What Does Error Code SYMPTOM‑NOT‑COOLING Mean?

Error SYMPTOM‑NOT‑COOLING on your LG Refrigerator means: The SYMPTOM‑NOT‑COOLING code appears when the refrigerator’s control board detects that the interior temperature is above the set point. In plain English, the fridge is running but the cold compartment isn’t getting cold enough, which can spoil food and waste energy. This error can be caused by a variety of issues, including a faulty temperature sensor, a malfunctioning evaporator fan motor, or a problem with the defrost timer.

What You'll Need

🔧 Tools

Phillips #2 screwdriver
T20 Torx screwdriver
Digital multimeter with temperature probe
Nut driver set (5 mm, 8 mm)
Vacuum with brush attachment

🛒 Parts

Evaporator fan motor
Temperature sensor (thermistor) for refrigerator compartment
Defrost timer or defrost control board
Condenser coil cleaning kit

How to Fix Error SYMPTOM‑NOT‑COOLING — Step by Step

1

Power‑Cycle the Unit (Quick Reset)

Unplug the refrigerator or flip the dedicated breaker off for at least 60 seconds. This clears any transient fault in the main control board. After the pause, plug it back in and listen for the compressor to start. If the SYMPTOM‑NOT‑COOLING code disappears, the issue was a momentary glitch.

💡 Pro Tip: Mark the breaker position before you flip it so you can restore power exactly as it was.
2

Inspect Door Gaskets and Alignment

Open both the fridge and freezer doors. Examine the rubber gaskets for tears, gaps, or food debris. Close the doors and pull them gently; they should seal with a firm, even resistance. A compromised seal lets warm air in, forcing the compressor to run continuously without lowering temperature.

💡 Pro Tip: Run a dollar‑bill test: place a bill between the gasket and the cabinet. If it slides out easily, the seal needs replacement.
3

Clean the Condenser Coils

Locate the condenser coils—usually behind a rear access panel or underneath the fridge. Remove the panel using a Phillips #2 screwdriver. With a vacuum and brush attachment, clear dust, pet hair, and debris. Clean coils improve heat exchange, allowing the compressor to cool more efficiently.

💡 Pro Tip: Schedule coil cleaning every 6‑12 months; a dusty coil can raise the interior temperature by 5‑10 °F.
4

Check the Evaporator Fan Motor

Inside the freezer compartment, locate the evaporator fan (often behind the rear panel). With the fridge unplugged, spin the fan blade by hand; it should rotate freely. Use a digital multimeter set to Ω to measure resistance across the motor terminals—typical values are 4‑8 Ω. If the motor is silent, stalls, or reads open circuit, replace it.

💡 Pro Tip: Listen for a faint humming after you restore power; a working fan will start within a few seconds.
5

Test the Refrigerator Temperature Sensor

The sensor sits on the back wall of the fridge compartment. Disconnect the wiring harness, then measure resistance with the multimeter while gently warming the sensor with your hand. A healthy sensor shows a smooth increase from about 10 kΩ at 0 °C to 2 kΩ at 10 °C. Erratic or flat readings indicate a faulty sensor.

💡 Pro Tip: If the sensor is hard‑to‑reach, remove the interior shelf for better access.
6

Verify the Defrost Timer or Control Board

A stuck defrost timer can keep the evaporator fan off, causing a warm fridge. Locate the timer (usually near the compressor) and manually advance it with a screwdriver. If the fan starts, the timer is functional. For electronic defrost boards, look for burnt traces or loose connectors. Replace only if you see obvious damage.

💡 Pro Tip: Some newer LG models use a digital defrost controller; consult the service manual for the exact part number.
7

Examine the Main Control Board for Error Codes

If all mechanical checks are clean, the control board may be misreading sensors. With power off, remove the rear access panel and locate the PCB. Look for corroded pins or loose wire harnesses. Reseat any connectors and re‑apply dielectric grease if needed. A persistent SYMPTOM‑NOT‑COOLING after this step usually means the board itself must be replaced.

💡 Pro Tip: Document the board’s model number (e.g., RBC‑001) before ordering a replacement.

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional if the compressor hums but never kicks on, if you suspect a refrigerant leak, or when the main control board needs replacement. These tasks involve high‑voltage components or sealed‑system work that require factory‑trained service technicians. Additionally, if you're not comfortable with DIY repairs or if you've tried the steps above and the issue persists, it's best to consult a professional for further assistance.

Field note: SYMPTOM‑NOT‑COOLING is a cooling-system complaint (evaporator fan, condenser, defrost, or sealed system). On LG refrigerators start with dirty condenser coils, a stuck evaporator fan, and a packed-solid freezer — not a compressor swap. If the evaporator is a block of ice, run a manual defrost and find why defrost did not finish.

What this code is not

Not an ice-maker-only fault if the whole box is warm.
Not a sealed-system job until airflow and defrost are proven.
Leaving the doors open to ‘reset’ it just ices the evaporator again.

Introduction to SYMPTOM‑NOT‑COOLING

The LG Refrigerator error code SYMPTOM‑NOT‑COOLING indicates a problem with the refrigerator’s cooling system. This code can be caused by a variety of issues, including a faulty temperature sensor, a malfunctioning evaporator fan motor, or a problem with the defrost timer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix the issue.

Repair Cost Estimate

Part	Typical Price (USD)	DIY Cost*
Evaporator fan motor	$45‑$80	$60
Temperature sensor (thermistor)	$12‑$25	$20
Defrost timer/control board	$30‑$70	$55
Condenser coil cleaning kit	$15‑$30	$20
Main control board	$150‑$250	$200

*DIY cost includes part price plus a small allowance for tools or consumables. Professional labor averages $120‑$180 per hour; a full repair typically takes 2‑3 hours, so total shop‑price ranges from $300 to $600 depending on the part(s) needed.

Warranty & Support

LG offers a limited 1‑year parts and labor warranty on most new refrigerators, plus a 5‑year sealed‑system warranty for the compressor. If your unit is still under warranty, call LG Support at 1‑800‑243‑0000 before ordering parts. Have your model number and serial tag ready; the technician may guide you through a reset or arrange a service visit at no charge.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Clean condenser coils every 6‑12 months to keep heat exchange efficient.
Check door seals quarterly; replace any gasket that shows wear.
Run a weekly “defrost check.” If you notice frost building on the evaporator, manually defrost the freezer for a few hours and then run the fan to verify it spins.
Keep the interior temperature set between 35‑38 °F for the fridge and 0‑5 °F for the freezer; extreme settings cause the compressor to cycle excessively, shortening component life.
Avoid overloading the fridge. Too many items block airflow and can trigger the SYMPTOM‑NOT‑COOLING error.

Related Troubleshooting Guides

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What Does Error Code SYMPTOM‑NOT‑COOLING Mean?

What You'll Need

🔧 Tools

🛒 Parts

How to Fix Error SYMPTOM‑NOT‑COOLING — Step by Step

Power‑Cycle the Unit (Quick Reset)

Inspect Door Gaskets and Alignment

Clean the Condenser Coils

Check the Evaporator Fan Motor

Test the Refrigerator Temperature Sensor

Verify the Defrost Timer or Control Board

Examine the Main Control Board for Error Codes