LG fridge not cooling enough.


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Old 01-02-17, 12:26 PM
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LG fridge not cooling enough.

Model is LRFC22750ST (French door bottom freezer)

Freezer stopped getting cold enough followed by the fridge compartment doing the same about a week later. It does cool but very poorly and not enough to safely store food. Below is what I've checked so far.

Condenser coils are very clean
Compressor fan is running
No frost build up (I've unplugged and defrosted)

Let me know what to troubleshoot next? Cheers
 
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Old 01-02-17, 06:03 PM
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I also just checked the compressor itself and it is running fine (checked resistance on leads and it sounds fine).
 
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Old 01-02-17, 06:52 PM
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How about the evaporator fan inside...... is it running ?
The door will have to be closed for it to run.... so hit the door switch when checking.

Is the compressor hot ?
 
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Old 01-02-17, 07:11 PM
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Yes, evaporator fan is running inside (I just push the door contacts and I hear it start up and run). Compressor is warm/hot but it is also constantly running. It does sound normal though and using a multimeter the ohm readings are correct.
 
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Old 01-02-17, 07:18 PM
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Can you get to the evaporator (cold coil) ? It should be ice cold.
If the compressor runs continuously then you may be out of refrigerant.
 
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Old 01-02-17, 07:29 PM
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I'll have to take it apart to see the coils (will do). In the meantime, if the refrigerant is low or leaking out this would probably not be a DIY fix right? If there is a leak then it has to be found and fixed before recharging?
 
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Old 01-02-17, 07:37 PM
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Correct... a leak would need to be located first.
 
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Old 01-02-17, 08:08 PM
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Took it apart to locate the evaporator coils. Started the fridge and the inlet to the coils frosts up only. Everywhere else stays bare metal. Does this mean there is a clog? Or is it that the defrost heater is stuck on for some reason?
 
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Old 01-02-17, 08:20 PM
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No... that means there is not enough refrigerant to fill the evaporator coil. It would appear that you have a leak.

This video is from a regular LG fridge but the coil should look similar.... especially the frosted area.
you tube/watch?v=yhSKedotRyA
 
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Old 01-02-17, 08:36 PM
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Yes, looks identical. Probably not worth repairing as it is a 10 year old fridge.
 
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Old 01-02-17, 08:48 PM
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Unless you had a friend in the business..... I'd agree.

Most likely it's the evaporator that has leaked. That would be $115 plus a filter/drier $35. Then there is the install labor and the recharge.
 
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Old 01-02-17, 08:58 PM
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Thanks for all your help. I'm surprised the fridge lasted this long. It literally caught fire during its second year of use after the door/light switch failed and the lights ended up stuck on and lit the plastic housing on fire. Luckily we were home.
 
 

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