Troubleshooting LG Refrigerator Compressor Failures Like A Pro

LG is a highly reputable brand, recognized for its line of home appliances including refrigerators. However, even the most dependable appliances can sometimes experience malfunctions. One of the common issues among refrigerators, irrespective of the brand, is the compressor failure. A refrigerator compressor is one of its most crucial components as it controls the refrigeration cycle. Therefore, an understanding of how to troubleshoot LG refrigerator compressor failures can be invaluable. Fear not, by the end of this article, you will acquire sufficient knowledge and skills to handle these challenges like a pro. Primarily, it’s essential to recognize the symptoms of a faulty compressor. Common signs include the refrigerator not cooling properly, the compressor is hot to touch, extremely noisy, or in some cases, the refrigerator completely stops cooling. A refrigerator that's breaking its cold 'sweat' (i.e., condensation on exterior) can be a sign of a malfunctioning compressor. Before putting on your troubleshooting hat, make sure the issue with your refrigerator isn’t the result of simpler, easily rectifiable problems. Check if the voltage reaching the compressor is correct, and ensure no overloads, relays, or capacitors supporting the compressor are defective. Always unplug your refrigerator before inspecting the machinery components, to make sure you’re operating in a safe environment. To inspect the compressor, locate it first. It's typically at the back of the refrigerator, at the bottom. It's a large, black machinery component with numerous complicated wires attached to it. If you find it covered with a layer of dirt or dust, cleaning may help solve the overheating issue. Use a compressor cleaning brush or a vacuum cleaner to accomplish this task. Moving forward with diagnosing the issue, you can use a multimeter to check the compressor’s motor windings for continuity. First, unplug your refrigerator. Then remove the relay cover (a small box attached to the side of the compressor with 2-3 wires coming out of it). Disconnect these wires, but remember their order to reconnect them correctly later. Using a multimeter, test the three terminals that are protruding from the compressor. If no continuity is identified, the compressor requires professional repair or replacement. Another method to check the functionality of your compressor is the “3-1-1 method”. Connect a 3-in-1 start capacitor to the refrigerator’s relay box. If the refrigerator starts up, then the problem lies in the original compressor start relay. If this doesn’t solve the problem, your compressor might be the culprit. If none of these troubleshooting steps resolves the situation, you might have to confront the need for professional servicing or replacement. If the compressor is the root cause, it is often more cost-effective to replace the whole refrigerator rather than fixing the compressor, due to the high cost and complicated procedure of compressor replacement. Bear in mind, issues with refrigerators can also be caused due to problems unrelated to the compressor, such as a defective thermostat, blocked vents, or a malfunctioning fan. Hence, it is advised to systematically rule out simpler, common issues first before moving towards diagnosing more complex machinery like the compressor. Pro tip: Always clean and maintain your refrigerator routinely. This not only ensures efficient functioning but also prolongs the lifespan of the appliance, ultimately saving you the cost and hassle of unnecessary repairs and replacements. In conclusion, diagnosing and troubleshooting a refrigerator compressor is no cakewalk. The process requires careful evaluation, a systematic approach, and an understanding of the appliance's functioning. However, with the above guidelines, you are now equipped to face such challenges head-on. Turn your refrigerator problems into opportunities to hone your skills, and troubleshoot like a pro!