Repairing LG Refrigerator Compressors Made Easy

LG refrigerators stand among the most reliable and advanced appliances on the market today. Sweeping through homes across the globe, the South Korean tech giant has won the applause of millions for its seamless performance, stylish designs, and cutting-edge technology. However, even the finest machines are not immune to occasional hiccups and malfunctions, including the dreaded compressor failure. Luckily, repairing an LG refrigerator compressor is not as daunting as it might seem at first glance. This article aims to guide you through the repair process, helping to save both time and money. Understanding the Function of a Refrigerator Compressor The heartbeat of any refrigerator is its compressor. This crucial component is responsible for pumping refrigerant throughout your appliance's system, thereby maintaining ideal temperatures and conditions for food preservation. When the compressor succumbs to mechanical or electrical issues, the refrigerator loses its cooling capability, potentially causing spoilage of stored foods. Compressor malfunctions in LG refrigerators can present symptoms such as the refrigerator failing to keep food cool, the appliance making uncharacteristic noises, or the refrigerator inexplicably stopping. In the face of such issues, it is imperative to address them immediately to prevent the escalation of the problem. Diagnosis Troubleshooting is the pivotal first step in the repair process of an LG refrigerator compressor. It allows you to confirm whether the compressor is, in fact, to blame for the appliance's erratic behavior or whether another component is culpable. Is your refrigerator's motor running more frequently and for prolonged periods? Is the fridge unable to reach optimum temperatures despite the motor operating ceaselessly? If you answered yes to either of these questions, a compressor issue might be at play. Getting To Work For safety reasons, start by disconnecting the appliance from its power source. Further, as this involves electrical work, it is advisable to wear gloves and use tools with insulated handles. Access the back of the refrigerator and locate the compressor. It is typically black or grey, round or shaped like a tank. Accompanying it are several wires, a start relay, and a capacitor. The start relay's function is to propel the compressor's operation, whereas the capacitor stores the energy necessary for this process. Testing The Compressor Proceed to test the compressor using a multimeter, an instrument designed to measure electrical properties. Set the meter to read ohms, then connect one test lead to the common terminal, the other to the run terminal. Record the multimeter reading. Repeat this process for the common and start terminals. Add both readings - if the sum is equivalent to the multimeter reading obtained from the start and run terminals, then the compressor is in good health. Failure in this test points to a faulty compressor, which necessitates repair or replacement, depending on the extent of the damage. Replacing The Compressor When replacement is the only viable solution, it calls for extreme care and precision, especially for first-timers. The task involves removing the faulty compressor and installing a new one, in addition to replenishing the refrigerant. Due to the complexity of this task, it may be best to hire a professional technician to ensure proper execution. On The Samer Note If your LG refrigerator is still under warranty, you may be in luck. LG implemented a class-action settlement regarding compressor failure that extends the warranty to five years. This means that if your compressor fails within this period, LG will replace it free of charge. In conclusion, while the task of repairing an LG refrigerator compressor might seem daunting at first, familiarizing yourself with basic testing and troubleshooting techniques can make the process less intimidating. But it always serves to remember that if the task seems too overwhelming, a professional service is only a call away. Regular refrigerator maintenance is also vital for longevity. After all, prevention is better than cure.