Fix It Yourself: Repairing LG Fridge Compressors

Every household relies heavily on its refrigerator to keep food fresh, preserve essential medications, and provide a constant supply of cold drinks. When things go wrong with these critical appliances, convenience quickly turns into inconvenience. LG refrigerators, renowned globally for their sleek design and superior functionality, are no exception. When faced with repair issues, particularly with crucial components such as the compressor, many often resort to professional help due to intricate technicalities involved. However, fixing it yourself might be easier than you imagine. This article will guide you through the process of repairing an LG fridge compressor. The refrigerator compressor plays a vital role as the heart of the cooling system. It compresses the refrigerant, which absorbs heat from the fridge and cools it down. When the compressor fails, your LG fridge will not keep your food or beverages cold, and a timely repair becomes very important. Symptoms of a faulty compressor range from your refrigerator not cooling sufficiently to strange noises, a clicking sound when the compressor tries to start, or the fridge running too long. Before embarking on a repair mission, ensure that the compressor is indeed malfunctioned. You can ascertain this by feeling the compressor for warmth or listening for the motor running. Repairing a damaged LG fridge compressor involves quite a technical process. Before starting, you should gather a few essential tools. You might need a refrigerator compressor starter kit, multimeter, screwdriver, socket or ratchet set, and a pair of needle-nose pliers. Switch off the refrigerator before commencing any repair. Unplug the fridge and move it away from the wall to access the back easily. The compressor is typically located at the back of your refrigerator. Next, locate the starter relay, which is usually attached to the compressor. The starter relay helps in starting the fridge compressor and could be the issue if your fridge is not cooling correctly. Pull off the wire connector attached to the starter relay and then remove the starter relay from the compressor by pulling it off. Once you have the starter relay, you can test it with a multimeter. Set your multimeter to the lowest ohms of resistance and touch one end of the tester to each pin on the starter relay. A good relay will have an ohm reading of between three and twelve. If the reading is excessively high or zero, it's time to replace the starter relay. If the starter relay is working fine, the compressor might have the problem. You have two options in this case: replace the compressor or replace the entire fridge. Compressors can be quite expensive, and sometimes purchasing a new refrigerator might be more cost-effective. If you choose to replace the compressor, it's recommended that you have prior technical experience or professional guidance. You need to desolder the old compressor from the refrigerant system while capturing any residual refrigerant which requires an EPA certification in many locations. However, in many LG models, the process also involves disconnecting the electrical connectors, unscrewing and removing the old compressor, aligning the new one in place, and screwing it in. The refrigerant would then need to be replaced and resealed by a professional. The refrigerator compressor is also sometimes covered by an extended warranty from LG. Check the manual or speak to an LG representative to confirm this. If so, it's better to reach out to an LG authorized service center for repair work. The warranty may become void if you try to repair it yourself. While the process might seem complicated, fixing your LG refrigerator’s compressor yourself can be a satisfying challenge for DIY enthusiasts or those looking to save money on repair costs. However, given its technical nature, it is sometimes appropriate to consult the help of professionals. Always remember, safety is paramount. Unplug the refrigerator and wear appropriate safety clothing, including gloves, before starting the repair process. Remember, learning to troubleshoot and repair your appliances can be a useful skill. With this guide, a little bit of patience, and steady hands, you can successfully repair your LG fridge’s compressor. Even if the task feels overwhelming, understanding the process is an empowering first step. You'll be able to diagnose fridge problems better and have more informed discussions with appliance repair professionals.