Everything you need to know about linear compressor repair in LG refrigerators
LG offers a one-of-a-kind offering for fridge buyers. It is nothing but the linear compressor. The refrigerator compressor is an essential component of the mechanism that transports warm air from your refrigerator. It’s essentially a “pump” intended for vapor rather than water, sending heated liquid refrigerant to the coils just on back of your refrigerator where it may cool and be circulated through the refrigerator again. Consider your refrigerator eliminating warm air instead of “adding” cold to the air.
What exactly is a linear compressor
The linear compressor manufactured by LG is a form of digital inverters compressor. A “single-speed compressor” in a standard refrigerator turns on and off as required. Digital inverter compressors operate more like vehicle accelerators, with variable speed motors that run continuously at a lower wattage level rather than going on to full power and then shutting off. This save a lot of electricity while also reducing compressor wear and tear.
How to figure out if there’s an issue with the linear compressor?
There are few signs that you need to be mindful about to locate an issue with the linear compressor of your LG refrigerator. Let’s go through those signs in detail.
Abnormal temperature – While operating, the compressor is hot, but should not overheat. You may feel it with your finger if this is hotter than normal; this is an indication of a problem; however, be cautious not to burn your hand.
Operational issues – The compressor process can inform you if it’s good or terrible. If the LG compressor is always running, it is almost probably broken. Similarly, if it is not functioning at all, it is obvious that the compressors is broken. Furthermore, if the refrigerator is not chilling effectively, it might be triggered by other parts, since broken parts can create the same issue as the compressor.
Hearing unwanted sounds – A properly functioning compressor generates a buzzing noise and clicks on and off while operating. Listen attentively for these noises; if you don’t hear them, then compressor may well be broken. If the on/off clicking gets too frequent, then compressor may be malfunctioning as well.
So how to repair LG refrigerator linear compressor?
There are few areas to work on when repairing a LG refrigerator that has cooling issues. Here’s anu overview of some of the steps that need to be followed.
Compressor – Your refrigerator’s compressor is placed beneath the bottom rear access panel. You’ll need to loosen a few screws to get to it. You need to unplug the refrigerator first. Check the continuity of its electrical pins. If the test yields an open – circuit voltage, it indicates that the compressor is malfunctioning and must be replaced. The compressor is a critical component of the refrigerator’s cooling system. Its primary function is to compress and circulate the refrigerant inside the coils. If it fails, the refrigerator begins to heat up. It is, however, not the sole reason of a refrigerator with cooling issues, and we should not dismiss it. Temperature control and primary control boards are two more components that may interfere with the normal operation of the cooling system, although they are less likely to be the culprits.
Thermistor – Check the thermistor for continuity using a multimeter, just like the other components. The thermistor’s function is to send the results of temperature measurements within the refrigerator to a control board. As a consequence of these findings, the control panel will change the temperature within the refrigerator. When the thermistor is unable to transmit signals to a control board, the controller will halt the functioning of other components, causing the refrigerator to cease cooling entirely.
Thermostat – To begin, use a multimeter to test the continuity of the temperature control thermostat. When you move the thermostat to a new temperature setting, the continuation or resistance should vary. If it stays the same, it indicates that the thermometer is defective and must be changed. The thermostat’s function is to deliver electricity to the cooling system’s evaporator, compressor, and condenser fans. As a result, if the thermostat fails, none of these components will get voltages needed start up. And as a result, the refrigerator ceases to chill.
Relay – The starting relay is a small box that is connected to the compressor. The compressor is positioned in the base of the refrigerator, behind the rear panel. Remove this box and give it a good shake to check whether it rattles. It is most likely malfunctioning if it creates a rattling sound. Check for continuity using a multimeter as well. If the start relay fails, the compressor cannot start, resulting in the fridge warming up.
Evaporator fan – The evaporation fan is hidden behind a panel in the freezer. Unscrew this panel on the freezer’s back wall to inspect its condition. If the fan has frost on it, unplug the fridge for a few hours to melt the frost. You could also use a dryer. Nevertheless, the fan motor might be defective as well; use a voltmeter to verify it. It can only be changed if it is defective. Most of the time, ice inhibits the evaporation fan from operating, and the refrigerator finally stops chilling.
Fan condenser – The condensing fan is situated near to the cooling coil which is used to cool them. Turn your fan blades to determine whether they are freely moving. If they are rotating rapidly, this indicates that fan is broken and has to be replaced. Check the fan motor whether the blades spin freely. Check the fan motor’s continuity using a multimeter. If it doesn’t have one, you should get one.
Condenser coils – Unplug the refrigerator, detach the water system line, and pull it away from the fence. Then, remove the top rear access panel, which houses the condenser coils. Clean them with a gentle brush and warm soapy water. Make absolutely sure the condensing coils are dry before testing the refrigerator. Condenser coils that are dirty limit heat dissipation from the coolant and diminish its cooling capability.
Final words
As you can see, fixing a broken LG refrigerator is not something easy. This is why you need to handover the work to a team of experts. If you are from Orange County, you can get in touch with our team at Victoria’s Appliance Repair. All you need to do is to schedule an appointment. Then one of our service teams will come to your location and carry out the repair for you.
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