LG LFXS26973S (French Door) – Linear compressor failure Repair Guide

by

🔧 Linear compressor failure Repair Guide for LG LFXS26973S (French Door)

💡 Don’t panic! Listen for clicking/no cooling; check compressor warranty (10-year sealed system)

📋 What You’ll Need

  • Compressor
  • Multimeter
  • Refrigerant gauge set

🔧 Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

🔧 Step 1: Unplug refrigerator and locate compressor

  1. Walk to the back of your LG LFXS26973S refrigerator and grip the sides of the unit with both hands, approximately 36 inches from the floor.
  2. Pull the refrigerator forward 24-30 inches away from the wall to access the rear panel and power cord.
  3. Locate the power cord at the lower right side of the refrigerator’s back panel, approximately 8 inches from the floor and 4 inches from the right edge.
  4. Grasp the plug (not the cord) and pull it straight out from the wall outlet with a firm, steady motion.
  5. Set the plug on the floor away from any water sources.
  6. Move to the front of the refrigerator and remove the lower kickplate by locating the two plastic clips at the top edge of the panel, positioned 12 inches from each side edge.
  7. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the clip slots and pry the kickplate forward until it releases with a snap.
  8. Set the kickplate aside.
  9. Crouch down and look toward the back-left corner of the exposed lower compartment.
  10. Identify the compressor as a black, cylindrical metal component approximately 10 inches tall and 8 inches in diameter, located in the left rear corner.
  11. The compressor will have a shiny copper tube extending from its top and a black overload relay attached to its side with three metal pins visible.
  12. Note the condenser coils (black wire grid) directly behind and around the compressor.
  13. Verify you’ve located the correct component by confirming you see the oval metal housing with the LG logo stamped on a small silver label on the compressor body.

🛠️ Step 2: Test compressor windings with multimeter

  1. Locate the compressor in the lower rear section of the refrigerator, positioned on the right side when viewed from behind.
  2. Find the black plastic terminal cover on top of the compressor – it’s a round or oval cover approximately 2 inches in diameter secured with a pull-tab or single screw.
  3. If secured with a screw, remove it using a 1/4-inch nut driver, turning counterclockwise.
  4. Pull the terminal cover straight up and off to reveal three metal pins arranged in a triangle pattern – these are labeled C (Common), S (Start), and R (Run).
  5. Set your digital multimeter to the ohms (Ω) setting at 200 ohms range.
  6. Touch the black probe to pin C (Common – typically the bottom or center pin).
  7. Touch the red probe to pin S (Start – usually marked and positioned at top left).
  8. Read the resistance value – you should see 3-5 ohms. Write this number down.
  9. Keep the black probe on pin C, move the red probe to pin R (Run – usually at top right).
  10. Read the resistance value – you should see 1-3 ohms. Write this number down.
  11. Move the black probe to pin S (Start), touch the red probe to pin R (Run).
  12. Read the resistance value – this should equal the sum of the previous two readings (approximately 4-8 ohms total).
  13. Touch one multimeter probe to any compressor pin and the other probe to the metal compressor housing.
  14. The meter should read “OL” (overload) or infinity, indicating no continuity to ground.

⚙️ Step 3: Check for clicking sounds during startup

  1. Stand directly in front of the refrigerator, centered between both doors, approximately 2 feet away from the unit.
  2. Press the power button located on the dispenser control panel (upper left door) to turn the refrigerator off if it’s currently running.
  3. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button again to restart the unit.
  4. Listen for clicking sounds originating from the rear lower section of the refrigerator, approximately 6-8 inches from the floor on the left side when facing the unit. This is where the compressor relay and start capacitor are located.
  5. Count the number of clicks you hear within the first 60 seconds of startup. Note whether clicks are:
  6. Move to the left side of the refrigerator and place your ear near the compressor compartment access panel (lower rear left, covered by a metal panel approximately 12 inches wide by 8 inches tall).
  7. Listen specifically for clicking accompanied by a humming sound that starts and stops. This indicates the compressor is attempting to start but failing.
  8. Open the fresh food compartment (right door) and listen near the top rear center for clicking from the damper control motor, located behind the back wall panel approximately 18 inches from the top.
  9. Document your findings:

🔩 Step 4: Verify refrigerant charge and sealed system

  1. Locate the service ports on the compressor at the bottom rear of the refrigerator – the suction port (larger, low-side) will be on the left side of the compressor with a blue or black cap, and the discharge port (smaller, high-side) will be on the right side with a red cap.
  2. Remove both service port caps by turning counterclockwise with your fingers.
  3. Connect a refrigerant manifold gauge set: attach the blue hose to the suction port and the red hose to the discharge port by threading the connectors clockwise until hand-tight, then turn an additional quarter-turn with an adjustable wrench.
  4. Plug the refrigerator back into power and allow it to run for 15 minutes to stabilize.
  5. Read the gauges – proper readings for R-600a refrigerant should show 0-2 PSI on the low side (blue gauge) and 90-120 PSI on the high side (red gauge) when the ambient temperature is 70-75°F.
  6. Check for undercharge: if the low-side reads below 0 PSI (vacuum) or the high-side reads below 80 PSI, the system is undercharged.
  7. Inspect all visible refrigerant lines running along the back wall and underneath for oil residue, which appears as dark brown or black stains – this indicates a leak.
  8. Check the evaporator coils inside the freezer compartment behind the back panel for frost patterns – uneven frost or frost only on one section indicates refrigerant loss.
  9. If readings are within specification and no leaks are visible, close both manifold valves by turning clockwise, disconnect the hoses by turning counterclockwise, and replace the service port caps immediately.
  10. If refrigerant is low or leaks are present, this repair requires a certified technician with recovery equipment.

📋 Step 5: Replace compressor if windings are open or shorted

  1. Recover all refrigerant from the sealed system using a refrigerant recovery machine connected to the service ports—this is legally required and cannot be done without EPA 608 certification and proper equipment.
  2. Locate the compressor in the machine compartment at the bottom rear of the refrigerator, mounted on rubber grommets to the metal base plate.
  3. Cut the process tube (copper tube extending 3 inches from compressor top) using a tube cutter, positioned 1 inch from the compressor body.
  4. Cut the suction line (larger diameter copper tube, approximately 3/8 inch, entering compressor at upper left) 2 inches from the compressor connection point.
  5. Cut the discharge line (smaller diameter copper tube, approximately 1/4 inch, exiting compressor at upper right) 2 inches from the compressor connection point.
  6. Disconnect the compressor electrical connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight off—this is a 3-prong connector with black housing located on the right side of the compressor.
  7. Remove the compressor relay and overload protector by pulling them straight up off the terminal pins on the compressor housing.
  8. Unbolt the compressor mounting bolts (three 10mm hex head bolts) securing the compressor to the base plate, using a 10mm socket wrench.
  9. Lift the compressor straight up and out—it weighs approximately 35-40 pounds.
  10. Position the replacement compressor (LG part number EAU62043423) onto the mounting grommets, aligning the three mounting holes.
  11. Install the three 10mm mounting bolts finger-tight, then tighten to 15 ft-lbs using a torque wrench.
  12. Push the new relay and overload protector onto the terminal pins until they seat completely against the compressor housing.
  13. Connect the electrical connector—it will click when properly seated.

⚠️ Safety Reminders

  • Always unplug the refrigerator before beginning any repair work
  • Allow the unit to warm up if working with frozen components
  • Use proper tools and safety equipment
  • If you’re unsure about any step, consult a professional

← Back to Top 20 Refrigerators Guide

🛒 Recommended Products

Here are the recommended products for this repair: