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LG Refrigerator freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm

If your freezer is cold but the refrigerator section is warm, the most common causes are frost-clogged evaporator coils from a failed defrost system, a dead or seized evaporator fan motor, or restricted airflow from a door that is not closing properly. Start by checking the evaporator coils for heavy frost, since a faulty defrost heater or timer will let frost build up and block cold air. If the coils look clear, inspect the evaporator fan: see if the blade turns freely, listen for unusual noise, and test the motor with a multimeter if it does not run. Next, make sure door bins, shelves and food are not holding the door open, and check the gasket for tears or gaps. If those are good, the temperature control thermostat or a stuck damper control assembly can keep cold air from entering the fridge. These problems are the usual suspects when your fridge is not cooling but the freezer works or when the refrigerator is warm but the freezer is cold. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your refrigerator.

01 - The Evaporator Coils are Frosted Over

The defrost heater assembly turns on a few times throughout the day to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater assembly is defective, frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils, and the coils will become plugged with frost. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, the airflow through the coils will be restricted, causing the refrigerator not to cool. Check the evaporator coils to determine if they are frosted over. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, test each component of the defrost system.
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02 - LG Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor

The evaporator fan motor draws cold air over the evaporator coils and circulates it throughout the freezer. If the evaporator fan is not working, the freezer or refrigerator will not cool adequately. 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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03 - Door not closing all the way

Misaligned door bins and shelving, or an excess of food items, may be keeping the door slightly open and prevent the refrigerator from cooling properly. Make sure the shelves and door bins are in the proper locations and avoid overloading the bins and shelves with food items.
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04 - LG Refrigerator Temperature Control Thermostat

The temperature control thermostat directs voltage to the compressor, evaporator fan motor, and condenser fan motor (if applicable). If the temperature control thermostat is not working properly, it may prevent the refrigerant system from running properly, resulting in the refrigerator compartment not cooling as expected. To determine if the thermostat is defective, rotate the thermostat from the lowest setting to the highest setting and listen for a click. If the thermostat clicks, it is not likely defective. If the thermostat does not click, use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the temperature contr...ol thermostat does not have continuity at any setting, replace it.
Highly Likely

05 - LG Refrigerator Door Gasket

A refrigerator door gasket should form an airtight seal around the appliance's frame to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. If the door gasket is twisted or torn, gaps can form that will allow warm air in, resulting in the refrigerator compartment being warm even though the freezer compartment is cold. Inspect the door gasket for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
Highly Likely

06 - LG Refrigerator Damper Control Assembly

The air damper control opens and closes to let the proper amount of cold air into the refrigerator compartment. If the damper does not open properly, it won’t let enough cold air into the refrigerator. Check the damper control to determine if it is broken or stuck closed.
Highly Likely

Frequently Asked Questions

Freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm — what causes this?
Refrigerator not defrosting — how do I check the defrost system?
Refrigerator not getting cold — how do I test the evaporator fan motor?
Could a door gasket or door not closing properly make my fridge not cool?
How do I enter my model number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?

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