If your LG freezer fails to freeze items or maintain proper temperatures, it can cause a lot of wasted food and frustration. But don’t despair – most causes of an LG freezer not freezing properly can be fixed with simple troubleshooting and DIY repair.
Below is a comprehensive guide on diagnosing and fixing an LG freezer that is not getting cold enough or freezing contents properly.
Common Causes of an LG Freezer Not Freezing
There are several possible causes why your LG freezer may not be reaching and holding freezing temperatures:
Weak door seal – If the door seal is not sealing tightly, warm air can leak into the freezer, causing temperatures to rise. Inspect the door gasket for any gaps, cracks, or damage.
Condenser coils are dirty- Clogged condenser coils prevent proper airflow and refrigerant circulation, reducing cooling efficiency. Coils should be cleaned every 3-6 months.
Evaporator fan failure- The evaporator fan circulates cold air in the freezer. If the fan motor fails, temperatures will increase. Test the fan to see if it runs and moves air.
Refrigerant leak- Refrigerant is the substance that allows the freezer to generate cool air. Leaks cause reduced cooling, requiring professional repair to identify and seal.
Ice buildup- Excess internal ice can insulate the cooling system, increasing freezer temperature. Check for icing issues.
Thermistor problems- Thermistors monitor freezer temperature. If they malfunction, the freezer won’t maintain proper temps. Test thermistor accuracy.
Compressor issues- An inoperable compressor means no refrigerant circulation and cooling. Replace a faulty compressor.
Power supply problems- Electrical issues like power outages, tripped breakers, and faulty outlets can disrupt freezing. Check electrical connections.
Troubleshooting an LG Freezer Not Freezing
Follow this step-by-step troubleshooting guide if your LG freezer is not freezing properly:
1. Check the temperature setting- Ensure the freezer is not accidentally set to a warmer one. Recommended is 0°F (-18°C) or below.
2. Inspect the door seal- Inspect the rubber door gasket for any damage, cracks, or gaps that allow cold air leakage. The seal should be snug all the way around.
3. Clean the condenser coils- Unplug the freezer and pull it away from the wall. Use a vacuum, brush, and condenser coil cleaner to remove dirt and debris from coils.
4. Test the evaporator fan- Unplug the freezer again and remove the interior panels to access the evaporator fan. Check if the blades spin freely. Test the fan motor with a multi-meter to confirm the operation.
5. Check for frost buildup- Use a hair dryer or plastic scraper to remove any excessive frost or ice accumulating internally around the coils and fins.
6. Monitor freezer temperature- Place a digital thermometer inside and observe temperature readings for several hours. It should maintain -10°F or lower.
7. Assess refrigerant leakage- Signs include warm freezer, condenser coils frosting over, and oily residue around components. Have an LG repair technician evaluate and recharge the refrigerant.
8. Test thermistors- Unplug and disconnect the two temperature thermistors in the freezer—test resistance values with a multi-meter as the service manual outlines for an accurate temperature range.
9. Reset freezer power- As a last resort, unplug the freezer for 30+ minutes which will reset the computer. Plug back in to see if the cooling is restored.
10. Replace failed parts- If testing reveals any malfunctioning fans, thermistors, control boards, or compressors, replace those parts. Consult the LG service manual.
Following this strategic troubleshooting approach should reveal the cause of an LG freezer not freezing correctly. Repair or replace components as needed to get your freezer maintaining frigid temps.
FAQs About LG Freezers Not Freezing
Here are answers to some common questions about LG freezer troubleshooting:
What temperature should an LG freezer be set at?
The optimal LG freezer temperature setting is 0°F or -18°C. Some models allow adjusting down to -5°F for maximum freezing capability.
How can you tell if an LG freezer compressor is bad?
Symptoms of a faulty LG freezer compressor include warm freezer temps, unusual running noises, evaporator frost buildup, and continuous operation without ever cycling off.
Why does my LG freezer have a leak?
Most leaks in an LG freezer are caused by a failure of the evaporator coils, allowing costly refrigerant to escape the sealed system. Repair involves identifying and sealing the leak.
What causes ice buildup in an LG freezer?
Excess frost inside the freezer can be caused by a bad door seal allowing warm air entry, low refrigerant allowing evaporator temps to rise, and insufficient defrost cycles to melt ice.
How do I reset my LG freezer after a power outage?
Unplug the freezer power cord for 1 minute to reset after an outage. Plug back in and allow 24 hours to return to set temperature—no need to adjust the temp setting.
Can I repair my LG freezer myself?
Basic repairs like sealing leaks, replacing fans, cleaning coils, and replacing thermistors can be DIY. But compressor and refrigeration repairs should be left to a trained appliance technician.
An LG freezer not freezing food properly can be frustrating, but sensible troubleshooting of parts like the compressor, fans, coils, and thermistors can get it back to sub-zero temperatures. For major component replacements, assistance from an LG appliance service technician is recommended.
