LG Refrigerator Compressor Not Working: Fixes

Quick Answer

If your LG compressor isn't running, the most common culprit is either a failed start relay or an internal mechanical failure of the linear compressor. Start by pulling the fridge out and listening for a clicking sound near the bottom, which usually indicates the compressor is trying to start but failing.

Fifteen years in, LG's linear compressors are honestly what I get called about more than almost anything else. They're whisper-quiet when they work, but they've got a known weakness in the internal pistons, a problem serious enough that LG settled a class action lawsuit over it. If your fans are running but the air's warm, you need to figure out fast if it's a $25 relay swap or a sealed system job, because ignoring it means your food goes bad and the compressor gets hotter by the hour.

LgRefrigeratorSeverity: moderateDifficulty: advanced45% DIY Success

Time to Fix

30–120 min

Difficulty

advanced

Parts Cost

$25 – $210

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Multimeter (capable of ohms/resistance testing)

What Does the COMPRESSOR-FAILURE Code Mean?

OK so a warm LG fridge doesn't automatically mean you need a new one. Don't panic yet. The start relay is a $15-25 part and it's the fix maybe 40% of the time I show up to one of these calls. If it's not the relay, check your warranty first because LG has a 10-year coverage specifically on the linear compressor part. The compressor replacement itself needs a licensed pro with EPA certification, but let's not get there until we rule out the cheap stuff.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Internal mechanical failure of the Linear Compressor60%

Burned out Start Relay or PTC Thermistor20%

Clogged or excessively dirty condenser coils10%

Main Control Board (PCB) relay failure10%

Symptoms You May Notice

Both the fridge and freezer are warm, like genuinely room-temperature warm, not just a few degrees off.
You can hear the fans running and the interior lights work fine, but there's zero cooling happening anywhere.
A sharp clicking sound comes from the bottom rear every 3-5 minutes, almost like a metronome, which is the overload protector tripping over and over.
The area near the compressor at the bottom rear is hot, uncomfortably hot, like you can't hold your hand flat against it.
A low hum or buzz starts up for just 2-3 seconds and then cuts out completely.

Can you reset a Lg refrigerator to clear the COMPRESSOR-FAILURE code?

Unplug the unit from the wall and leave it unplugged for a full 10 minutes. Don't cheat and do 5. While it's unplugged, press and hold the 'Ice Plus' and 'Refrigerator' buttons on the display if your model has them. Plug it back in and wait 5 minutes before expecting any cooling. If there's a 'Test' button on the main control board, press it once to force the system into service mode and trigger a fresh compressor start attempt.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverMultimeter (capable of ohms/resistance testing)Vacuum with brush attachmentFlashlight or headlampNut driver set (for some rear panel screws)

Service / Diagnostic Mode

Locate the main PCB on the back or top of the unit and press the small 'Test' button once. This will force the compressor and fans into high-speed operation for diagnostic purposes.

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range6–11 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Compressor Start Relay / PTCEBG60663230 · $25–$55	EBG60663230	$25 – $55
Main Power Control BoardEBR81182701 · $140–$210	EBR81182701	$140 – $210

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my LG compressor is under warranty?

LG's linear compressor has a 10-year parts warranty on most models sold after 2013. The labor warranty is usually just 1 year, so you might still pay for the service call even if the part is covered. Check the sticker on the inside wall of your fridge or your original paperwork. You can also call LG directly at 800-243-0000 with your model and serial number and they'll tell you exactly what's covered. It's worth the 10-minute call before you write a check to anyone.

Is there a reset button for an LG compressor?

There's no dedicated compressor reset button, but unplugging the whole fridge for 10 minutes does basically the same thing. It lets the sealed system pressures equalize and clears any error flags on the control board. Some models also have a 'Test' button on the main PCB that forces the system into service mode. When you plug it back in, give it at least 5 minutes before you decide if the reset actually worked or not.

Why is my LG fridge clicking but not cooling?

That clicking is the overload protector on the start relay tripping. It's a safety device that cuts power when the compressor draws too much current trying to start. It clicks, cools down, tries again, clicks again, over and over. The two most common causes are a dead start relay, which you can check yourself in about 5 minutes with the shake test, or the compressor's internal piston is physically seized. Start with the relay shake test because that's a $20 fix and it's the cause way more often than people expect.

Can I replace an LG compressor myself?

No, and I'd tell you that even as someone who wants you to DIY as much as possible. Replacing a compressor means cutting refrigerant lines, brazing with a torch, evacuating the system with a vacuum pump, and recharging with refrigerant. You need EPA 608 certification just to legally buy the refrigerant. The start relay and control board are both things you can absolutely replace yourself though, and they're worth ruling out completely before you call a tech anyway.

How long does it take for an LG fridge to cool back down after a repair?

Give it a full 24 hours before you panic. After a relay swap or board replacement, the system needs time to pull everything back down to temp. You should feel noticeably cold air within the first 4-6 hours. If it's still completely warm after 12 hours, something's still wrong. One thing people mess up constantly: don't keep opening the door to check every 20 minutes. Every time you open it you let the cold air out and force the compressor to work harder to recover. Set a timer and just leave it alone.

Related Lg Refrigerator Error Codes

Code: ER FFLG Refrigerator ER FF Error Code Code: IFLG Refrigerator IF Error Code

Models Known to Experience COMPRESSOR-FAILURE Errors

This repair applies to most Lg refrigerators with this error code. Common model numbers include:

LFXS28968S, LMXS28626S, LFXC24726S, LSXS26326S, LFXS30766S, LFX25973ST

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on May 20, 2024