Cooling issues and ice maker problems

[silentjay]

Model Number: LFX25971SB
Brand: LG
Age: More than 10 years

Hi.

I bought this fridge second hand. The seller said everything worked as it should and well, that wasn't true.

First issue is the freezer doesn't get colder than about 10 degrees. I've replaced the relay on the compressor and the overload for the compressor as well. I ran through the 3 cycles on the control board button, and each step does what its supposed to. The LED on the front of the freezer doesn't fully light, but I know its set at 35 for the fridge and -2 for the freezer. The fridge does make temp.

Second is the icemaker. At first I couldn't get it to do anything but after some research I found that on this model, you have to hold the cube size button for ten seconds to get it to reset and then, it fills with water. This also triggers the fan in the door to run to cool the ice compartment. The ice will freeze but it never dumps and with the fans running the freezer temp increases by about 10 degrees which is no bueno.

I know there's a capacitor that can be replaced, but I'm confused because every video shows the capacitor for the compressor being replaced right near it but I don't see one on mine. I believe it's on the control board.

I'm not sure what else to look at. If anyone has a thought id appreciate it.

Jay

[Doc Ryan]

Hi Jay,

The ice maker won't cycle to make ice on its own unless it is getting cold enough. The ice maker not working is probably related to the cooling issue.

Can you post a picture of the evaporator coil behind the rear wall in the freezer section after the compressor has been run for 15 minutes?

[silentjay]

I'm assuming I have to take out the white wall in the back to access this? And updated bit of info too, the freezer did get to its tArget temperature when left alone and the ice maker off. Once the freezer got to about -5 I turned on the ice maker. After the second cycle and the fans running, once again the freezers temp raised all the way up to 15 degrees, indicating to me the compressor isn't kicking on when it's supposed to or it can't keep up. I've also since replaced the thermometer in the freezer section.


Jay

[Doc Ryan]

Hi Jay, yes you have to rear cover in the back of the freezer. It should be a similar process as shown in the video below.

[silentjay]

Okay I will get on that asap. Is the best way to force the compressor to run by putting in test mode 1?

[Doc Ryan]

You can use a service mode or just let it run normally.

[silentjay]

Thanks for the reply. The video you posted shows accessing the fan but not removing the entire wall. I'm pretty confident I can get the wall out but I wanted to make sure.

[silentjay]

Hey Doc,

Attached are photos behind the wall. The fridge has been in use since we got it so it's been running for awhile.

Thanks,

Jay

[Doc Ryan]

Thank you. Is that what it looks like after running for 15 minutes?

[silentjay]

The refrigerator has been in use so it's been running for a few weeks. I don't really have a way to shut it down long enough to just run it 15 minutes without spoiling my food

[Doc Ryan]

Okay, let me know if you change your mind.

[silentjay]

Okay, let me know if you change your mind.

How long would I have to shut it down before starting the process? Can you tell me what you think would be happening after 15 minutes?

[Doc Ryan]

I need to see what the frost pattern on the evaporator coil looks like after it has been running for about 15 minutes.

[silentjay]

Doc,
I really appreciate your patience with this. What I need to know is do you need me to defrost the coil first and then run the compressor. Or just force the compressor to run for 15? If you could give me the steps here, I'm a novice at this and trying to learn

Thank you,

Jason

[Doc Ryan]

Jason, if you can start with a clean coil with no frost on it and then run it for 15 minutes and post of photo of the coil that would be ideal.