LG refrigerators are known for their innovative designs and advanced features that offer convenience and comfort to their users. However, like any other major appliance, they can sometimes experience issues frustrating for the owners.
One such issue is when the LG refrigerator gets stuck in defrost mode, which can cause the food or food items to spoil and result in a lot of inconveniences. If you are facing this problem, there is no need to panic.
In this article, we will discuss why your LG refrigerator model is stuck in defrost mode and provide easy and practical solutions to fix it.
Why is your LG Refrigerator Stuck in Defrost Mode?
If your LG refrigerator is stuck in defrost mode, it is not cooling properly and might cause your food to spoil. Several reasons can cause this problem. Here are some of the most common reasons why your LG refrigerator might be stuck in defrost mode:
1. Defective Defrost Timer
The defrost timer is responsible for periodically turning off the cooling system to allow the frost buildup to melt. If the defrost timer is faulty, it might not be able to initiate the defrost cycle, which can cause the refrigerator to remain in defrost mode.
You can check if the defrost timer is working by manually turning the timer dial using a flathead screwdriver. If the dial does not move, it might be defective, and you must replace it.
If you don’t know how to do this, you can consult your LG user guide (instructions manual) for repair guides or hire a qualified professional to help with the repair.
2. Faulty Thermostat
The temperature control thermostat is a small component located on the evaporator coil of the LG fridge. Its job is to monitor the temperature (a temperature sensor) of the evaporator coil and turn off the defrost heater when the freezer temperature reaches a specific threshold.
If the defrost thermostat is faulty, it might not be able to detect the actual temperature properly and turn off the defrost heater. This can cause the refrigerator to remain in defrost mode.
You can test the defrost thermostat using a multimeter. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it must be replaced.
3. Malfunctioning Defrost Heater
During the defrost cycle, the defrost heater is responsible for melting the frost buildup on the evaporator coil. If the defrost heater is malfunctioning, it might not be able to melt the frost properly, which can cause the LG fridge to remain in defrost mode.
You can check the continuity of the defrost heater using a multimeter. If the defrost heater is faulty, you will need to replace it.
4. Broken Evaporator Fan
The evaporator fan motor circulates the cool air throughout the refrigerator. Suppose the evaporator fan or the evaporator fan motor is broken. In that case, it might not be able to circulate the air properly, which can cause the refrigerator to remain in defrost mode.
You can check the continuity of the evaporator fan motor using a multimeter. If the fan motor is faulty, you will need to replace it.
5. Clogged or Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are in charge of removing heat from the refrigerator. If the coils are clogged or dirty, they might not be able to release the heat properly, which can cause the refrigerator to remain in defrost mode. You can clean the condenser coils using a vacuum cleaner or a coil cleaning brush.
In conclusion, an LG refrigerator might be stuck in defrost mode for several reasons, including a defective defrost timer, faulty thermostat, power source, malfunctioning defrost heater, broken evaporator fan, or clogged or dirty condenser coils.
It is vital to identify the root of the problem and take remedial action to ensure that your refrigerator operates properly and your food stays fresh.
How to Fix an LG Refrigerator Stuck in Defrost Mode
If your LG refrigerator is stuck in defrost mode, it can be a frustrating experience. This problem can arise from various causes, including a faulty defrost timer, a faulty thermostat, or a dysfunctional defrost heater.
In this section, we will provide detailed steps to fix the LG refrigerator stuck in defrost mode.
1. Check the Defrost Timer
The defrost timer is responsible for turning off the compressor and turning on the defrost heater. If the timer is faulty, it can cause your refrigerator to get stuck in defrost mode.
Unplug your refrigerator and remove the cover from the control panel to check the defrost timer. Locate the defrost timer and use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the timer is not working correctly, it needs to be replaced.
2. Test the Defrost Thermostat
The defrost thermostat is a safety feature that keeps the defrost heater from becoming too hot. If your thermostat fails, your refrigerator may become trapped in defrost mode.
To test the defrost thermostat, unplug your refrigerator and locate the thermostat. Use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the thermostat is not working properly, it must be changed.
3. Check the Defrost Heater
The defrost heater is responsible for melting the frost on the evaporator coils. If the heater is broken, it can cause your refrigerator to get stuck in defrost mode.
To check the defrost heater, unplug your refrigerator and locate the heater. Use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the heater is not working properly, it needs to be replaced.
4. Clean the Condenser Coils
If the condenser coils are dirty, it can cause your refrigerator to get stuck in defrost mode. To clean the condenser coils, unplug your refrigerator and locate the coils. Use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the coils.
5. Reset the Control Board
If none of the above methods work, the control board may need to reset. To do this, unplug your refrigerator and wait for 5 minutes. Plug it back in and wait for another 5 minutes. This will reset the control board and may fix the issue.
6. Call a Professional
If you’ve done all of the above instructions and your LG refrigerator is still stuck in defrost mode, it’s time to call an appliance technician. A qualified professional will be able to diagnose and fix the issue.
In conclusion, fixing an LG refrigerator stuck in defrost mode requires proper diagnosis and troubleshooting. Following the above steps, you can identify and fix the underlying issue causing your refrigerator to get stuck in defrost mode.
If you are unsure about doing these procedures independently, hiring an appliance technician (highly-rated, verified specialist) for your appliance repair is always advisable.
FAQs
How do you know if your fridge is stuck in defrost?
There are several indicators that your LG refrigerator is stuck in defrost mode. The first sign is if your fridge is not cooling properly or is not maintaining a consistent temperature setting.
Another sign is if you hear the compressor running continuously or not running at all. Additionally, if you see ice buildup on the evaporator coils or inside the freezer, it could be a sign that the fridge is stuck in defrost mode.
If you see any of these symptoms, you must act quickly to resolve the problem to prevent further damage to your refrigerator.
How long does the refrigerator stay in defrost mode?
The defrost cycle duration for a refrigerator varies depending on the brand and model. Typically, a defrost cycle will last between 25 to 45 minutes.
However, the frequency of the defrost cycle depends on the temperature and humidity levels in the refrigerator, as well as how often the fridge is opened and closed. It’s normal for a refrigerator to go through several defrost cycles in 24 hours.
If you notice your refrigerator staying in defrost mode for an extended period, it could indicate a problem with the defrost system that needs to be addressed.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
