LG Refrigerator Not Cooling Below 40°F | Causes & Fixes

When your LG refrigerator won’t cool below 40°F, it quickly becomes a real problem. Food doesn’t stay fresh, the fridge feels warm, and you can tell something isn’t working the way it should. This issue shows up often in LG models, especially when the fridge struggles to hold a steady temperature.

Before you call for a repair, it helps to understand what this temperature limit tells you and what signs to look for. Below, we break down the most common reasons an LG fridge stays above 40°F and what you can do about it.

Why Your LG Refrigerator Is Not Cooling Below 40°F

If the LG refrigerator is not cooling below 40°F, it usually means the cooling cycle isn’t completing the way it should. Modern LG units rely on steady airflow, accurate temperature readings, and a sealed environment to hold a stable temperature. When any of these fall out of balance, the fridge may stop getting colder even though it’s still running.

Sometimes the issue comes from something small, like blocked air vents or a temperature setting that shifted without you noticing. Other times, the problem is inside the system a sensor that isn’t reading correctly, a fan that isn’t moving air, or coils that can’t release heat. In the winter, the fridge can also struggle if it’s kept in a cold garage or basement, because low room temperatures affect how often the compressor turns on.

Most Common LG Refrigerator Problems That Keep It Stuck at 40°F

Many homeowners report the same issue: the LG refrigerator is stuck at 40 degrees even though the unit is running. These problems often come from airflow restrictions, weak temperature control, or components that aren’t responding the way they should.

Incorrect Temperature Settings

A very common LG fridge temperature issue is simply an incorrect temperature setting. Even a small adjustment whether from a power outage or an accidental button press can keep the fridge at 40°F and prevent it from getting colder.

Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils

Dirty condenser coils stop the fridge from releasing heat. When this happens, the temperature may rise and stay close to 40°F. This is one of the common LG refrigerator problems seen in older units.

Warm Air Leaks From a Damaged Door Seal

A weak or cracked door gasket lets warm air enter the fridge, making it difficult for the unit to cool past 40°F. This issue often contributes to the LG refrigerator stuck at 40 degrees complaint.

Blocked Air Vents Inside the LG Fridge

If items inside the fridge block the vents, cold air cannot circulate properly. This airflow problem is one of the common LG refrigerator problems that keeps the internal temperature higher than it should be.

Faulty Thermistor or Temperature Sensor

A failing thermistor sends the wrong temperature signal to the control board. This can cause the cooling cycle to end too early, leaving the LG refrigerator stuck at 40 degrees even though the compressor is running.

Evaporator Fan Motor Not Running

If the evaporator fan isn’t moving cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator section, the temperature stays higher than it should. When the fan slows down or stops, the fridge may hover around 40°F because the cold air never reaches the shelves evenly.

Common Causes of LG Fridge Not Cooling Below 40°F

Some of the common causes of LG fridge not cooling below 40°F come from the main components that control how the cooling cycle starts and how cold air moves through the system. When these parts slow down or fail, the fridge may run but never reach the correct temperature.

Compressor or Start Relay Problems

The compressor is the heart of the cooling system. If it doesn’t turn on consistently or if the start relay is weak the fridge won’t cool enough to drop below 40°F. You may notice clicking sounds, longer run times, or warm air inside the refrigerator section. This issue often requires a technician to diagnose properly.

Defrost System Issues

When the defrost system isn’t working, ice builds up around the evaporator coils. Once the frost gets too thick, the fridge can’t push cold air into the main compartment. This creates a steady temperature around 40°F even though the freezer might still feel cold. Frost on the back panel is a common sign of this problem.

Refrigerator Location Cold Garage or Basement

In winter, fridges kept in unheated spaces like garages or basements often struggle to cool. When the surrounding temperature drops too low, the compressor doesn’t run as often, causing the fridge section to sit at 40°F or higher. This is a seasonal issue and affects many LG models during colder months.

How to Fix an LG Fridge Temperature Issue at Home

Resetting Temperature Controls

Start by checking the temperature settings. LG recommends keeping the fridge at 37°F and the freezer at 0°F. If the controls shifted after a power outage or accidental button press, the fridge may stop cooling correctly. Resetting the settings and giving the fridge several hours to stabilize this alone often fixes mild cooling issues.

Cleaning the Coils

When the condenser coils collect dust, the fridge can’t release heat properly. As a result, the fridge runs constantly but never gets colder. Unplug the unit, locate the coils (usually on the back or underneath), and clean them with a soft brush or vacuum. This simple step improves efficiency and can lower the internal temperature.

Checking Airflow and Door Gaskets

Blocked air vents keep cold air from moving through the fridge. Make sure items aren’t pressed against the back wall or covering the vents. Next, inspect the door gasket gaps, cracks, or loose areas to let warm air in and prevent the fridge from cooling. A tight, clean seal helps maintain an even temperature.

When a Part Replacement Is Needed

If the fridge still won’t cool after these checks, one of the internal components may be failing. A weak evaporator fan, faulty thermistor, or worn start relay can all affect how cold the fridge gets. These parts require proper testing, so this is usually the point where a technician steps in to confirm the issue and replace the faulty component.

LG Refrigerator Repair in MetroWest, MA

If your LG refrigerator still won’t cool below 40°F after checking the settings, cleaning the coils, and making sure the airflow is clear, it may be time to call a professional. Problems with the compressor, start relay, thermistor, or evaporator fan usually require proper diagnostics and replacement. These parts directly affect how the fridge responds to temperature changes, so small issues can turn into bigger repairs if ignored.

We offer same-day LG refrigerator repair in MetroWest, MA, a trained technician can pinpoint the exact cause, replace the faulty components, and restore the fridge to normal cooling. This helps prevent food waste, higher energy use, and repeat cooling problems.