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If your LG portable air conditioner compressor keeps shutting off, it could be that it is doing so as a safety precaution.
For example, its overheat protection sensor could be shutting down the part because it is probably overheating (Low refrigerant can cause this).
The strange behavior can also be due to an internal compressor hiccup.
The good thing is that some of the issues that could be bringing the problem are not that difficult to resolve even for those of us who are not really keen on DIY troubleshooting.
This article will take you through the procedures that are worth trying out to troubleshoot the problem if your LG air conditioner compressor keeps shutting off before calling a repairman.
LG portable air conditioner compressor keeps shutting off – what to try if your portable air conditioner compressor keeps shutting off
If your LG portable air conditioner compressor keeps shutting off, it might be pointing to a serious issue—but it also may be a relatively minor glitch.
Below are the most common root causes of the fault from the basic to advanced (these may need a pro to repair).
If your LG portable air conditioner compressor keeps shutting off unexpectedly, it could indicate an issue with the unit that requires service. Learn potential causes and solutions to get your AC working properly again.
There is a chance it is overheating
Some of you could be aware of this: AC compressors tend to shut down automatically if there is an overheating issue to prevent serious and often expensive damage.
One way of telling if overheating is the culprit is by starting the compressor when it is cold (meaning it has not run for a while) and see if it can run for at least a longer period.
If yes, this might indicate that the issue is a result of overheating meaning the overheat protection sensor has been shutting it down for protection reasons.
As mentioned earlier, this can be a result of low refrigerant- ensure it is properly charged with refrigerant.
Quick Tip: An electrical issue outside of your A/C also may make the compressor to overheat, for instance, voltage issues/spikes in power. Check your homes electrical system for problems or investigate grid issues.
Check if the compressor has an internal problem
I would look at the compressor winding (there are tons of videos on YouTube showing how this can be done).
If it appears fine, then it is probably low refrigerant that is making the compressor run and stop.
Just to remind you, lack of sufficient refrigerant leaves the AC with very little capability to properly cool the compressor so it is important to have it topped off.
There could be a short somewhere
In addition, the problem may be arising because there is a short somewhere (in the compressor).
Shorts in the wiring usually cause the compressor to draw more amps than necessary and this can end up overheating it.
If this is what you reckon could be the guilty party, you will need to test the wires (with a multimeter) and repair/replace where necessary.
There is a chance of the problem stemming from dirty condenser coils
In general, when condenser coils in your LG portable AC get clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, the compressor sometimes starts to cycle off prematurely because the compressor is working too hard.
Remember that when condenser coils get dirty, heat transfer- crucial to efficient cooling- is inhibited meaning the compressor has to work harder.
If possible, try to clean the coils using a soft brush to get rid of any dirt/debris build-up (the fins on the coils are quite gentle).
LG portable ac compressor turning on and off-Other troubleshooting ideas to test
Here now are other ideas you can explore in the event your LG portable ac compressor starts then shuts off too soon:
- Drain the unit– Always check to be sure the “FL” code is not appearing on your AC display (the code means the water collection is full and needs draining). If shown, proceed to drain the unit.
- Check the temperature settings– Also, double-check to be sure the room temp is warmer than what you have set the unit at.
- Check the exhaust hose connection– Besides, it is a good idea to check if the exhaust hose has been connected to the AC properly. You should particularly make sure you eliminate any kinks/bends you find in the hose.
Don’t forget to carry out regular maintenance
Lack of regular care may also potentially cause the AC compressor to experience problems some of which may, in turn, make it start stopping as soon as it starts.
Most folks understand that the number one thing to prioritize when it comes to maintenance is cleaning the filter- simply follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.
If you have been overlooking this, dirt may have accumulated and formed a “crust”/dirt layer upon mixing with residual moisture (this is what happens eventually) on the coil.
This again may hamper heat transfer and cause the A/C compressor to overheat.
How to test the compressor in LG portable air conditioner
For those who could be suspecting that the compressor is itself faulty, carry out the following test:
- Unplug the AC for 30 seconds (at least). You may use a timer.
Note: If the AC is not unplugged for the recommended 30 seconds (at least), the safety switch normally prevents the compressor from coming on for three minutes.
- Plug the AC back in.
- Power the AC on.
- Adjust the settings properly (cool mode, highest fan speed, lowest temperature).
- Listen if the compressor has turned on. It can take up to about 30 seconds to start.
If it turned on- you heard the compressor initially engage followed by a steady humming sound- then the compressor is likely OK.
Final words
As you have learned, if your LG portable air conditioner compressor keeps shutting off, there are numerous things that may be wrong and what we have covered here is just the tip of the iceberg.
With that in mind, if you have not been lucky this far, it could time to bite the bullet and call an HVAC professional.
He/she will attempt to troubleshoot and repair the problem before it completely breaks down something as expensive as the compressor (and before the heat kills you!).
More LG portable air conditioner troubleshooting tips
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