LG Fridge Freezing Food (Solved)

An LG refrigerator is no less than a lifeline for the kitchen, so you should be alert to notice any anomaly in its functioning. 

And, among the different issues cropping up in both new and old models from time to time, food freezing is perhaps the most common one. This issue naturally renders the fridge useless and might worsen the situation if left unattended for long.

If you wish to go the DIY way to correct the issue, know that it can be caused due to several defects, each of which you’ll need to address differently. And, that’s what we’ll be explaining in this simplified guide.  

How To Fix An LG Fridge Freezing Food

For better clarity on the DIY repair methods, we’ll be discussing the faults leading to the problem along with the best way to rectify them. So, let’s begin. 

The Probable Faults And How To Fix Them 

1. The Control Thermostat Isn’t Working

One of the most common reasons behind the food freezing issue in LG refrigerators is the malfunctioning of the control thermostat. This critical part regulates the air temperature of the fridge by turning its refrigerant system on and off as required. An issue in the temperature control thermostat will cause the evaporator and compressor fans to work overtime.

As a result, the fridge will get extremely cold and begin freezing the foods. Testing the temperature control thermostat involves the following simple steps:

Step 1 

While the compressor and fridge are running, adjust the temperature from the lowest to the highest. 

Step 2

Be alert to hear a click when you’re doing this. Such a sound would indicate that the refrigerant was shut off. 

Step 3  

But, in case you don’t hear the click, chances are that the control thermostat isn’t functioning correctly. In such situations, you’ll have to replace the malfunctioning control thermostat using the steps given below:

Step A

Start by unplugging the fridge from the power outlet. 

Step B

Now, find the thermostat with the help of the fridge user manual. Note that over/under refrigerators will have the thermostat under the unit, while the side-to-side ones will have the device on the backside. 

Step C

Detach the panel that covers the thermostat — simply loosen its screws or release the clips using a screwdriver. Once the cover is detached, set it aside. 

Step D

Follow this by pulling the two wire connectors of the thermostat gently off the pin terminals or the spade using suitable pliers. Then, remove the clip or mounting screw that holds the thermostat and slide out the device from the evaporator. 

Step E 

At this point, fix the replacement thermostat onto the evaporator and attach its connecting wires to the two terminals. You can then place the cover back and plug the fridge in. Finally, adjust the temperature dial within the unit to test the replacement thermostat. 

2. The Damper Control Assembly Is Broken

A refrigerator stays cool owing to the cool air that’s supplied within the refrigerator compartment consistently. And, it’s the damper that supplies the unit with the cool air. 

This device, in effect, regulates the amount of cold air going into a refrigerator by closing and opening. As such, if it turns out to be broken, it might stay open, letting too much cold air enter the refrigerator. 

Detecting a fault in this device needs visual inspection. Note that the LG fridge damper control might be on top of the refrigerator or at its back based on the model you’re using. In case it’s broken, you’ll need to replace it at the earliest using the following method:

Step 1

First, ensure you’re safe during the task by switching off and unplugging the device from the power outlet. 

Step 2 

Now, open the LG refrigerator and identify the damper control device. You’ll have to remove the screws and bolts holding the device in position. 

Step 3

At this point, it’s essential to check if there’s a wire harness connected to the device and the refrigerator and disconnect the same. Then, detach the broken damper control assembly and place it on your work table. 

Step 4

Now, remove all the wire harnesses and unmount them from the damper assembly. 

Step 5

Take the replacement damper and place it in position, and then reconnect the wire harnesses. 

Step 6

Next, take the device to the refrigerator and fix it in position. 

Step 7

Test the fridge by switching it on. 

3. The Temperature/ Main Control Board Is Defective 

The control board of the refrigerator that facilitates temperature regulation works by directing voltage to its refrigerant. In case this board becomes defective, it might send voltage continuously to the system, making the refrigerator colder than you desire. 

The primary control board acts as the brain of this appliance as it controls the voltage transmitted to the whole unit. In case this board turns faulty, it might cause the evaporator and compressor fans to start overworking. This will result in the freezer compartment turning exceptionally cold and freezing fresh food. 

Though diagnosing a fault in these boards is tough, you can try detecting any loose wires or burning components within the unit. We’d suggest troubleshooting the thermistor and the components mentioned above before diagnosing these two. And, you can consider replacing them only in case the issue remains unresolved. 

It’s best to get such replacements done by a fridge repair service. But, if you still want to go for a DIY method instead, here are the steps to follow:

A. Replacing The Main Control Board

Step 1 

Like the other repair processes we’ve discussed, you’ll need to unplug the fridge from the power outlet before starting the job. 

Step 2

Unscrew the access panel of the control board. 

Step 3

Pull the access panel off the board. 

Step 4 

Now, identify the wire connectors on the control board and disconnect the wires. 

Step 5

Follow this by pulling the retaining tabs back so that you can release the faulty board. 

Step 6 

You’ll then have to install the new board by sliding it behind the tabs to the right of the housing and then snapping the board behind the tabs on the left. 

Step 7 

Connect the wire harnesses to the correct terminals on the replacement board. 

Step 8

Next, carry out a realignment of the access panel, and use replacement screws to secure it perfectly. 

Step 9 

The fridge will now be ready for use, so plug the cord back into the power outlet and test whether it’s working the right way. 

B. Replacing The Temperature Control Board

This replacement involves a similar procedure, whereby you’ll have to remove the back panel of the fridge, detach the cover on the control board housing and disconnect the wires. Next, remove the screws and locking clips securing the board in its housing. 

It’s then that you can insert the new board, reinstall the screws and connect all the wires. Finally, reinstall the housing cover by screwing it back, and fix the bottom panel on the backside to complete the process. Your refrigerator is now ready for testing, so reconnect it with the power supply and see whether it’s working the way it should.  

4. There’s A Faulty Thermistor

At last, the thermistor is another component you must check in case the food is freezing in your refrigerator. This device monitors the air temperature and sends the reading to the control board of the fridge, which is then used by the latter to regulate the refrigerants. 

In case there’s a fault in the thermistor, it might fetch an incorrect reading that will naturally result in the control board functioning inappropriately. This, in turn, might lead to the compressor and evaporator fan motor operating longer than required. 

To test whether the thermistor has any defect, you’ll have to use a multimeter. Note that the resistance of the thermistor recorded on this device should change in response to the temperature set for the refrigerator. 

In case the resistance doesn’t change or the thermistor is projecting enough continuity, you’ll need to replace the part in a method similar to that of the control thermostat. 

Final Words

Ready to tackle the food freezing problem in your refrigerator now? So, gather the essential tools and test the different components. It won’t be long before your fridge comes back to its normal operational state. 

But, be careful to ensure that this problem doesn’t recur in the future. You might think that can’t be guaranteed, but following some simple practices can indeed do the trick. 

First, avoid keeping foods that freeze easily, such as tofu and bean sprouts, near cool air outlets. You should also make sure to store all vegetables and fruits in the vegetable crisper to facilitate optimal freshness. At last, avoid overfilling during storage and ensure no food blocks the air vents. See you next time! 

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