Temper zone My unit cuts in for 1 or 2 minutes then cuts out and sounds louder than normal I took covers off and the compressor fills very warm does that indicate it has failed?

Hello Barb;

My name is Peter. I am a retired field service refrigeration technician.

Inside your compressor are two flat plate valves. Unfortunately, these plates are broken. This causes your compressor to knock loudly. You can confirm this. Pull your refrigerator out. Without unplugging, remove the bottom cover. Observe the compressor. You will see the compressor jerk and jump.

It is expensive to replace a compressor. Depending on your model it can cost between $450.00 & $650.00. The rule of thumb is: "If the cost of repair is 1/3 of the original value purchase a new unit".

Sorry for the bad news.

Peter, Baltimore, Maryland

LG does not currently have an extender panel. However, call Vance Baldwin/Encompass at 1-866-779-7906, as they may can help you with that.

As far as noise is concerned: Generally speaking, most noises heard from the air conditioner are normal sounds of operation. Most of the time, noises are muffled during the day by activity in the home, but heard at night when it is more quiet.

Vibrating Noise? This is most likely the result of improper installation. Check that the unit is secured properly in the unit. Make sure the filter and the front grille are attached properly.

Hissing/Gurgling Noise? At the ON/OFF operation is caused by the refrigerant flowing inside the air conditioners sealed system. THIS IS NORMAL. This sound is a little louder for 2~3 minutes when the unit is first turned on. This is the sound of the compressor start-up. THIS IS NORMAL.

Beeping sound when control settings are selected/changed? THIS IS NORMAL. This noise is a signal that the control panel settings have been changed.

Pinging Noise? THIS IS NORMAL. This is the result of moisture in the base pan being picked up by the fan (called a slinger fan) and thrown against the condenser. This helps to discharge the heat and make the unit cool more efficiently.

Is the unit installed in an enclosed are? A unit enclosed by many walls is likely to produce more noise as the sound waves will be reflected and echoed.

Once the room temperature is met, the compressor should turn off automatically. But, the fan may run for several more minutes.

I hope this helped you. Thanks for choosing FixYa.

Try this link for service manuals:
http://www.desaparts.com/service_manuals.html

If the unit runs for just a few minutes you could have a bad safety switch but you need to make sure you have the correct pump pressure.

Try putting your finger over the pump adjustment screw and see if you hear the heater become louder. If you do not hear a change in the sound of the heater you may have a problem with your end cover or pump pressure.

If you still need help you can call customer service at 1-800-475-5660

You'll need to get in touch with the store you bought it from but Cut everything off for a few minutes then turn it back on and listen for a click from the compressor relay as the compressor tries to start.
Is the compressor motor running.If no check starter/overload relay. Check to see if the condenser fan at the back underneath near the compressor is running. If no check fan.

Are the condenser coils near there warm or room temp. should be warm




Is the evaporator fan in the freezer running. It blows cold air into the fridge side through a damper in the wall between the freezer and fridge. Make sure the damper is open.

Below the evaporator fan is the evaporator coils. Remove the back cover in the freezer to observe the frost pattern. Light frost everywhere(NORMAL) or a partial pattern of ice(LOW ON FREON) or nothing(LOW FREON OR COMPRESSOR PROBLEM).

Sounds like bearings are out on the compressor. I'm assuming that it's not the fan motor making the noise, cause if it was - and the fan motor is cycling on and off - it (fan moter cycling on/off) will also cause the compressor to cycle on and off.

But, since you say it's the compressor (from which the noise is coming from) I would have to say the compressor's bearings are out and since it's a hermetic (sealed) compressor - your only option is to have a service tech check it out to be sure.

Note: I think you are correct (in thinking) a thermal overload is cutting off the compressor, because the compressor does have a 'saftey overload' built internally in the compressor just for that reason.

good luck!

When you shut it off and back on it slugged the compressor if you turn it off and back on before the pressures equalize between the high and low sides it will slug the compressor and it will not run should let sit for five minutes or so before restarting. The humming is either the compressor making noise usually common for the compressor to make some noise or the fan motor bearings are getting bad on the outside unit. If the unit works normal probably not much you can do till it breaks if it is the compressor it is more economical to replace the whole unit if it is just the fan motor it is worth changing. You could take an amp draw on the fan motor and the compressor to see if the are within the limits on the name plate of the outside unit.

. Cut everything off for a few minutes then turn it back on and listen for a click from the compressor relay as the compressor tries to start.
Is the compressor motor running.If no check starter/overload relay.

Are the condenser coils on the back warm or room temp. should be warm


How to check stuff>
http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/refrigerator/refrigerator.php

evaporator coils are behind the rear cover inside the freezer at the bottom.
observe the frost pattern. Light frost everywhere(NORMAL) or a partial pattern of ice(LOW ON FREON) or nothing(LOW FREON OR COMPRESSOR PROBLEM).
Compressor or freon problem will require a repairman.

. Cut everything off for a few minutes then turn it back on and listen for a click from the compressor relay as the compressor tries to start.
Is the compressor motor running.If no check starter/overload relay.
Check to see if the condenser fan at the back underneath near the compressor is running. If no check fan.

Are the condenser coils near there warm or room temp. should be warm


How to check stuff>
http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/refrigerator/refrigerator.php

I think your fridge has a blockage in the system which can be caused by migration of refrigeration oil. The compressor comes on but then the system blocks up and the compressor cuts out on overload and there is no cooling action. You need to have the system flushed by a professional

you need to replace the start components on the compressor, theres a relay that mounts on to the compressor that takes out the start winding after it starts the compressor up. You can also try whats called a three in one to try to start up the unit. Good Luck.