How to tell if an LG compressor is bad?
On an LG LFC20770SB bottom-mount refrigerator, a bad compressor typically shows up as warm temperatures in both sections while the compressor either never runs (silent) or repeatedly tries to start and clicks off. Confirm the basics first, then test the sealed-system symptoms before replacing parts.
- Fresh food and freezer both warming up
- Compressor is silent when it should be running, or you hear repeated clicking from the lower rear area
- Condenser fan runs but cooling does not improve
- Evaporator fan may run, but there is little or no cold airflow
- Frost pattern looks abnormal (little to no frost on the evaporator)
We start with the simple items that commonly mimic compressor failure:
- Power and controls: Make sure the refrigerator is on and not in a demo or “off” mode (see the LFC20770SB owner's manual).
- Airflow: Verify vents are not blocked by food and the doors close fully.
- Door switch: A failed switch can affect fan and light operation; check the refrigerator door switch 6600JB1010A.
- Defrost system clues: Heavy frost buildup can stop airflow and cause warming; inspect the refrigerator defrost sensor assembly 6615JB2005C.
- Temperature sensing: A bad sensor can mislead the control; consider the refrigerator thermistor 6500JB2002T.
If the basics check out, these signs point more strongly to a compressor or sealed-system problem:
| What you observe | What it usually means | What we do next |
|---|---|---|
| Repeated click every few minutes, little to no cooling | Start device overload tripping or compressor struggling to start | Check wiring, start components, then evaluate compressor current draw |
| Compressor runs hot and continuously, still warm inside | Low pumping efficiency or refrigerant/flow issue | Look for weak cooling and abnormal frost pattern |
| Compressor never runs, fans may run | Control, relay/start device, or compressor open circuit | Verify voltage to compressor and continuity of windings |
The compressor is the heart of the sealed system; replacing it is a major repair. Ruling out airflow, sensors, and defrost issues first prevents unnecessary compressor replacement and gets your LG refrigerator cooling again faster.
If you determine the compressor is the failure point, the replacement compressor listed for this model is the refrigerator compressor TCA35931726. You can also find additional LG LFC20770SB parts by searching on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my LG bottom freezer frosting up?
Frosting in the freezer section of your LG LFC20770SB is usually caused by moist air getting in (a door not sealing or being left slightly open) or by a defrost or drain issue that lets water refreeze. Start by checking the door seal and then inspect for ice buildup around the drain area using the owner's manual.
- Door not sealing: torn gasket, debris on the seal, or the door not closing squarely
- Frequent door openings: humid air enters and freezes on cold surfaces
- Blocked/iced drain: meltwater cannot drain and refreezes into a sheet of ice
- Defrost system problem: frost builds on the evaporator and eventually spreads
- Airflow restriction: overpacked freezer blocks vents and traps moisture
- Do a paper test on the gasket: close the door on a strip of paper; it should resist being pulled out.
- Clean the gasket and sealing surface: warm soapy water, then dry.
- Look for a “ice sheet” on the freezer floor: this points to a drain issue.
- Manually defrost: unplug the refrigerator, leave doors open, and let ice melt; towel up water.
- Clear the drain path: after defrosting, confirm water can flow to the drain tube.
| Symptom you see | Likely area | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Door looks closed but frost keeps returning | Door closure/seal | Refrigerator door hinge bushing 4984JJ3003A or refrigerator door stop 4620JJ2009A |
| Frost builds up and temps swing | Defrost sensing/control | Refrigerator defrost sensor assembly 6615JB2005C |
| Water/ice collects then refreezes | Drain system | Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D |
Heavy frost reduces airflow, makes the evaporator work harder, and can cause warm spots in the freezer and fresh food section. Fixing the air leak or drain/defrost cause stops repeat frosting and helps protect food temperatures.
We recommend matching parts by the full model number LFC20770SB and the symptom you see. You can order model-matched parts from the parts list for this refrigerator, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with LG refrigerators?
Cooling problems are the most common issue we see across LG refrigerators, including the LG LFC20770SB; symptoms include warm fresh food temperatures, a freezer that will not hold temp, or inconsistent cooling. Ice maker and water supply problems are also frequent and often trace back to airflow, sensors, or the water inlet system. See the owner's manual for model-specific checks and settings.
- Fresh food section too warm while the freezer seems OK
- Freezer too warm or soft ice cream
- Clicking, buzzing, or a fan noise that changes when doors open
- Ice maker not making ice or making small/hollow cubes
- Water leaking or puddles under the refrigerator
For LFC20770SB, these are typical failure points we check first:
| Symptom | Common cause | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Warm temps, poor airflow | Evaporator fan not running or restricted airflow | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1027N |
| Frost buildup, temp swings | Defrost sensing issue | Refrigerator defrost sensor assembly 6615JB2005C |
| Ice maker not filling | Water supply problem or valve not opening fully | Refrigerator water inlet valve assembly AJU55759303 |
| Water under unit | Clogged or misrouted drain | Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D |
| Lights or alarms act odd | Door not registering closed | Refrigerator door switch 6600JB1010A |
- Confirm temperature settings; allow 24 hours after any adjustment.
- Make sure vents inside the refrigerator are not blocked by food packages.
- Clean the condenser area and verify the unit has proper clearance for airflow.
- If ice is slow or hollow, verify household water pressure and that the supply line is not kinked.
- If you see puddles, inspect the drain path and look for ice buildup around the drain opening.
A refrigerator that is even a few degrees warm can spoil food faster and force the compressor and fans to run longer. Catching airflow, defrost, and water inlet issues early helps prevent repeat icing, leaks, and temperature swings.
- Use LG bottom freezer refrigerator error codes to interpret display or diagnostic codes.
- For ice and water performance tips, follow how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems.
- You can order replacement parts for your LG LFC20770SB from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my LG refrigerator not making ice on the lower part?
If your LG LFC20770SB bottom-mount refrigerator is not making ice in the lower freezer, the problem is usually water not reaching the ice maker, a frozen fill path, or an ice maker that is not cycling. Start with temperature and water supply checks, then test the ice system.
- Confirm the ice maker is turned on and the ice bin is fully seated.
- Set the freezer to 0°F; ice production drops quickly above about 10°F.
- Make sure the household shutoff valve is fully open and the supply line is not kinked.
- If you recently changed the filter or had water off, purge air by dispensing water for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Power reset: unplug for 2 minutes, plug back in, then allow 24 hours for normal ice output.
Use the wiring and component locations in the LFC20770SB owner's manual to access and test parts safely.
| What you see | Likely cause | Part on this page |
|---|---|---|
| Ice maker mold stays dry | Weak or failed inlet valve, no water supply | Refrigerator water inlet valve assembly AJU55759303 |
| Water enters but cubes never dump | Ice maker assembly not cycling | LG refrigerator ice maker assembly model AEQ72909603 AEQ72909603 |
| Fill area keeps freezing up | Slow-dripping valve or restricted fill path | Refrigerator water inlet valve assembly AJU55759303 |
- Check freezer airflow and frost: heavy frost can warm the ice maker area and slow cycling.
- Inspect the fill area for ice: thaw any blockage with a hair dryer on low; do not overheat plastic.
- Test water flow: if the dispenser is weak too, focus on supply pressure, filter, or valve.
- Confirm the ice maker cycles: if it never harvests, replace the ice maker assembly.
- Use a proven diagnostic flow: follow common refrigerator ice maker problems and solutions for symptom-based checks.
Ice makers depend on steady water flow and consistently cold freezer temperatures. Fixing the root cause prevents repeat freeze-ups, leaks, and inconsistent ice output.
You can order the parts listed above from the parts list for your model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





