LG Fridge Not Cooling but Freezer Works: Causes and Fixes
If your LG fridge is not cooling but the freezer works, you’re not alone. This is a common problem, especially in models like LFCS27596S, where the freezer operates correctly while the fresh food section remains warm. In this guide, we’ll explain why that happens, how to diagnose the issue, and when it’s time to call for professional help.
Signs of the Problem
When your LG refrigerator isn’t cooling properly, but the freezer feels fine, you might notice the following:
- Fresh produce is spoiling quickly
- Beverages are not chilled
- The freezer stays cold, with no signs of frost build-up
- A fan is running, but there’s little to no airflow in the fridge section
This often indicates an LG refrigerator airflow problem—specifically, that cold air isn’t reaching the fresh food compartment.
Common Causes
Let’s break down the likely reasons behind this issue:
1.
Damper Control Issue (LG)
The damper control is responsible for letting cold air flow from the freezer to the refrigerator. If it’s stuck closed or not opening fully, air circulation is blocked.
- In many LG models, like LFCS27596S, the damper is electronically controlled.
- If the damper motor fails or the control board sends the wrong signal, it won’t open.
- This issue is frequently misdiagnosed as a sealed system or compressor failure.
Symptoms:
- No airflow noise in the fridge
- The evaporator fan is working fine
- Freezer cold, fridge warm
2.
Evaporator Fan Running But Fridge Warm
The evaporator fan pushes air across the coils and through the damper into the fresh food section.
- If it spins but doesn’t circulate enough air, it could be obstructed or running at low voltage.
- A failed feedback sensor on the fan can also cause weak operation without triggering an error code.
3.
Temperature Sensor Failure
A faulty thermistor in the fresh food section may send incorrect temperature data to the main control board. The system may think the fridge is colder than it is and stop air circulation.
4.
Airflow Blockage or Ice Build-Up
If the air duct is blocked—for example, by spilled liquids or food particles—cold air cannot travel properly. This is especially likely in single-evaporator models like LFCS27596S.
5.
Models with Dual Evaporators
In dual evaporator models (like LFXC22526S or LRMXC2206S), each compartment cools independently.
- If the fresh food section stays warm, it could mean:
- A leak in the sealed system
- A failure of the 3-way valve
- A faulty main control board
Diagnosing the Issue
Here’s how to check your LG refrigerator step-by-step before calling for service:
Step 1: Listen for the Evaporator Fan
- Open the fridge door.
- Press the door switch to simulate a closed door.
- Listen for the fan running. If silent, the fan motor could be faulty.
If the evaporator fan is running but the fridge is warm, move to the next step.
Step 2: Inspect the Damper Control
- Remove the rear panel inside the fridge.
- Look at the damper flap—it should open and close periodically.
- If it remains closed, it may be stuck, iced over, or the motor has failed.
You can test the damper motor by checking voltage at the connector:
- Pin 1 (Blue) and Pin 3 (White) should show signal changes between 0V and 5V under Test Mode.
Step 3: Check for Ice Blockage or Spills
- Remove crispers and shelves to access airflow channels.
- Shine a flashlight into air vents to check for ice buildup or food residue.
- If you’ve recently had a spill, this may have blocked air ducts.
Step 4: Measure Thermistor Resistance
Using a multimeter, test the fresh food temperature sensor:
| Temperature | Expected Resistance |
| 23ºF / -5ºC | ~38k Ohms |
| 50ºF / 10ºC | ~19.5k Ohms |
Abnormal values suggest a bad sensor
Single vs. Dual Evaporator Models
Understanding your LG model helps in accurate diagnosis.
Single Evaporator Models
Example: LFCS27596S, LTCS24223S
- A single evaporator in the freezer cools both compartments.
- If the fridge is warm but the freezer works, the likely cause is:
- A blocked duct
- Stuck damper
- Evaporator fan malfunction
Dual Evaporator Models
Example: LFXS28566S, LRFXS2503S
- Each section has its own evaporator coil and fan.
- The fridge staying warm may indicate:
- Faulty 3-way valve (controls refrigerant flow)
- Issues with sealed system or main control board
When to Call for Professional Repair
You should contact a technician if:
- There is no airflow, and the damper doesn’t respond to manual or voltage tests.
- The fan motor gets voltage, but doesn’t spin or is noisy.
- The temperature sensor reads incorrectly.
- You find signs of a sealed system issue, like frost only on one coil section or no frost at all.
These may require specialized tools, like vacuum pumps, refrigerant gauges, or even main board replacements.
Helpful Model Numbers
To help readers, here are a few LG fridge models and what system they use:
| Model | Evaporator Type | Notes |
| LFCS27596S | Single | Common airflow block issue |
| LFXC22526S | Dual | Check 3-way valve |
| LMXC22626S | Dual | Sensitive to control board errors |
| LTCS24223S | Single | Damper prone to clogging |
Final Thoughts
A LG fridge not cooling but freezer works is typically a repairable issue. Most commonly, it’s due to:
- A damper control issue
- A partially blocked air channel
- Or a malfunctioning fan or thermistor
In single evaporator units like LFCS27596S, it’s crucial to inspect airflow paths for spills or ice. For dual systems, a 3-way valve or sealed system fault might be at play.
