Causes of Liebherr refrigerator problems and do-it-yourself repairs

Doesn't freeze/doesn't work (refrigerator/freezer/upper compartment)

Most often the problem is a freon leak. If the chamber wall is swollen, then gas leakage occurs in the foamed circuit. It is no longer possible to correct such a defect. To be sure, you can try to defrost the refrigerator and then start it again. If there is no freon, the chambers will not cool.

If the freezer is equipped with a separate compressor, the temperature there will be normal. It is worth paying attention to the operation of the motor: if it turns on for a short time and stops with a roar, then it is time to contact the service department.

When there is only one compressor for both compartments, there may be several explanations for the malfunction:

The refrigerant switching valve is jammed, then the temperature in the freezer will rise, and freezing will begin in the cold cabinet.
In the refrigerator with No-Frost, the cooler, which ensures the flow of cold into the freezer, has broken down.
The temperature sensor has failed and the cold will not flow.
The control module has become unusable.

Liebherr refrigerator - the upper chamber does not freeze

Most often, the upper chamber in a Liebherr refrigerator does not freeze. The reasons are related to the malfunction of the components that provide the supply of cold:

The compressor is humming, but there is no cold in the chamber, you need to check the tightness of the door, listen to whether the No Frost fan is working, whether cold air is entering the cracks in the walls.
The temperature may rise with the compressor running continuously if there is little refrigerant in the circuit. At the same time, there is gurgling in the body, and liquid overflows can be heard.
The compressor is not working, the light is on in the chamber and it is getting warmer - the air sensor has failed, there is no signal to start the compressor.
It is possible that the defrost sensor in the chamber with the weeping wall is faulty until the system receives a signal and turns on the compressor.

You can independently determine only a broken door seal and a malfunction of the temperature sensor.

Most often, a Liebherr refrigerator stops freezing due to a freon leak. The thin tube in the door heating circuit may rust if moisture frequently accumulates underneath. Then yellow spots will be visible on the rubber. The chamber wall is swollen - gas leakage occurs in the foamed circuit. This is an irreparable defect.

Failure of electronics or sensors and relays in electromechanical control is the most common case. Diagnostics and repairs should be entrusted to specialists.

Doesn't turn on

When the lights and indicators are on in the refrigerator, but the refrigerator itself does not start or turns on for a short time, there are two possible reasons:

The starting relay is broken, this is indicated by the absence of characteristic clicks.

The compressor has failed. In case of a quick stop after starting.

When the device does not work at all - that is, there is no light inside, there is no indication and the control panel does not respond to pressing, then this means a complete blackout. Test the outlet using another electrical appliance. Another explanation could be a broken electrical cable. You need to examine it with a multimeter along the entire length from the plug to the junction box inside the device. If there is resistance when connecting between the compressor casing and the lead-through wires, then the problem is definitely in the compressor - it is faulty.

What to do if the freezer is not cooling?

If the chamber does not produce ice at all, and even the water in it does not freeze, most likely it is a breakdown. However, to get started:

Check whether electricity is supplied to the motor: whether the indicators are on, whether the cable is damaged, whether there is voltage in the network.
Make sure the toggle switch is set to the correct mode. A Liebherr freezer may not work if the switch is at zero or -3... -4 degrees Celsius. Normal freezing is possible only at -15... -18 degrees.
Check if the engine is running. Standard Liebherr freezers and refrigerators with freezers make noise. The sound is caused by the engine, which can run continuously or intermittently. If there is no noise at all, this is a reason to be wary. Perhaps the problem is in the motor.

Call a professional if your freezer is connected and set up correctly but is not cooling food. The specialist will conduct a diagnosis and determine the cause.

The set temperature is not maintained

There are many reasons why the temperature inside the refrigerator or freezer does not correspond to the set parameters:

Compressor failure - when it turns on for a few seconds and immediately turns off, and the temperature remains above the set temperature.

There is a problem with the fan motor of the “NoFrost” system or the bearing is jammed - ice has formed on the blades.

Malfunction of the thermostat or temperature sensor - the temperature in any department is significantly below normal, and the compressors operate frequently.

Freon leak - the compressor runs often, but there is no cooling.

Depressurization of the seal - it is warm inside the refrigerator, but the surface of the closed door is cold.

Quite often, the temperature regime is violated due to improper installation in a cabinet with insufficient ventilation.

Overview of main faults

Based on the manifestation of a malfunction in the refrigerator, you can determine the range of possible malfunctions and assess the feasibility of self-repair.

Most of the problems that arise are typical for equipment of any brand, the difference lies in the frequency of specific breakdowns. The most likely problems in the functioning of Liebherr refrigeration equipment are discussed below.

#1. The refrigerator does not turn on: what's wrong?

If the lights are on, the electronics work, but the refrigerator either does not start or turns on for a very short time, then two malfunctions are likely (to approximately equal extent):

failure of the start relay (no clicks or attempts to start);
Compressor failure (quick stop after starting).

If the refrigerator does not work, there is no light inside, there is no indication and the control panel does not work, then this means a complete blackout.

First of all, you need to check the functionality of the outlet using a multimeter or other electrical device. You also need to pay attention to the tightness of the plug.

The second reason may be a break in the electrical cable, starting from the plug and ending with the junction box inside the device. Any novice electrician can check the wire for a break by ringing the wires with a multimeter.

If there is resistance when connecting between the compressor casing and the feed-through wires, and not a “break,” then the compressor is faulty

#2. Temperature mismatch

There can be many reasons why the temperature inside the refrigerator or freezer does not correspond to the set parameters:

if the compressor turns on for a few seconds and turns off, and the temperature is significantly higher than the set temperature, then the most likely reason is a compressor failure;
if ice has formed on the fan blades of the “NoFrost” system, this means a problem with its motor or a jammed bearing;
if there is severe freezing in the freezer and the temperature in any department is significantly lower, and the compressors operate frequently, this means a malfunction of the thermostat or temperature sensor;
if the compressor runs very often, but the chambers are not cooled, then the problem is probably a freon leak;
If it’s warm inside the refrigerator, and if you run your hand around the perimeter of the closed door you can feel the cold, then this means that the seal is not fulfilling its function and air exchange occurs between the chamber and the kitchen area.

Another reason for elevated temperatures is not related to the quality of refrigeration equipment. This may be an increase in ambient temperature. It is undesirable to allow such a scenario, since in addition to possible spoilage of food, there may be failure of the compressor due to its frequent switching on.

One of the common causes of temperature violations is the installation of a refrigerator in a cabinet with insufficient ventilation. The instructions for the device indicate how to do this correctly.

#3. The occurrence of freezing and frost

If snow accumulations with an admixture of ice along the edges are observed in the freezer close to the door, this means that it is not closed tightly. The reason for this is a misalignment of the door or a problem with the seal. In the refrigeration section this leads to frost on the side walls.

The formation of snow deposits on the back wall has a different origin. This indicates a problem with defrost activation. The cause may be either a breakdown of the evaporator or a problem with the defrost sensor.

Ice formations occur for various reasons. This may be a signal about a broken thermostat, a clogged capillary pipe, or a freon leak from the evaporator. Ice often appears when the settings are set incorrectly or when operating rules are violated, for example, when hot foods are placed in the refrigerator

#4. Presence of water inside or under the refrigerator

If water accumulates inside the refrigerator at the very bottom of the chamber, this indicates a blockage in the drainage system. You can easily fix such a malfunction yourself and it is better to do it immediately when it is detected.

Water retains odors well, so all products inside the chamber will be saturated with them. In addition, permanent stains form on the plastic.

There may also be a problem with detecting water under the refrigerator. First of all, you need to make sure that the water on the floor did not come from a nearby sink or dishwasher.

If the problem is in the refrigerator, then there are three options why water ends up on the floor:

The drainage tube is moved , which is directed into a special bath. Solving this problem is not difficult. You need to unscrew the rear bottom panel (where the compressor is located) and straighten the tube by hand.
In the “NoFrost” system, the evaporator or fan is broken , then during defrosting a large volume of water appears, which the drainage system bath is not able to accept. It is necessary to resume normal operation of the air circulation system.
There were problems with the tightness of the door. In this case, water can be seen on the front of the refrigerator or felt by touch. The seal needs to be repaired or the door position needs to be adjusted.

A very rare reason for finding water under Liebherr refrigerators is mechanical damage to the liquid reservoir. It can be replaced with a product of similar geometry. It is attached with self-tapping screws, the only difficulty is inconvenient access to this part.

Water leaking from the refrigerator can leave permanent stains on the linoleum that will be difficult to clean. Another reason to quickly take action to eliminate this problem

#5. Increased noise level

The refrigerator cannot operate silently because it contains moving parts.

The sounds of a normally functioning device can be divided into the following types:

a monotonous hum is produced by a running compressor;
gurgling is caused by freon overflow;
clicks are produced by the compressor on and off relay;
A monotonous quiet hum is produced by the fans of the “NoFrost” system.

For Liebherr refrigerators, the declared noise level is around 40 dB, which is a fairly low figure. If the device is clearly louder, you must first check its tilt using a level. If there is a bias, then this defect needs to be corrected.

Secondly, you need to make sure that the refrigerator does not touch the walls or kitchen furniture.

If the sound is rattling and uneven, then there are three main options for its origin:

slight vibration causes objects in the refrigerator to make a sound (for example, two glass jars);
the fan bearing of the “NoFrost” system fails;
Compressor failure or loosening.

If there are no prerequisites for the occurrence of intense noise, then you need to contact a service center.

The noise level is indicated in the device passport. If measurements using a sound level meter show that it exceeds the declared value, then the device must be repaired or replaced under warranty (+)

#6. No lighting when the door is open

This problem is not critical - if there is sufficient lighting in the kitchen, it will not be difficult to carry out the necessary manipulations in the refrigerator. However, of course, it is better if there is light.

There may be several reasons for the breakdown:

the lighting bulb has burned out;
breaker broke;
There were problems with the wiring (a very rare occurrence).

You can test the light bulb for performance visually or by trying to use it in another device.

The most common reason for the lack of light in the refrigerator compartment when the door is open is the end of the working life of the light bulb

Ice maker not working

Some Liebherr brand refrigerators are equipped with a special device for producing clean ice - an ice maker. Like all mechanisms, it can fail. A flashing yellow light is a breakdown indicator and may indicate that:

The container presence sensor in the control unit is broken. Try swapping containers.

The water inlet channel froze. Defrosting with the door open and the freezer turned off helps.

The ice making mechanism is jammed when the container is full.

The most common reasons for turning on the alarm

There are only two main reasons why the freezer operation light flashes: lack of set temperature and internal failure.

If the equipment is new and turned on for the first time, this phenomenon is normal. A Bosch or Atlant device, like others, takes time to cool the contents to operating temperature. Once the specified number is reached and the owner resets the alarm signal, the indicator will stop flashing.
If the refrigerator performs its functions stably, the temperature display shows the set number, and the food inside the chambers remains in order, there has probably been a power outage. The light simply indicates that the inside has been warmer than programmed for some time. The alert is reset as in the previous case.
If the blinker is triggered again after pressing the alarm reset button, it means that the device cannot reduce the temperature in the chambers. This occurs when there is excessive frost formation in the freezer or due to a malfunction.

On Atlant devices the color of the indicator plays a role:

The red color will remain on until the freezer has cooled down to the set temperature.
Yellow indicates freeze mode is on.
The green beacon lights up to indicate that the camera is working and goes off when it is turned off or malfunctions.

In Bosch units, the indicator may work normally when turned on after defrosting. If this happens 7-8 hours after the procedure, then a malfunction has occurred.

Reasons for blinking lights in LIEBHERR refrigerators?

There are several of them. The main reasons for this malfunction, including the lack of light, are the following:

— burnout of the lamp or socket. The faulty component must be replaced with a new one, and the problem will be resolved immediately. You can do this on your own without involving repairmen. A specialist is only needed if the light is too bright. There is an electrical failure;

— malfunction of the door indication button. If the contact falls, the button simply will not respond to opening or closing the door. Use a special tester to check this component. If this is the problem, replace the button;

— flashing of the lamp and other indicators after opening the door indicates a malfunction of the electronic control module. This problem mainly occurs among those owners of Liebherr refrigerators who do not have voltage stabilizers. To avoid failure of the control module, you can use a UPS. It is also worth remembering that the cause of the problem may be ordinary wear of a particular part. Only a qualified craftsman can determine which one has become unusable.

Malfunctions of the Liebherr refrigerator and methods for eliminating them

Complex technology with full electronic control requires respect. Complex systems of know Frost and automatic drip defrosting must be repaired in service centers and diagnosed at special stands. It is possible to bring such equipment to remote areas, but repairs, if it happens, will be expensive.

The equipment may have hidden defects; if they are not detected, later there will be big problems with restoring functionality. Obvious reasons will appear immediately after the device is connected to the network, as indicated on the electronic display.