Why Is My Lg Fridge Running But Not Cooling

If you have an LG fridge that is running but not cooling properly, you may be wondering what is causing this problem and how to fix it. There are several possible reasons why your LG fridge is not cooling, ranging from simple to complex. Some of them you can troubleshoot and resolve yourself, while others may require professional help. Here are some of the most common causes and solutions for your LG fridge not cooling.

The most common cause of your LG fridge not cooling is dirty condenser coils that are located under or behind the fridge and cool the warm air.

Other causes include a failed inverter linear compressor, a failed start relay, a restricted airflow, a damaged seal, a clogged vent, or a loose plug. To fix your LG fridge not cooling, you need to check and clean the condenser coils, replace the compressor or start relay if needed, ensure proper airflow around the fridge, inspect and replace the seal if damaged, clear any obstructions from the vent, and make sure the plug is securely inserted into the outlet.

How to Check and Clean the Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are responsible for transferring heat from the inside of the fridge to the outside. If they are dirty or dusty, they cannot perform this function efficiently and may cause the fridge to overheat and not cool properly. To check and clean the condenser coils, follow these steps:

• Unplug the fridge from the power source and move it away from the wall if needed.
• Locate the condenser coils under or behind the fridge. They look like black tubes or coils that run across the bottom or back of the fridge.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a soft brush to remove any dust or dirt from the coils. Be careful not to damage or bend the coils.
• Plug the fridge back into the power source and push it back to its original position if moved.
• Check if the fridge is cooling better. If not, proceed to the next possible cause.

How to Replace the Inverter Linear Compressor or Start Relay

The inverter linear compressor is a type of compressor that LG uses in some of its fridges. It is supposed to be more energy-efficient and quieter than conventional compressors. However, it is also prone to failure and may cause your LG fridge not cooling. The start relay is a device that helps start the compressor and may also fail and prevent the compressor from working. To replace the inverter linear compressor or start relay, follow these steps:

• Unplug the fridge from the power source and move it away from the wall if needed.
• Locate the compressor at the back or bottom of the fridge. It looks like a black metal box with wires attached to it.
• Locate the start relay on the side of the compressor. It looks like a small plastic box with wires attached to it.
• Disconnect the wires from the start relay and remove it from the compressor by pulling it off gently.
• Test the start relay with a multimeter by setting it to resistance mode and touching its probes to its terminals. If you get no reading or an infinite reading, it means that the start relay is faulty and needs to be replaced. If you get a reading between 3 and 12 ohms, it means that the start relay is working and the problem may be with the compressor.

• Replace the start relay with a new one by attaching it to the compressor and connecting the wires to it.
• Test the compressor with a multimeter by setting it to resistance mode and touching its probes to its terminals. If you get no reading or an infinite reading, it means that the compressor is faulty and needs to be replaced. If you get a reading between 3 and 12 ohms, it means that the compressor is working and the problem may be elsewhere.
• Replace the compressor with a new one by disconnecting the wires from it and removing it from the fridge. You may need to unscrew some bolts or clips to do this. Then, install the new compressor by attaching it to the fridge and connecting the wires to it.
• Plug the fridge back into the power source and push it back to its original position if moved.
• Check if the fridge is cooling better. If not, proceed to the next possible cause.

How to Ensure Proper Airflow Around the Fridge

The airflow around the fridge is important for maintaining a consistent temperature inside the fridge. If there is not enough space around the fridge or if there are any objects blocking the vents, the airflow may be restricted and cause the fridge to not cool properly. To ensure proper airflow around the fridge, follow these steps:

• Check the space around the fridge and make sure there is at least 2 inches of clearance on each side and at least 4 inches of clearance at the back and top of the fridge.
• Remove any objects that may be blocking the vents on the back or bottom of the fridge, such as boxes, bags, or furniture.
• Check if there are any dust or dirt buildup on the vents and clean them if needed.
• Check if the fridge is cooling better. If not, proceed to the next possible cause.

How to Inspect and Replace the Seal

The seal is a rubber gasket that runs along the edge of the fridge door and creates an airtight seal when closed. If the seal is damaged, worn out, or dirty, it may allow warm air to enter the fridge and cold air to escape, resulting in poor cooling performance. To inspect and replace

• Open the fridge door and inspect the seal for any cracks, tears, or gaps. You can also test the seal by inserting a dollar bill between the seal and the fridge and closing the door. If you can pull out the bill easily, it means that the seal is not tight enough and needs to be replaced.
• Clean the seal with a damp cloth and mild soap if it is dirty or sticky. Make sure to dry it thoroughly after cleaning.
• Replace the seal with a new one if it is damaged or worn out. You can order a new seal from LG or a third-party supplier. To replace the seal, you need to remove the old one by peeling it off from the door or unscrewing it from the door panel. Then, install the new seal by pressing it into place or screwing it to the door panel. Make sure to align the seal properly and avoid any wrinkles or gaps.
• Check if the fridge is cooling better. If not, proceed to the next possible cause.

How to Clear Any Obstructions from the Vent

The vent is a small opening inside the fridge that allows cold air to circulate from the freezer to the fridge. If the vent is clogged by ice, food, or debris, it may prevent proper airflow and cause the fridge to not cool properly. To clear any obstructions from the vent, follow these steps:

• Locate the vent inside the fridge. It is usually on the back wall or ceiling of the fridge compartment.
• Remove any items that may be blocking or touching the vent, such as food containers, bottles, or bags.
• Check if there is any ice buildup on or around the vent. If there is, you can defrost it by using a hair dryer on low setting or by unplugging the fridge and leaving the door open for a few hours. Do not use any sharp objects to chip away at the ice as this may damage the vent or other components.
• Check if there is any dust or dirt buildup on or around the vent. If there is, you can clean it by using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment or a damp cloth.
• Check if the fridge is cooling better. If not, proceed to the next possible cause.

How to Make Sure The Plug Is Securely Inserted Into The Outlet

The plug is a device that connects your fridge to the power source. If the plug is loose, damaged, or not inserted properly into the outlet, it may cause your fridge to not receive enough power and not cool properly. To make sure the plug is securely inserted into the outlet, follow these steps:

• Unplug the fridge from the power source and inspect the plug for any signs of damage, such as cracks, burns, or bent prongs. If the plug is damaged, do not use it and contact LG customer service or a qualified electrician for a replacement.
• Plug the fridge back into the power source and make sure it is firmly inserted into the outlet. Do not use an extension cord, power strip, or adapter as this may reduce the power supply and cause your fridge to not cool properly.
• Check if the fridge is cooling better. If not, proceed to the next possible cause.

Conclusion

These are some of the most common reasons and solutions for your LG fridge running but not cooling. If you have tried all of these steps and your fridge is still not cooling properly, you may need to contact LG customer service or a professional technician for further assistance. There may be a more serious problem with your fridge that requires expert diagnosis and repair.