LG Refrigerator Not Cooling Or Freezing [Causes & Easy Fixes]
Your LG refrigerator is designed to keep your food fresh, cool, and safe every day, but when it suddenly stops cooling or freezing properly, it can be stressful and confusing, especially if you are not very technical. You might notice milk going bad too quickly, ice cream turning soft, or the freezer feeling warmer than usual.
Most of the time, LG refrigerator cooling and freezing problems are caused by simple issues, such as dirty condenser coils, blocked air vents, or incorrect temperature settings. Many of them can be fixed at home without calling a technician.
I have created this guide with very easy steps, so you do not need special tools or advanced knowledge to resolve the cooling or freezing issues with your LG Refrigerator.
By the end of this article, you will understand why your LG refrigerator is not cooling or freezing and what you can do to fix it easily.
So lets’’ start!
LG Refrigerator Not Cooling Or Freezing [Easy Steps]
Before assuming there is a major problem, it is important to go through these steps one by one. In many cases, the issue is something small that was overlooked.
Step 1: Check the Power Supply
This may sound obvious, but power issues are one of the most common reasons a refrigerator stops cooling.
First, make sure the refrigerator is properly plugged into the wall outlet. Check that the plug is not loose. If the outlet has a switch, ensure it is turned on.
Next, look at the control panel or interior light. If there are no lights or sounds, the refrigerator may not be getting power. Try plugging another appliance into the same outlet to confirm it works.
If the outlet is fine, check your home circuit breaker. A tripped breaker can cut power to the refrigerator without you noticing.
Step 2: Check the Temperature Settings
Incorrect temperature settings can make it seem like your LG refrigerator is not cooling or freezing, even though it is working.
Open the refrigerator door and locate the temperature control panel. Set the fridge temperature to around 37 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer to around 0 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is set too high, it can take several hours to cool down again.
After adjusting the settings, wait at least 24 hours and check if the cooling improves.
Step 3: Make Sure the Doors Are Closing Properly
If the refrigerator or freezer door is not closing fully, cold air escapes and warm air enters. This can prevent proper cooling.
Check for food items that may be blocking the door. Large containers or improperly placed shelves can stop the door from sealing.
Next, inspect the door gasket, which is the rubber seal around the door. If it is dirty, cracked, or loose, clean it with warm water and mild soap. A damaged gasket may need replacement.
You can test the seal by placing a piece of paper between the door and the fridge. If the paper slides out easily, the seal is not tight enough.
Step 4: Clean the Condenser Coils
Dirty condenser coils are a very common reason an LG refrigerator does not cool or freeze properly.
The condenser coils are usually located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator. Over time, dust and pet hair collect on them, making it harder for the fridge to release heat.
Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to gently remove dust from the coils. Be careful not to damage them.
Cleaning the coils every six months can significantly improve cooling performance.
Step 5: Check Air Vents Inside the Refrigerator
Cold air needs to circulate freely inside the refrigerator and freezer.
Look for air vents inside both compartments. Make sure they are not blocked by food items, containers, or ice buildup.
If vents are blocked, cold air cannot reach all areas, causing uneven cooling. Rearrange items to allow proper airflow.
Step 6: Inspect the Evaporator Fan
The evaporator fan helps circulate cold air throughout the refrigerator and freezer. If it stops working, cooling will be affected.
Open the freezer and listen for a fan sound when the door is closed. If you do not hear anything, the fan may be faulty.
Sometimes ice buildup can stop the fan from spinning. If you see heavy frost, unplug the refrigerator and let it defrost completely for several hours.
If the fan still does not work after defrosting, it may need professional repair.
Step 7: Check for Frost Buildup
Excessive frost inside the freezer can block airflow and reduce cooling.
If you notice thick ice on the freezer walls or around vents, your refrigerator may have a defrost system issue.
A simple temporary fix is to unplug the refrigerator and allow it to defrost completely. Remove all food and leave the doors open for several hours.
Once defrosted, plug it back in and monitor performance. If frost returns quickly, you may need technician assistance.
Step 8: Verify the Refrigerator Is Level
An unlevel refrigerator can cause doors to not close properly and cooling problems.
Place a level on top of the refrigerator. Adjust the front leveling legs if needed so the fridge tilts slightly backward. This helps doors close naturally.
Even a small adjustment can make a big difference in cooling performance.
Step 9: Avoid Overloading the Refrigerator
Overloading can restrict airflow and make cooling less effective.
Make sure there is enough space between food items for air to circulate. Avoid packing the fridge or freezer too tightly.
At the same time, an almost empty refrigerator may also struggle to maintain temperature. Try to keep a balanced load.
Step 10: Give It Time After Changes
After making any adjustments or cleaning, give your LG refrigerator time to stabilize.
Cooling improvements may take several hours or even a full day. Avoid opening the doors frequently during this time.
Step 11: Call a Technician
If you have tried all basic troubleshooting steps and your LG refrigerator is still not cooling or freezing, it may be time to call a technician. Issues with compressors, control boards, or sealed systems require professional repair.
Read: LG Dishwasher Error Code AE [A Complete Guide to Fix]
FAQs
Why is my LG refrigerator running but not cooling?
If your LG refrigerator is running but not cooling, the issue is often related to dirty condenser coils, blocked air vents, or incorrect temperature settings. It could also be caused by a faulty fan or defrost system.
How long does it take for an LG refrigerator to cool after fixing it?
After adjusting settings or cleaning components, it can take up to 24 hours for the refrigerator to reach the correct temperature. This is normal and does not indicate a problem.
Can I fix an LG refrigerator not freezing at home?
Yes, many freezing issues can be fixed at home by checking settings, cleaning coils, removing frost, and ensuring proper airflow. If these steps do not work, professional service may be needed.
What temperature should my LG refrigerator be set to?
The recommended temperature is around 37 degrees Fahrenheit for the refrigerator and 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer. This helps maintain food freshness and safety.
Is it normal for the refrigerator to feel warm on the outside?
Yes, it is normal for the sides or back of the refrigerator to feel warm. This heat comes from the condenser coils releasing heat. However, excessive heat may indicate dirty coils.
Conclusion
An LG refrigerator not cooling or freezing can be frustrating, but it does not always mean something serious is wrong. In many cases, the problem is caused by simple issues like incorrect settings, dirty coils, blocked vents, or doors not sealing properly.
By following the easy steps in this guide, you can diagnose and fix many common problems on your own. Always start with basic checks and give the refrigerator enough time to recover after making changes.
If the issue continues despite trying all the fixes, seeking professional help is the safest option. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also prevent future cooling problems and keep your LG refrigerator running efficiently for years to come.