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LG Fridge Not Cooling? Common Problems and How to Fix

AZparts Team
Updated on July 2, 2025
7 min read
If your LG fridge is not cooling, it can quickly become a frustrating and costly issue, especially when your food is at risk of spoiling. From blocked vents and faulty fans to broken thermostats and control boards, there are several potential reasons behind the cooling failure. Fortunately, many of these problems are fixable with the right approach. In this guide, AZParts will walk you through the most common causes and how to fix them efficiently.

1. Why is my LG Fridge not Cooling?
If your LG refrigerator is not cooling properly, there could be several internal component failures behind the issue. Understanding these potential causes can help you diagnose and resolve the problem effectively.
1.1. Faulty Damper Control Assembly
The damper control assembly regulates the flow of cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator compartment. If this part becomes stuck in the closed position, the fridge section will not receive enough cool air. As a result, the refrigerator may remain warm even though the freezer is working correctly. Replacing the air damper may restore proper airflow and cooling.
If damper control assembly becomes stuck in the closed position, the fridge section will not receive enough cool air (Source: AZParts)
1.2. Defective Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan motor circulates cold air from the evaporator coils throughout the fridge and freezer. If the fan motor fails, the cool air cannot be distributed effectively, leading to uneven or insufficient cooling. A silent or non-spinning fan is a clear sign that the evaporator fan may need to be replaced. You can choose a refrigerator evaporator fan motor to replace it to help the cool air circulate more effectively.
Choose an evaporator fan motor to replace it to help the cool air circulate more effectively (Source: AZParts)
1.3. Failed Defrost Control Board or Timer
If frost and ice build up on the evaporator coils, this is often a sign that the automatic defrost system is not working properly. The defrost refrigerator control board or timer may have failed, preventing the system from melting frost during its regular cycles. When frost covers the coils, cold air cannot circulate freely, causing a loss of cooling in the refrigerator compartment.
If frost and ice build up on the evaporator coils, the defrost control board or timer may have failed (Source: AZParts)
1.4. Broken Thermistor
The thermistor monitors the temperature inside the fridge and sends that information to the main control board to adjust cooling levels. A faulty thermistor may give incorrect readings, which can prevent the compressor and fans from running when needed. This can result in the refrigerator staying too warm.
A faulty thermistor may give incorrect readings, which can prevent the fans from running when needed (Source: AZParts)
1.5. Main Control Board Failure
The main control board is the brain of the refrigerator, coordinating the operation of fans, compressors, and sensors. If it malfunctions, it may fail to send power to crucial cooling components like the compressor or evaporator fan. This can cause the entire fridge to stop cooling effectively, even if all other components appear to be in good condition.
2. How to Troubleshoot an LG Fridge That’s Not Cooling
If your LG fridge feels warm inside or isn’t cooling properly, you can follow these practical steps to troubleshoot the issue before calling a professional. Each action below will help you identify potential problems and keep your fridge running efficiently.
2.1. Check the Temperature Settings
You should start by checking your fridge’s temperature settings. Make sure the thermostat is set between 30°F and 40°F, which is the ideal range for cooling. If the setting is too high, you should lower it and allow the refrigerator up to 24 hours to adjust. You can check the temperature again later to confirm it has stabilized.
2.2. Ensure Proper Airflow
You need to avoid overloading your refrigerator with too many items. When you pack food too tightly, you can block internal air vents, which restricts airflow and causes uneven cooling. You should also make sure that cold air can circulate freely by spacing items apart. If your fridge is too empty, you can place water jugs inside to help maintain a consistent temperature.
You should also make sure that cold air can circulate freely by spacing items apart (Source: AZParts)
2.3. Check the Door Seals
You should inspect the door seals carefully to ensure they are sealing tightly. If you find any cracks, dryness, or looseness in the gasket, then warm air may be leaking inside. You can replace the seal if it appears damaged or no longer creates a secure closure. This simple fix can make a significant difference in your fridge’s cooling efficiency.
Let’s inspect the door seals carefully to ensure they are sealing tightly (Source: AZParts)
2.4. Clean the Condenser Coils
You should clean the condenser coils if they are covered in dust or debris. When these coils get dirty, your refrigerator has to work harder to release heat, which reduces cooling performance. To clean them, you should unplug the appliance, locate the coils (usually behind or underneath), and gently vacuum or brush away the buildup. You should do this at least twice a year.
To clean the condenser coils, you should unplug the appliance and gently vacuum (Source: AZParts)
2.5. Listen for the Evaporator Fan Motor
You should check whether the evaporator fan is running. This fan is responsible for circulating cold air throughout the fridge. If you do not hear the fan when the door is open, or if the fan blades are obstructed by ice or dirt, you should unplug the fridge and inspect the fan. You can try manually turning the blades to see if the motor shaft spins freely. If it doesn’t, you may need to replace the evaporator fan motor.
2.6. Inspect the Condenser Fan (if accessible)
You should locate and inspect the condenser fan motor if your LG refrigerator has one. This fan is usually found at the bottom back of the fridge. After unplugging the appliance, you can remove the access panel and look for debris or obstructions around the fan blades. You should clean the area and ensure the blades spin without resistance. If the motor appears damaged or doesn’t receive power, you should replace it or consult a repair technician.
You should clean the condenser fan motor area and ensure the blades spin without resistance (Source: AZParts)
2.7. Check for Frost Build-up
You should look inside the freezer section to check for frost build-up. Excess frost on the evaporator coils is a sign that your automatic defrost system may have failed. If you see thick ice covering the back wall or shelves, you should unplug the fridge and let it fully defrost. If the problem comes back, you may need to have the refrigerator defrost heater professionally replaced.
3. FAQs about LG Fridge not Cooling
3.1. Where is the reset button on a LG refrigerator?
Most LG fridges don’t have a dedicated reset button. You can reset the unit by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Some models allow a reset by pressing and holding certain buttons like “Refrigerator” and “Express Freeze” for 5 seconds.
3.2. How much does it cost to replace an LG refrigerator compressor?
Replacing an LG fridge compressor usually costs between $300 and $650, including parts and labor. If your unit is under warranty, the compressor may be covered, but labor charges often still apply.
3.3. What is the average lifespan of an LG refrigerator?
An LG refrigerator typically lasts between 13 to 20 years, depending on usage, maintenance, and environmental factors. With proper care, many LG refrigerators can offer reliable performance for well over a decade.
When your LG fridge is not cooling, it doesn’t always mean you need a brand-new appliance. By checking airflow, cleaning components, or replacing faulty parts like fans or thermostats, you can restore proper function. For high-quality, compatible LG fridge parts, from fan motors to control boards, shop confidently at AZParts to get your fridge running cold again, fast.
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