LG Refrigerator Compressor Repair: From Diagnosis To Fix

LG has made a name for themselves over the years by offering a range of top-quality home appliances, including the reliable refrigerator that many people have come to depend on. However, like any mechanical device, even the best refrigerator might experience issues over time. Among these issues, refrigerator compressor faults are one of the most common and troublesome occurrences that customers face. The compressor acts as the heart of your fridge, essentially delivering life-giving coolant to the system’s veins. Thus, any malfunction or faults can lead to a significant disruption in the fridge's operation and, consequently, your daily life. This article aims to guide you through the diagnosis and repair of an LG refrigerator compressor issue. Diagnosing a faulty refrigerator compressor can be challenging without the proper knowledge and tools. However, you can start by identifying common warning signs. These include your fridge not cooling, a continuous operation of the appliance without a cooling effect, an unusually loud noise during operation, or a fridge that works for some time and then shuts off. All these signs could denote a problem with your refrigerator's compressor. To further confirm this, you can also check for any overheating by feeling the area around the compressor. This process usually requires removing the back cover of the fridge to access the compressor. Remember to disconnect the refrigerator from the power source beforehand to avoid any electrical accidents. On touching, if the compressor feels too hot, then it's probably faulty. Another confirmation method is to listen closely to sound variations when the fridge is running. A healthy compressor will make a moderate humming sound. However, if you hear a clicking sound, it means the compressor is trying to start but failing - a clear indication of a faulty compressor. LG refrigerators often display error codes on their digital panel when parts malfunction. For compressor issues, you may typically see an "E" or "Er" accompanied by "dH," "FF," "CF," "rF," or "CO" codes. Once you've identified these signs and confirm a compressor issue, it's time to fix it. Though it's advisable to have a professional do this, if you're a DIY enthusiast, the following steps will guide you. Ensure that the fridge is unplunched before you start. The first step is to unmount the back panel of the refrigerator, which houses the compressor. You'll need a suitable screwdriver for this. Once the panel is off, locate the compressor - it's usually at the bottom. It is a large and cylindrical component tasked with pumping refrigerant through the refrigerator. Before you start dismantling the compressor, it can be helpful to take a picture of the wiring for reference when reinstalling. Next, you'll need to remove the relay from the compressor using your hands or a pair of pliers. The relay is usually a small box connected to the side of the compressor. Once off, shake the relay and listen for a rattling sound. If it rattles, it's most likely the cause of the problem. In this case, you may not even need to replace the whole compressor, just the relay. If the relay is in sound shape, the compressor is most likely the problem. Compressor replacement is an intricate task that requires precision, as this component is filled with refrigerant. Therefore, it's generally best to contact a professional technician if the compressor is faulty. However, if you have the technical experience with refrigerators, you can replace the compressor. First, you need to release the refrigerant which should be done in compliance with environmental regulations. After this, using your reference picture and a wrench, disconnect the copper lines linked to the compressor. Then, unbolt the compressor from the refrigerator and install a new one using the bolts. The copper lines are then reconnected, and the refrigerant needs to be filled into the new compressor. Always remember to replace the compressor relay and the overland protector. These are small and less costly parts that protect the compressor. Finally, once you've fixed all the components back in place, run the refrigerator for a few hours to see if the temperature begins to drop. Bear in mind that LG provides a 10-year warranty on their compressors. So, if your refrigerator is still under warranty, get professional help from LG instead of trying to fix the compressor yourself, losing warranty coverage. In summary, diagnosing and fixing a refrigerator compressor issue can be a daunting and complex task. But with the right information and tools, or with the help of a professional, your LG refrigerator will be back up and cooling in no time.