Freezer not getting cold enough to make ice or freeze ice cream?

Hi @joeforte

Check that the freezer door seals are OK. Place a sheet of paper between the door and the door jamb and with the door closed normally try pulling it out. It will come out with a bit of an effort, but not easily and it definitely shouldn't fall out by itself. Do this at various places around the door, top, bottom and both sides. Also check that the door is aligned correctly and is straight and parallel to the cabinet in case it is a hinge problem. By closed normally, I mean that there is no pressure by you on the door to hold it closed.

If the seals and alignment are OK, does the compressor motor stop occasionally for a short while, indicating that the set temperature has been reached and further cooling is not necessary and then starting again shortly after to recommence cooling?

If so if may be a faulty freezer temperature sensor - see part #610E lower right in diagram, near the evap fan motor (do not confuse this sensor with the defrost sensor part #400A, near the evaporator unit). Search for 6500JB2002X to find suppliers that suit you best.

Do not confuse the compressor stopping due to a defrost cycle occurring (approx once every 8-10 hours). During the defrost cycle the compressor will be stopped for about 20 minutes and not for the few minutes that it may be possibly stopped because the correct temp is achieved, especially if the doors are being opened often due to normal use, letting the cold air out.

If the compressor never stops except perhaps when the defrost cycle occurs i.e. always trying to achieve the set temp and never getting there, you may need the service manual, LG part # MFL62188019. Unfortunately I can't find a free download, so you may have to purchase it.

It sounds like your freezer might not be cooling properly, even though the fan and coils seem to be in good shape. A few things you can try:

1. Check the door seal: If the door seal is cracked or not sealing properly, warm air could be leaking in, making it harder for the freezer to stay cold. Try the paper test—close a piece of paper in the door and see if it pulls out easily. If it does, you might need to replace the seal.
2. Defrost the freezer: Sometimes, ice can build up inside and block airflow. Even if it looks clean, you might want to let the freezer fully defrost to see if that helps.
3. Thermostat issue: If the thermostat is faulty, it may not be signaling the freezer to cool properly. You might need to test or replace the thermostat.
4. Compressor or refrigerant problems: If none of the above work, the issue might be with the compressor or refrigerant levels, which usually requires a technician to fix.

If these steps don’t help, it might be time to have a professional look at it. Hopefully, one of these fixes works for you!