Most common causes
- Display or demo mode on. LG refrigerators have a display or demo mode for showrooms that can turn off cooling. Your owner's manual shows how to turn it off.
- Dirty condenser coil. Dust and pet hair on the coil make the refrigerator work harder and cool less, especially in warm kitchens and garages.
- Evaporator fan problem. If the fan behind the freezer wall stops or ices up, cold air does not move into the fridge section.
- Condenser fan problem. The fan near the compressor cools the condenser. When it fails, the compressor overheats and cooling drops off.
- Defrost system failure. A failed defrost heater, sensor, or control lets ice build up on the evaporator coil and block airflow.
- Compressor or sealed system issue. Many LG refrigerators use a linear or inverter compressor. If the compressor or the sealed system has a problem, the refrigerator may run but not cool, and it needs a technician to test it.
What you can safely check
- Check the temperature settings on the display and make sure display or demo mode is off.
- Unplug the refrigerator and vacuum the condenser coil and the area around the compressor fan.
- Move food away from the air vents in the fridge and freezer.
- Open the freezer and listen for the fan. If it is silent or scraping, it may be iced up or failing.
- Check door gaskets with a dollar bill test and make sure the doors close fully on their own.
- Note any code shown on the display and tell the technician, but do not try to repair based on a code alone.
Call a technician if
- The fridge stays above 40F after you check settings and clean the coils
- The compressor area clicks repeatedly or is silent while the fridge is warm
- Fans are silent or noisy
- Frost covers the back wall inside the freezer
- An error code shows on the display
What affects the repair cost
Fans and defrost parts are usually a moderate repair. Compressor and sealed system work costs more and depends on the model and whether the compressor is still covered by the manufacturer's warranty. We diagnose first and quote before any work.
