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HomeRepair HelpLG Refrigerator RepairLG Refrigerator has frost or ice buildup Repair
LG Refrigerator has frost or ice buildup
If your LG refrigerator has frost or ice buildup, the most likely cause is a failed defrost system preventing regular defrost cycles. Start with the defrost control board, which tells the fridge when to run the heater; before swapping it, test the defrost heater and defrost thermostat for continuity. Next most likely is a bad defrost timer that will not advance into the defrost cycle or fail to power the heater. Less commonly, a leaking water inlet valve can flood the ice maker area and add ice, while a faulty evaporator or condenser fan motor can let cold air migrate and freeze the drain. Some models use a drain strap to conduct heat into the defrost drain; if it is missing or the drain is frozen, the defrost drain can clog and ice will build up. These are common refrigerator defrost problems, and they are responsible when a fridge is not defrosting. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement parts and step-by-step parts diagrams for your LG unit.
01 - LG Refrigerator Defrost Control Board
The defrost control board determines how often to run the defrost cycle. If the board fails, the refrigerator will not go into the defrost cycle. Before replacing the defrost control board, first test the defrost heater and defrost thermostat. If the defrost heater and defrost thermostat are working properly, the defrost control board is likely defective.
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02 - LG Refrigerator Defrost Timer
The defrost timer turns on the defrost heater several times throughout the day to melt any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost timer is defective, it may not advance into the defrost cycle, or it may not send power to the defrost heater during the defrost cycle. To determine if the defrost timer is defective, slowly advance the dial into the defrost cycle. The compressor should turn off and the heater should turn on. If the timer does not send power to the defrost components or advance out of the defrost cycle within 30 minutes, this indicates that the defrost timer is not advancing. If ...
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03 - LG Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve requires a minimum of 20 psi to shut off properly. If the water pressure is too low, the valve may not close fully once the power is shut off. As a result, the valve will leak water into the ice maker and cause the ice maker to overflow. Check the water pressure to determine if it is at least 20 psi. If the water pressure is sufficient, the water inlet valve is likely defective. The valve may not shut off all the way or may be stuck open, causing water to leak through the valve. If the water pressure is sufficient, but the ice maker is still overflowing, replace the water inlet valve.
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04 - LG Refrigerator Fan Motor
If the refrigerator's defrost drain is clogged, it's possible the evaporator fan motor is not working. If the evaporator fan is not running, cold air from the evaporator can migrate to the defrost drain causing ice buildup in the drain. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, replace the fan motor. Additionally, if the motor is unusually noisy, replace it. Finally, if the motor does not run at all, use a multimeter to test the motor windings for continuity. If the windings do not have continuity, replace the evaporator fan motor.
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05 - LG Refrigerator Drain Strap
Some defrost drains are outfitted with a drain strap. The drain strap is a small piece of copper or aluminum that attaches to the defrost heater and extends partway into the defrost drain. When the defrost heater turns on, heat is conducted through the drain strap to melt away any ice that may have accumulated further down in the defrost drain. If the drain strap is not in place, the defrost drain may be more likely to freeze over.
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06 - LG Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor
If the refrigerator's defrost drain is clogged, it's possible the evaporator fan motor is not working. If the evaporator fan is not running, cold air from the evaporator can migrate to the defrost drain causing ice buildup in the drain. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, replace the fan motor. Additionally, if the motor is unusually noisy, replace it. Finally, if the motor does not run at all, use a multimeter to test the motor windings for continuity. If the windings do not have continuity, replace the evaporator fan motor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my refrigerator have frost or ice buildup?
How can I tell if the defrost control board or defrost timer is bad?
Is a defrost drain clogged and how do I clear a clogged defrost drain?
Why is my ice maker overflowing with water?
How do I enter my model number on RepairClinic.com to find and buy the right part?
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