LG Refrigerators Not Cooling: How to Fix It Yourself
When an LG refrigerator stops cooling, the most common cause is dirty condenser coils. These coils release heat, and when they're coated in dust and pet hair, the fridge can't cool properly. A good cleaning fixes this about 60% of the time — and it's completely free.
⚠️ Safety First
- Unplug the refrigerator before accessing the back panel.
- Move food to a cooler with ice to prevent spoilage while you work.
Parts You May Need
Step-by-Step Repair
- 1
Check the basics first
Make sure the temperature is set correctly (37°F for fridge, 0°F for freezer). Check that the vents inside aren't blocked by food. Make sure the door seals are clean and closing properly.
- 2
Listen to the fridge
Stand next to the fridge and listen. If you hear the compressor running (a low humming from the back/bottom), the motor is working. If it's silent, the compressor may have failed (that's a professional job).
- 3
Clean the condenser coils
Unplug the fridge. The coils are usually at the bottom behind a kick plate, or on the back. Remove the kick plate (it usually just snaps off). Use a coil brush and vacuum to remove all the dust and debris from the coils. This is the single most important maintenance you can do.
- 4
Check the condenser fan
While you're down there, check if the condenser fan (next to the coils) spins freely. Try spinning it by hand. If it's stuck or making grinding noises, it needs to be replaced. If it doesn't run when the fridge is plugged in but the compressor runs, replace the fan motor.
- 5
Check the evaporator fan (inside the freezer)
Open the freezer and listen for the fan. If it's not running, the freezer will still get cold (from the coils) but the fridge won't (because the fan blows cold air from the freezer to the fridge). A bad evaporator fan motor costs about $20-40.
- 6
Wait and monitor
After cleaning the coils, plug the fridge back in and wait 24 hours. Put a thermometer inside to track the temperature. It should reach 37°F or lower. If it does, you've fixed it!
If That Didn't Work
- Frost buildup on the evaporator coils (inside the freezer behind the back panel) blocks airflow. This means the defrost system has failed.
- A faulty thermostat may not be telling the compressor to run.
- The start relay on the compressor could be failing — you'll hear clicking sounds.
When to Call a Professional
If the compressor isn't running at all, or if the evaporator coils are iced over (defrost system failure), these are more complex repairs. Compressor replacement costs $300-600 — at that price, compare with a new fridge. Defrost system repair is $150-250.
Related Repairs
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. All repairs are performed at your own risk. RepairItFree.com is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, device damage, voided warranties, or other losses resulting from the use of this information.
If you are unsure about any step — especially anything involving electricity, gas, water, or refrigerant — stop and consult a qualified professional. Your safety is more important than saving money.
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