motor needs servicing or has electrical issue
Make note of when noises occur and under what conditions. This helps the technician determine the origin. Address any unusual freezer sounds promptly to prevent deterioration.
Troubleshooting an LG Freezer Not Freezing
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
| Freezer section not cold enough | Dirty condenser coils | Clean condenser coils |
| Evaporator fan not working | Replace evaporator fan motor | |
| Defective thermostat | Replace thermostat | |
| Refrigerant leak | Have technician repair leak and recharge refrigerant | |
| Drain tube clogged | Clear drain tube obstruction | |
| Frost buildup inside freezer | Excess humidity | Improve air circulation by defrosting freezer |
| Door seal leak | Replace faulty door seal | |
| Compressor not running | Failed compressor | Replace compressor |
| Bad start relay | Replace start relay | |
| Unusual noises | Failed compressor | Replace compressor |
| Loose parts | Inspect and tighten hardware |
I’m unable to provide subjective opinions or impressions, but I hope this table gives an overview of common LG freezer freezing issues and potential solutions. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my LG freezer not getting cold enough?
A: The most common reasons an LG freezer won’t get cold are dirty condenser coils, an evaporator fan failure, a faulty thermostat, a refrigerant leak, or a clogged defrost drain tube.
Q: How can I tell if my LG freezer compressor is bad?
A: Signs of a bad compressor include higher than normal freezer temperatures, unusual loud noises coming from the compressor, and the freezer not cooling at all. A technician can diagnose a faulty compressor.
Q: What should I do if my LG freezer has frost buildup?
A: Heavy frost inside the freezer is usually caused by excess humidity or a door seal leak. Defrosting the freezer and replacing a faulty door seal can help. Avoid keeping the door open for long times.
Q: Why does my LG freezer make loud noises?
A: Strange noises from an LG freezer are commonly caused by a failing compressor or loose internal parts that need to be inspected and tightened. A technician can determine the exact cause.
Q: How often should I clean the condenser coils on my LG refrigerator?
A: For optimal efficiency, the condenser coils should be cleaned every 3-4 months. Use a vacuum hose and brush to remove dust and debris from the coils.
Q: When should I call for professional LG freezer repair service?
A: If DIY troubleshooting does not resolve the freezing issues, it’s best to contact a refrigerator repair technician. They have the specialized tools and expertise to properly diagnose and fix your LG freezer.