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HomeRepair HelpLG Refrigerator RepairLG Refrigerator runs constantly Repair
LG Refrigerator runs constantly
If your LG refrigerator runs constantly, start by checking the obvious: a hot, humid room will make any fridge run more to maintain set temperatures, so keep the appliance within normal operating temperatures. After ambient heat, the next things to consider are the compressor and the sealed system; a weak compressor can run continuously, but only after you confirm the evaporator and condenser fans and the thermistor are working correctly. Also check the freezer temperature—if the freezer is above about 10 degrees F the fridge section will struggle and the compressor may run nonstop. A door that is not closing fully because of an obstruction or a worn gasket will let cold air escape and force the unit to run. Finally, frost buildup from a failed defrost heater or a bad defrost thermostat can block airflow across the evaporator coils and make the refrigerator run constantly; you can check those parts for continuity with a multimeter. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement compressor, defrost heater assembly, defrost thermostat, gaskets, or other parts for your refrigerator.
01 - Room Temperature is Hot
Normal operating temperatures for a refrigerator are between 60 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (16 and 35 degrees Celsius). The hotter and more humid the air is the less efficient the refrigerator will be, causing it to run more. If possible, keep the refrigerator within the recommended operating temperatures and as cool as possible.
Top Solution
02 - LG Refrigerator Compressor
The compressor is the component that pumps refrigerant through the sealed system to cool the appliance. If you've determined the fan motors are all working and the thermistor is accurately monitoring the air temperature, it's possible the compressor itself is inefficient, resulting in it running continuously, although this is not a common problem.
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Highly Likely
03 - Freezer Temperature is Above 10 Degrees F (-12C)
Since the refrigerator compartment gets its cold air from the freezer compartment for many model types ("Top Freezer", "Bottom Freezer", and "Side by Side" models, for example), the refrigerator compartment will take longer to cool down if the freezer is not cold enough. As a result, the compressor may run constantly. The freezer temperature should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to -15 Celsius).
Highly Likely
04 - Door Not Fully Closing
Check to see that the doors are closing properly. If a door bin or food item is keeping the door open slightly the refrigerator may not cool properly, which can cause the refrigerator to run constantly.
Highly Likely
05 - LG Refrigerator Defrost Heater Assembly
The defrost heater assembly turns on several times throughout the day to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater assembly is defective, the refrigerator will not defrost, and frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, the refrigerator will work harder to remove the heat. As a result, the refrigerator will run constantly in an effort to cool down. To determine if the defrost heater is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the defrost heater does not have continuity, replace it.
Common
06 - LG Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat
If the refrigerator runs constantly, the defrost thermostat might be defective. Several times a day the defrost heater turns on for a few minutes to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the freezer or refrigerator evaporator coils. In order for this to work, the defrost thermostat has to sense that the coils are cold enough. If the coils are cold enough the defrost heater will turn on. If the thermostat is defective it may not be able to sense the temperature of the coils and then won't turn on the defrost heater. If the defrost heater doesn't turn on, the frost will build up on the coils and eventually no air ...
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
My refrigerator runs constantly, what should I check first?
Fridge not cooling but freezer works, why is the refrigerator warm?
How do I test the defrost heater assembly or defrost thermostat?
When should I replace the compressor?
How do I enter my model number on RepairClinic.com to find the right part?
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