LG French Door Refrigerator: Linear Compressor Failure in Katy, TX
📞 Call (346) 512-3688🔧 Performed by Serhii T.
The Problem
- •Both refrigerator and freezer sections warmed to 65°F overnight with no cooling
- •Clicking sound from the compressor area every three to four minutes, followed by silence
- •Compressor attempting to start but shutting down immediately each cycle
🔍 Diagnosis
When I arrived at the home in Katy, both compartments read 65°F on my digital thermometer. The clicking pattern, every three to four minutes with immediate shutdown, told me a lot before I even pulled the unit from the wall. That rhythm is the classic signature of a failing LG linear compressor, and it is easy to misread as a start relay problem if you are not familiar with how these LRMVS models behave. I removed the rear access panel and got eyes on the compressor. I connected my multimeter and tested the winding resistance on linear compressor TCA36811409. The main winding read less than 1 ohm. Normal range on these units is 8 to 12 ohms. That reading confirmed a dead short to ground inside the compressor windings. The start winding showed erratic, unstable readings as well. The sealed system still had pressure present, which ruled out a refrigerant leak as the primary cause. The compressor windings had failed internally, and no amount of refrigerant would fix that. With shorted windings, the compressor thermal overload trips within seconds of each start attempt, which is exactly the clicking behavior the customer described. Compressor TCA36811409 needed to come out.
🔧 The Repair
- ✓Step 1: Disconnected power and moved the refrigerator away from the wall to access the rear compressor compartment safely.
- ✓Step 2: Removed the rear access panel and confirmed the failed linear compressor model TCA36811409 mounted at the bottom rear of the unit.
- ✓Step 3: Connected the refrigerant recovery machine and evacuated all remaining R-600a isobutane refrigerant from the sealed system, working with ventilation in place given the flammable nature of isobutane.
- ✓Step 4: Disconnected electrical connections to the compressor and photographed the wiring configuration before removal.
- ✓Step 5: Used a torch to carefully unsolder the suction and discharge lines from the old compressor at the stub connections, then unbolted the mounting hardware and removed the failed unit.
- ✓Step 6: Installed the new genuine LG linear compressor TCA36811409, torqued the mounting bolts to specification, and soldered the suction and discharge lines using 15% silver solder with nitrogen purge to prevent oxidation inside the copper lines.
- ✓Step 7: Installed a new filter drier in the liquid line, pressure tested the sealed system to 150 PSI with nitrogen, evacuated to 500 microns using a two-stage vacuum pump, and held vacuum for 30 minutes to confirm no leaks.
- ✓Step 8: Charged the system with exactly 1.75 ounces of R-600a per the nameplate specification. After two hours of runtime, the refrigerator section confirmed at 38°F and the freezer at 2°F, with the compressor running smoothly and quietly with no clicking.
✓ Result
The new linear compressor started without hesitation, no clicking, no shutdown. After two hours of runtime, the refrigerator section reached 38°F and the freezer reached 2°F. The customer noted the unit was noticeably quieter than it had been before the failure, which is expected with a fresh compressor on these LRMVS models. A 90-day warranty was provided covering the compressor replacement and all sealed system work performed.
💡 Technician Notes
LG linear compressors in the LRMVS series are a known weak point, with winding failures typically showing up between years three and seven of service. The clicking and immediate shutdown pattern is the specific symptom to listen for. Do not chase a start relay on these units when you hear that rhythm, the linear compressor design does not use a traditional PTC relay, and the winding short is almost always the cause. Always use genuine LG OEM compressors for this replacement. Aftermarket units sourced for R-600a applications have a poor track record and often fail within a year. When working with isobutane refrigerant, keep all ignition sources away from the work area and ensure the space is well ventilated. The 1.75-ounce charge weight is exact, overcharging R-600a systems causes its own set of problems. Customers who notice occasional clicking sounds or slightly warmer temperatures in the weeks before full failure should call right away, earlier intervention means less spoiled food and sometimes a cleaner sealed system to work with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my LG French door refrigerator keep clicking every few minutes and not cooling?
That clicking pattern, every three to four minutes followed by silence, is the compressor trying to start and immediately shutting down. On LG LRMVS models, this almost always points to an internal winding failure in the linear compressor. The thermal overload trips each time the shorted windings draw too much current. It is not a relay issue on these units. The compressor needs to be tested with a multimeter and, if the windings show under 1 ohm, replaced.
How much does it cost to replace an LG linear compressor in Katy, TX?
Linear compressor replacement on an LG French door refrigerator involves the compressor itself, a new filter drier, refrigerant recovery and recharge, and the labor for sealed system work. This type of repair requires EPA certification and specialized equipment. Pricing varies depending on the specific model and parts availability, but expect it to be a significant repair. Call for a confirmed quote specific to your unit before making any decisions about repair versus replacement.
What happens if I keep running my LG refrigerator after the compressor starts clicking?
Once the clicking starts and cooling has stopped, running the unit changes nothing mechanically since the compressor is not actually operating. The risk is food spoilage. Both compartments will continue rising toward room temperature. If you are hearing clicking and temperatures are above 40°F in the fridge or above 10°F in the freezer, move perishables immediately and call for service. Delaying the repair does not make the compressor worse, but it does cost you food.
Should I repair or replace my LG refrigerator if the linear compressor failed?
On LG French door models, a compressor replacement with a genuine OEM part and a proper sealed system service gives you a reliable outcome. If the unit is under seven years old and in otherwise good condition, repair is worth the investment. If the refrigerator is over ten years old or has had prior sealed system issues, replacement deserves consideration. A technician should evaluate the full unit before you decide, since compressor failure sometimes masks other developing problems.
Why does LG use R-600a isobutane refrigerant and is it safe to repair at home?
LG switched to R-600a isobutane on many of their French door models because it is more energy efficient and has a lower environmental impact than older refrigerants. The tradeoff is that isobutane is flammable, which makes sealed system work on these units strictly a job for certified technicians with recovery equipment and proper ventilation. Attempting to open or repair the refrigerant circuit at home with R-600a present is a fire and explosion risk. This work requires EPA Section 608 certification.
Repair Summary
- Brand
- LG
- Model
- LRMVS
- Repair Type
- Compressor Replacement / Sealed System Service
- Refrigerant
- R-600a
- Root Cause
- Internal winding short in LG linear compressor TCA36811409
- Parts Replaced
- ✓LG linear compressor, genuine OEM, part number TCA36811409
- ✓Liquid line filter drier, new installation as part of sealed system service
- Location
- Katy, TX 77001
- Status
- ✓ Completed
Service Area
We provide refrigerator repair service in Katy and surrounding areas.
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