Some appliance breakdowns are baffling, like when LG refrigerator won’t get cold, but freezer works. Strangely enough, this is a common problem, and there are several potential reasons, such as dirty condenser coils, blocked vents, malfunctioning parts, and more. No one has more experience servicing refrigerator malfunctions than GFY, so let us guide you through what parts commonly fail, resulting in a “refrigerator warm freezer cold” issue.
Why Your LG Refrigerator Won’t Get Cold but Freezer Works
Modern refrigerators are technologically advanced and are available in many different styles, but they all operate using the same basic system. There are only a handful of part failures that can explain why your refrigerator won’t get cold but freezer works:
• Dirty Condenser Coils
• Blocked Vents
• Faulty Damper Control Assembly
• Defective Evaporator Fan Motor
• Defrost control board
• Defrost Timer Malfunction
• Broken Thermistor
What To Do If Your Refrigerator Won’t Get Cold But Freezer Works
Before diving into potential faulty parts, you should ensure the condenser coils are clean, and the vents aren’t blocked.
Dirty Condenser Coils
Dirty condenser coils can prevent a refrigerator from cooling while the freezer still works because they impede the release of heat from the refrigerant. The coils, located at the back or underneath the refrigerator, are responsible for dissipating heat. When they are covered in dirt or debris, their efficiency is compromised, hindering the cooling process in the refrigerator compartment.
Learn how to clean your refrigerator condenser coils effectively.
Blocked Vents
Blocked vents can prevent a refrigerator from cooling, even if the freezer is working because they obstruct the airflow within the refrigerator. The vents allow cold air from the freezer to circulate into the refrigerator compartment, maintaining the desired temperature. If the vents are blocked by obstructions such as food or ice buildup, the airflow is restricted, and the refrigerator compartment does not receive sufficient cold air.
If blocked vents or dirty coils aren’t the culprit, then faulty parts may be.
#1 – Faulty Damper Control Assembly
The fresh food side of your LG refrigerator gets cold by having air let in from the freezer section using a damper. If the damper assembly gets damaged, blocked, or stops working overtime, not enough cold air will be released into the refrigerator section.
You’ll need to physically inspect the damper to see if it’s still opening and closing correctly. If it no longer functions properly, reach out to a professional refrigerator repair technician to replace it.
#2 – Defective Evaporator Fan Motor
Both sides of your LG refrigerator cool thanks to cold air being drawn over the evaporator coils by a fan which then circulates the air throughout both sides. A defective evaporator fan motor will slowly cause the refrigerator side to stop cooling due to lack of circulation.
Test the motor by turning the fan blade by hand. If you feel any resistance, you’ll need to install a new one. A noisy fan is also a sign that it needs to be replaced.
#3 – Defrost Control Board Error
If you have an LG refrigerator not cooling, it could be a faulty defrost control board. Refrigerators use a timed defrost system to maintain a stable temperature and prevent the evaporator coils from getting completely frosted over. This system works thanks to a defrost control board that engages the system at certain intervals.
If the defrost control board stops working, your refrigerator won’t be able to remove heat efficiently, resulting in warm temperatures. You’ll know it needs to be changed if your defrost heater still works but the defrost system isn’t kicking in.
#4 – Defrost Timer Malfunction
While the control board is the brain of the defrost system, it’s the timer that actually makes the heater turn on throughout the day. This may be the culprit if the defrost heater isn’t turning on.
If your LG refrigerator won’t get cold but freezer works, try advancing the timer dial to defrost cycle. The defrost timer may need to be replaced if the heater doesn’t come on within 30 minutes.
#5 – Broken Thermistor
Thermistors are what monitor your refrigerator’s temperature and relay the information to the main control board. If the temperature is too high or low, the control board turns the compressor on or off. A broken thermistor will cause the compressor to run too often or not enough leading to improper temperatures.
LG Refrigerator Not Cooling Error Codes
Pay close attention when the digital control panel on your refrigerator displays letters and numbers that look like an entirely different language. These error codes could mean that your LG refrigerator isn’t cooling and may need service.
The error code displayed depends on your LG refrigerator model, so always reference the manufacturer’s website first.
LG Error Code: 22
Error Code 22 usually means that the compressor relay is malfunctioning. The compressor regulates the temperature inside of the refrigerator cabinet. It is recommended that you seek out a qualified service technician as soon as possible.
LG Error Code: CF
This indicates that the fan responsible for cooling the refrigerator condenser may be defective. If you find that your LG refrigerator is warm and you see the CF error code, we recommend calling for service right away.
LG Error Code: rF
When your refrigerator has an rF error code, it could mean that the refrigerator’s fan motor may be faulty. This could be the result of frost buildup around the motor, resulting in your LG refrigerator not cooling over time.
LG Error Code: 67
LG error code 67 could mean that there is a gap in the door. Check to see that nothing is preventing the door from closing fully. Inspecting the door gasket for any damage is also a good idea. A torn seal can cause the door not to close properly. See more LG error codes here.
Don’t let a warm LG refrigerator ruin your day while the freezer stays cold. If you’re facing this frustrating issue, it’s could be caused by dirty condenser coils or malfunctioning parts. But fear not! There’s a solution at hand. Contact GFY for expert refrigerator repair today!
