LG Portable Air Conditioner Compressor Not Working (DIY Fixes)

When your LG portable air conditioner starts acting up, and the cool breeze you rely on suddenly vanishes, it’s often due to a malfunctioning compressor. But what causes an LG portable air conditioner compressor not working? The answer lies in a combination of factors.

In one scenario, the compressor might refuse to kick into action, whether it’s due to a defect in the compressor itself, a power outage, or a glitch in related components like the temperature control board, thermostat, capacitor, thermistor, selector switch, start relay board, or main control board.

In another scenario, your compressor may seem to power on but then mysteriously shut down shortly after. It’s a frustrating situation that can leave you sweating in discomfort.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore both sets of issues and provide you with 11 practical fixes to get your LG portable air conditioner’s compressor back in top-notch working order. But before we dive into the solutions, let’s first understand what the AC compressor is and how to recognize when it’s not doing its job.

LG Portable Air Conditioner Compressor Not Working Troubleshooting Guide

Issue	Possible Reason	Quick Solution
1. No Power Supply	Power outage or disconnected power source	Check the power source and ensure it’s connected.
2. Faulty Compressor	Internal issues with the compressor motor	Contact LG service for professional repair.
3. Overheating	Compressor overheating due to blocked vents	Clean or unblock the vents and ensure proper airflow.
4. Capacitor Problems	Faulty start or run capacitor	Replace the capacitor with a new one.
5. Thermostat Issues	Incorrect thermostat settings or a defective unit	Adjust thermostat settings or replace if necessary.
6. Temperature Control Board Malfunction	Problems with the control board regulating temperature	Consult a technician to diagnose and repair the board.
7. Thermistor Failure	Malfunctioning thermistor sensor	Replace the faulty thermistor with a new one.
8. Selector Switch Problems	Faulty selector switch for cooling modes	Replace the selector switch if it’s defective.
9. Start Relay Board Issues	Issues with the start relay board	Have a professional inspect and repair the board.
10. Main Control Board Failure	Problems with the main control board	Seek assistance from LG service for board repair.
11. Refrigerant Leak	Low refrigerant levels affecting compressor function	Contact a technician to identify and fix the leak.

What Is the Compressor and What is its role in LG Portable Air Conditioner?

The compressor in an LG Portable Air Conditioner is like the engine of the cooling system in an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. Its job is to squeeze a special gas called refrigerant. When this gas is compressed, it gets really hot. Then, it releases the heat outside and cools down inside the air conditioner. This process keeps the air inside your room cool and comfortable. So, in short, the compressor helps your LG Portable Air Conditioner make the room cooler.

How Does an LG Portable Air Conditioner Compressor Work? 

First, there’s a special liquid called refrigerant. It’s like a heat sponge – it soaks up the warmth from the room. Then, this liquid goes to the AC compressor, which is like its magic machine.

The compressor does something amazing – it squishes the liquid really tight, turning it into a hot gas. Imagine how your hands get warm when you rub them together. That’s what happens here.

Now, this hot gas flows to a part called the condenser coil in the AC. The coil is like a super cool radiator, and it helps the gas give off all its heat.

After that, the gas goes back to being a liquid, and it goes back inside the AC. And you know what? It does this over and over to keep the room nice and cool.

How to Spot Signs of a Defective Compressor in Your LG Portable Air Conditioner?

Identifying a malfunctioning compressor in your LG portable air conditioner involves two methods. First, you can observe the air conditioner’s performance for specific signs of compressor trouble. Secondly, you can conduct a compressor test. Let’s delve into both approaches:

Recognizing Signs of a Defective LG Portable Air Conditioner Compressor

You can tell if the compressor in your LG AC unit is not functioning properly if you notice several of these indicators:

1. Weak Airflow: When your air conditioner isn’t pushing out much air or none at all.
2. Unusual Noises: Especially if you hear loud, strange noises like a bang.
3. Refrigerant Leaks: Keep an eye out for hissing sounds, wet spots around the AC, or frost buildup on the evaporator coils.
4. Odd Smells: A burnt rubber smell can be a sign of trouble.
5. Silent Compressor: If you don’t hear the compressor humming when you turn on the AC.
6. Ineffective Cooling: When the LG AC not cooling the room.
7. Overheating: If the part of your AC housing the compressor feels excessively hot.
8. Frequent Restarting: When your air conditioner repeatedly turns on and off soon after starting.

Compressor Test

Sometimes, you can check if your air conditioner’s compressor is working correctly with a simple LG Compressor test. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Unplug your portable air conditioner and wait for 30 seconds or more.
2. Plug it back in and turn it on.
3. Set the thermostat to the Cool Mode, select the highest fan speed, or set the temperature to the lowest.
4. Now, pay close attention for about 30 seconds. You should hear a humming sound – that’s the compressor running.

If you do hear that humming sound, it means your compressor is working fine. But if you don’t hear it, that could mean the compressor is not working properly. In that case, it’s best to get help from a professional technician because fixing or replacing a compressor can be tricky and costly.

LG Portable Air Conditioner Compressor Keeps Turning Off

If your LG portable air conditioner’s compressor starts but doesn’t run for an extended period, consider these 11 potential issues:

1. No Power Supply:

• Issue: If your LG portable air conditioner isn’t receiving power or experiences a power outage, it won’t function.
• Solution:
  • Check the power outlet and ensure it’s working. Plug another device in to confirm.
  • Ensure the AC unit is properly plugged in.
  • Verify that the circuit breaker or fuse controlling the AC circuit is not tripped or blown.

2. Faulty Compressor:

• Issue: If the compressor itself is malfunctioning, it can’t effectively cool the air.
• Solution: Contact LG service or a professional technician for a compressor diagnosis and potential replacement.

3. Overheating:

• Issue: Overheating due to blocked vents can cause compressor issues.
• Solution:
  • Check and clean the air intake and exhaust vents to ensure proper airflow.
  • Ensure the unit is placed in a location with adequate ventilation.

4. Capacitor Problems:

• Issue: Faulty start or run capacitors can affect compressor performance.
• Solution: Consult a technician to diagnose and replace the faulty capacitor with a new one.

5. Thermostat Issues:

• Issue: Incorrect thermostat settings or a malfunctioning thermostat can hinder cooling.
• Solution:
  • Adjust the thermostat settings to the desired temperature.
  • If the thermostat is defective, consider replacing it with a compatible unit.

6. Temperature Control Board Malfunction:

• Issue: Problems with the control board regulating temperature can impact compressor operation.
• Solution: Seek assistance from a professional technician to diagnose and repair the temperature control board.

7. Thermistor Failure:

• Issue: A malfunctioning thermistor sensor can disrupt the temperature regulation process.
• Solution: Replace the faulty thermistor with a new one to restore proper function.

8. Selector Switch Problems:

• Issue: A faulty selector switch for cooling modes can affect the compressor’s operation.
• Solution: If the selector switch is defective, have it replaced with a compatible one.

9. Start Relay Board Issues:

• Issue: Problems with the start relay board can prevent the compressor from functioning correctly.
• Solution: Contact a technician to inspect and repair the start relay board.

10. Main Control Board Failure:

• Issue: Malfunctions in the main control board can disrupt the overall AC operation, including the compressor.
• Solution: Seek assistance from LG service or a professional technician to diagnose and repair the main control board.

11. Refrigerant Leak:

• Issue: Low refrigerant levels due to a leak can affect the compressor’s cooling capacity.
• Solution: Contact a qualified technician to identify and fix the refrigerant leak. Refill the refrigerant to the appropriate level.

If you encounter any of these issues, it’s essential to address them promptly to ensure the proper functioning of your LG portable air conditioner and maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

LG Portable Air Conditioner Compressor Not Turning On

If your portable air conditioner’s compressor won’t power on and run, it’s likely due to one of these three reasons:

1. Defective Compressor:

• Issue: Your compressor may not turn on because it’s defective. It’s essential to check for signs of damage, such as short-circuiting, burning, or wear and tear. You can also conduct a compressor test to confirm its condition.
• Solution: If the compressor fails the test or shows signs of damage, the best solution is to replace it.

2. Power Failure (Power Supply Failure):

• Issue: Compressor won’t start if there’s a power failure. This can happen due to a power surge that trips the breaker or blows the thermal fuse, or during a power outage.
• Solution:
  • In the case of a tripped breaker, reset it.
  • To check the thermal fuse, use a multimeter to test for continuity. If it lacks continuity, replace it. Unfortunately, during a power outage, there’s no immediate solution.

3. Faulty Compressor-Linked Component:

• Issue: The compressor’s operation depends on various components. If any of these components fail, the compressor won’t start, or if it does, it may shut off shortly after.
• Solution:
  • The compressor-linked components include the temperature control board, thermostat, capacitor, thermistor, selector switch, start relay, relay board, and main control board.
  • If any of these components are faulty, they should be replaced. However, diagnosing and replacing them might require professional assistance.

It’s crucial to address these issues promptly to ensure your portable air conditioner’s compressor operates effectively and keeps your space cool and comfortable.

Final Thoughts On an LG Portable Air Conditioner Compressor Not Working:

Now that you’re well-equipped to tackle issues when your LG portable air conditioner compressor doesn’t work, whether it won’t turn on or keeps shutting off, it’s time to put this comprehensive LG portable air conditioner troubleshooting guide into action.

By addressing the potential culprits mentioned earlier, from power supply issues to compressor defects and faulty components, you can ensure your AC compressor runs smoothly. A well-functioning compressor is the key to maintaining a cool and comfortable indoor environment during those hot and sweltering days.

Remember, whether it’s diagnosing a defective compressor, resolving power supply problems, or identifying and replacing faulty compressor-linked components, taking these steps promptly can make all the difference in restoring your LG portable air conditioner’s cooling performance. With this troubleshooting guide in hand, you’re ready to enjoy the cool, refreshing air you deserve.