LG GM-L239STXL Owner's Manual

BOTTOM FREEZER
REFRIGERATOR

Owner’s Manual

Please read this guide thoroughly
before operating and keep it handy for
reference at all times.

REFRIGERADOR
CON CONGELADOR
INFERIOR

Manual de Usuario

Lea detenidamente estas instrucciones antes de
usar el refrigerador y guárdelas como referencia
para el futuro.

CONGÉLATEUR
INFÉRIEUR
RÉFRIGÉRATEUR

Manuel d’utilisateur

Veuillez lire ce manuel en entier avant de mettre
en marche l’unité et conservez-le à portée de la
main pour le consulter à tout moment.

Models / Modelos

LFX23961**, LFX23965**

P/No. MFL61994125

Visit our web site/http://www.lgservice.com

LG Electronics

LIMITED WARRANTY

United States of America

LG Electronics will repair or at its option replace, without charge, your product which proves to be defective
in material or workmanship under normal use during the warranty period listed below from the date of
original purchase.

This warranty is good only to the original purchaser of the product during the warranty period as long as it is
in the U.S. including Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. Territories.

LG Refrigerator / Freezer Warranty Period

Product Parts Labor

Refrigerator / Freezer 1 year 1 year [In-Home Service (Except Model GR-051)]
Sealed System 7 years 1 year [In-Home Service (Except Model GR-051)]
(Compressor, Condenser, Evaporator)

No other express warranty is applicable to this product. THE DURATION OF ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES.
INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, IS LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF
THE EXPRESS WARRANTY HEREIN. LG ELECTRONICS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR THE LOSS OF
USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCONVIENCE, LOSS OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES, DIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PRODUCT OR FOR
ANY BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY APPLICABLE TO THIS PRODUCT.

Some States do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how
long an implied warranty lasts; so these limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

THE ABOVE WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO:

1. Service trips to your home to deliver and pickup, install, instruct, or replace house fuses or correct house wiring or
plumbing, or correction of unauthorized repairs.

2. Damage to the product caused by accident, pests, fire, floods, or acts of God.

3. Repairs when your LG product is used in other than normal, single-family household use.

4. Damage resulting from accident, alteration, misuse, abuse, or improper installation.
Damages caused during and/or after delivery

5.
Display, discount, or refurbished units purchased with scratches, dents, or defects.

6.

Proof of purchase is required and must be provided to LG in order to validate warranty.

Therefore, these costs are paid by the consumer.

If the product is installed outside the normal service area, any cost of transportation involved in the repair of the product, or the
replacement of defective parts, shall be borne by the owner.

CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE NUMBERS:

To obtain Warranty Coverage: Retain your Bill of Sale to prove date of purchase.

A Copy of your Sales Receipt must be submitted at the time
warranty service is provided.

To obtain Product or Customer

Service Assistance: Press the appropriate menu option, and have your product type

To obtain the nearest
Authorized Service Center:

Call 1-800-243-0000

(24 hrs a day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year)

(Refrigerator), model number, serial number, and ZIP/Postal
Code ready.

Call 1-800-243-0000

(24 hrs a day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year)

Press the appropriate option, and have your product type
(Refrigerator), model number, serial number, and ZIP/Postal
Code ready.

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

English Version 6
Spanish Version 38

French Version 70
Warranty (USA) 2 - 3
Warranty (Canada) 4 - 5
Safety Instructions 7 - 8

Grounding Requirements 8

Parts and Features 9
Refrigerator Installation 10 - 12

Unpacking your refrigerator
Installation 10
Base Grille 10
Removing, Reversing and Replacing

Pull out drawer
Leveling and door alignment

Using your refrigerator

Ensuring proper air circulation
Multi Flow
Door alarm
Control Panel features

Setting the controls
Adjusting control settings

Food storage guide
Storing frozen food 20
Refrigerator Section 21

Refrigerator shelves 21
Chef Fresh
Crisper humidity control
Optibin Crisper
Crisper cover with lattice on inner surface
Design-A-Door
Dairy Bin

Egg Box 23

Freezer Section 24

Ice Bin 24
Wire Durabase 24

Tilting Door 24
Water Dispenser 25 - 26
Filter
In-door ice bin

Care and Cleaning 28 - 29

General cleaning tips 28
Outside 28
Inside walls 28
Door liner and gaskets 28
Plastic parts 28
Condenser coils 28
Light bulb replacement 28 - 29
Power interruptions 29
When you go on vacation 29

About the Custom Cube Icemaker 30
Connecting the Water Line 31 - 33
Troubleshooting Guide 34 - 37

10

11 - 13

14 - 15

16

17 - 27

17
17
17
17
18

19
20

22
22
22
23
23
23

24 - 26

27

6

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SAFETY MESSAGES

This guide contains many important safety messages. Always read and obey all safety messages.

This is the safety alert symbol. It alerts you to safety messages that inform you of hazards that can kill or
Hurt you or others, or cause damage to the product.

All safety messages will be preceded by the safety alert symbol and the hazard signal word DANGER,
WARNING, CAUTION. These words mean:

DANGER

You will be killed or seriously injured if you don’t follow instructions.

You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t follow instructions.

WARNING

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

CAUTION

All safety messages will identify the hazard, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you what can happen if
the instructions are not followed.

may result in minor or moderate injury, or product damage only.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons
when using your product, basic safety precautions should
be followed, including the following:

NEVER unplug your refrigerator by pulling on the power cord.
Always grip the plug firmly and pull it straight out from the outlet.

Repair or replace immediately all electric service cords that have
become frayed or otherwise damaged. Do not use a cord that
shows cracks or abrasion damage along its length or at either the
plug or connector end.

When moving your refrigerator away from the wall, be careful not
to roll over or damage the power cord.

DO NOT store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and
liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.

DO NOT allow children to climb, stand or hang on the refrigerator
doors or shelves in the refrigerator. They could damage the
refrigerator and seriously injure themselves.

Keep fingers out of “pinch point” areas; clearances between the
doors and cabinet are necessarily small. Be careful when you
open the doors when children are in the area.

Unplug your refrigerator before cleaning or making any repairs.
NOTE: We strongly recommend that any servicing be performed
by a qualified individual.

Before replacing a burned-out light bulb, unplug the refrigerator or
turn off power at the circuit breaker or fuse box in order to avoid
contact with a live wire filament. (Aburned-out light bulb may
break when being replaced.)

NOTE Setting: either or both controls to the OFF position does not
remove power to the light circuit.

Do not store bottles in the freezer compartment - they may break
when frozen, causing damage.

The refrigerator-freezer should be so positioned that the supply

plug is accessible for quick disconnection when accident happens.

For personal safety, this appliance must be properly grounded.
Have the wall outlet and the circuit checked by a qualified
electrician to make sure the outlet is properly grounded.

Read all instructions before using this appliance.
Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in

this use and care guide.
After your refrigerator is in operation, do not touch the cold

surfaces in the freezer compartment when hands are damp or
wet. Skin may adhere to the extremely cold surfaces.

In refrigerators with automatic icemakers, avoid contact with the
moving parts of the ejector mechanism, or with the heating
element that releases the cubes. DO NOT place fingers or hands
on the automatic icemaking mechanism while the refrigerator is
plugged in.

DO NOT refreeze frozen foods which have thawed completely.
The United States Department of Agriculture in Home and
Garden Bulletin No. 69 says:

“...You may safely refreeze frozen foods that have thawed if

they still contain ice crystals or if they are still cold below
40°F (4°C).”

“...Thawed ground meats, poultry, or fish that have any off-odor
or off-color should not be refrozen and should not be eaten.
Thawed ice cream should be discarded. If the odor or color of
any food is poor or questionable, get rid of it. The food may be
dangerous to eat.”

“Even partial thawing and refreezing reduces the eating quality
of foods, particularly fruits, vegetables and prepared foods. The
eating quality of red meats is affected less than that of many
other foods. Use refrozen foods as soon as possible to

Save as much of their quality as you can.”

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

7

CAUTION

This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduce physical, sensory or mental capabilities,
or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the
appliance by person responsible for their safety.

appliance.

DANGER: RISK OF CHILD ENTRAPMENT

Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the

Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems of the
past. Junked or abandoned refrigerators are still dangerous,
even if they will sit for “just a few days”. If you are getting rid
of your old refrigerator, please follow the instructions at right
to help prevent accidents.

CFC DISPOSAL

Your old refrigerator
CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).CFCs are believed to harm
Stratospheric Ozone.

This appliance contains fluid (refrigerant, lubricant), is made
of parts and materials which are reusable and / or
recyclable. All the important materials should be sent to the
collection center of waste material and can be reused after
rework (recycling).

may have a cooling system that used

GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS

IMPORTANT: Please read carefully.
TO CONNECT ELECTRICITY

WARNING

Electrical Shock Hazard

FOR PERSONAL SAFETY, this appliance must be

properly grounded. Have the wall outlet and the circuit
checked by a qualified electrician to make sure the
outlet is properly grounded.

3-prong
grounding type
wall receptacle

3-prong
grounding
plug

Ensure proper
ground exists
before use.

RECOMMENDED GROUNDING METHOD

The refrigerator should always be plugged into its own
individual properly grounded electrical outlet rated for
115 Volts, 60 Hz, AC only, and fused at 15 or 20 amperes.
This provides the best performance and also prevents
overloading house wiring circuits which could cause a fire
hazard from overheated wires. It is recommended that a
separate circuit serving only this appliance be provided.

Use a receptacle which cannot be turned off with a switch
or pull chain. Do not use an extension cord.

BEFORE YOU THROW AWAY
YOUR OLD REFRIGERATOR
OR FREEZER

Take off the doors.
Leave the shelves in place so that

children may not easily climb inside.

For take back, please contact with the local agency

If you are throwing away your old refrigerator,

CFC refrigerant is removed for proper disposal by a

the

qualified service
refrigerant, you can be subject to fines and imprisonment
under provisions of environmental legislation.

Where a standard two-prong wall outlet is encountered, it
is your personal responsibility and obligation to have it
replaced with a properly grounded three-prong wall outlet.

Do not, under any circumstances, cut or remove the third
(Ground) prong from the power cord.

NOTE: Before performing any type of installation, cleaning,
or removing a light bulb, turn the control (Thermostat,
Refrigerator Control or Freezer Control, depending on the
model) to OFF and then disconnect the refrigerator from

the electrical source. When you are finished, reconnect the
refrigerator to the electrical source and reset the control
(Thermostat, Refrigerator Control or Freezer Control,
depending on the model) to the desired setting.

If you intentionally release this CFC

r.

make sure

USE OF EXTENSION CORDS

Because of potential safety hazards under certain
conditions, we strongly recommend against the use of an
extension cord. However, if you still elect to use an
extension cord, it is absolutely necessary that it be a
UL-listed (in the United States), 3-wire grounding type
appliance extension cord having a grounding type plug and
outlet, and that the electrical rating of the cord be 15
amperes (minimum) and 120 volts.

Use of an extension cord will increase the clearance needed
for the back of the refrigerator.

WARNING

POWER CORD REPLACEMENT

If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced
by the manufacturer, by our service center or by
qualified personal by LG Electronics, to avoid some
risk.

8

A

B

C

PARTS AND FEATURES

I

J

K

D

E

F

G

H

E

L

M

N

O

P

Use this page to become more familiar with the parts and features. Page references are included for your convenience.
NOTE: This guide covers several dierent models. The refrigerator you have purchased may have some or all of the

items listed below. The locations of the features shown below may not match your model.

A

Refrigerator Light

B

Ice Room

C

Egg Box

D

Snack Pan

Modular Door Bins

E

F

Water Tank Cover

Crisper

G

Ice Bin

H

Filter (Inside)

I

Dairy Bin

J

K

Refrigerator Shelves

L

Freezer Light

M

Turbo Motor

N

Glide out Drawer

O

Durabase

P

Divider

9

Ice Bucket

Ice Room Door

*On some models

REFRIGERATOR INSTALLATION

WARNING

Use two or more people to move and install
refrigerator.
Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.

UNPACKING YOUR REFRIGERATOR

Remove tape and any temporary labels from your
refrigerator before usign. Do not remove any warning type
labels, the model and serial number label, or the techsheet
(on some models), that is attached to back wall of the
refrigerator.

To remove any remaining tape or glue, rub the area
briskly with your thumb. Tape or glue residue can also be
easily removed by rubbing a small amount of liquid dish
soap over the adhesive with your fingers. Wipe with warm
water and dry.

Do not use sharp instruments, rubbing alcohol, flammable
fluids or abrasive cleaners to remove tape or glue. These
products can damage the surface of your refrigerator. For
more information, see the Important Safety Instructions
section.

Refrigerator shelves are installed in the shipping position.

Please reinstall shelves according to your individual
storage needs.

When Moving Your Refrigerator:

Your refrigerator is heavy. When moving the
refrigerator for cleaning or service, be sure to protect
the floor. Always pull the refrigerator straight out when
moving it. Do not wiggle or walk the refrigerator when
trying to move it, as floor damage could occur.

Excessive Weight Hazard

WARNING

3. Install this appliance in an area where the temperature

is between 55 °F (13 °C) and 110 °F (43 °C.) If the
temperature around the appliance is too low or high,
cooling ability may be adversely affected.

CAUTION: Avoid placing the unit near heat sources,
direct sunlight or moisture.

NEXT

1. Clean your refrigerator thoroughly and wipe off all dust

accumulated during shipping.

2. Install accessories such as ice cube bin, drawers,

shelves, etc., in their proper places. They are packed
together to prevent possible damage during shipment.

3. Let your refrigerator run for 2 or 3 hours before putting

food in it. Check the flow of cold air in the freezer
compartment to ensure proper cooling. Your refrigerator
is now ready for use.

WARNING:

Be careful when you work with hinge, base grille,
stopper, etc. you may be injured.

Do not put hands or metal sticks into air vents, base
grille, or bottom of refrigerator. You may be injured or
receive an electrical shock.

BASE GRILLE INSTALLATION

To install or replace Base Grille:

1. Remove the 2 screws from the bottom front part of

refrigerator.

2. Place Base Grille into position and insert and tighten
Screws.

To remove the base grille

1. Remove screws from Base Grille and remove.

2. Reattach screws to the base of refrigerator.

Explosion Hazard

Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as
gasoline, away from refrigerator.

Failure to do so can result in death, explosion or fire.

INSTALLATION

1. Avoid placing the unit near heat sources, direct sunlight,

or moisture.

2. To avoid vibration, the unit must be level. If required,

adjust the leveling screws to compensate for
unevenness of the floor. The front should be slightly
higher than the rear to aid in door closing. Leveling
screws can be turned easily by tipping the cabinet
slightly. Turn the leveling screws clockwise ( ) to
raise the unit, counterclockwise ( ) to lower it.

A proper distance from adjacent items

Please keep the refrigerator at a proper distance from

Other things. Too small a distance from adjacent items

may result in lowered freezing capability and increased

Electricity charges consumption .

10

(5.08 cm) 2”

REFRIGERATOR INSTALLATION

T O O L S Y O U M A Y N E E D

10 mm
1/4 in
3/8 in

Hex head socket wrench

Phillips screwdriver

Flat head screwdriver

Allen wrench

1/4 in
3/32 in

To move refrigerator through a house door, it maybe necessary to remove refrigerator and freezer door handles.

NOTE: Handle appearance may vary from illustrations on this page.

REMOVING REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER HANDLES

1.Removing Refrigerator Handle

Mounting

Fasteners

• Loosen the set screws with the 3/32 ” Allen

wrench and remove the handle.
NOTE: If the handle mounting fasteners
need to be tightened or removed, use a 1/4 ”
Allen wrench.

Set Screw

2.Removing Freezer Drawer Handle

• Loosen the set screws located on the lower

side of the handle with the 3/32 ” Allen
wrench and remove the handle.
NOTE: If the handle mounting fasteners
need to be tightened or removed, use a 1/4”
Allen wrench.

Allen Wrench

11

REFRIGERATOR INSTALLATION

REMOVING REFRIGERATOR DOORS

1. Removing Refrigerator Door
NOTE: Handle appearance may vary.

IMPORTANT: Before you begin, turn the refrigerator OFF and unplug it. Remove food and any bins from doors.

Left Door

Loosen the screws and remove the cove on back side (see figure A).
Disconnect water supply tube by pushing back on the disconnect ring (3).
Loosen the cover screw (1).
Disconnect door switch wire (2).

Pull out the tube (4).

CAUTION: If a tube end is deformed or worn out, cut the damaged portion away.

Disconnect wire harness (5).
Remove the ground screw (6).
Loosen screws (7) and lift off the top hinge (8).

Place the door on a non-scratching surface with the inside up.

CAUTION: When removing top hinge, be careful that the door does not fall forward.

Right Door

Loosen the cover screw (1).
Disconnect door switch wire (2).
Loosen screws (7) and lift off the top hinge (8).
Place the door on a non-scratching surface with the inside up.

(1)

(2)

(4)

(6)

(5)

(7)

(8)

(1)

(2)

(7)

(8)

Figure A

3

12

REFRIGERATOR INSTALLATION

2.Replacing Refrigerator Door

Right Door

Lower the door onto the middle hinge pin (9). Make sure the door is aligned with the cabinet.
Replace the top hinge (8) installing hinge screws (7) to secure it.
Make sure the gasket on the door is flush against the cabinet and is not folded. Support the door on the handle side while
securing hinge. Make sure the door is straight and the gap between the doors is even.
Connect the door switch wire (2).
Tighten the cover screw (1).

Left Door

Lower the door onto the middle hinge pin (10). Make sure the door is aligned with the cabinet.
Replace the top hinge (8) installing hinge screws (7) to secure it.
Make sure the gasket on the door is flush against the cabinet and is not folded. Support the door on the handle side while
tightening. And make sure the door is straight and the gap between the doors is even.
Insert the water supply tube (4) into the connector tube until you see only one scale mark.
(Fully insert the tube over 5/8” (15 mm)).
Install the ground screw (6) and connect the wire harness (5).
Connect the door switch wire (2).
Tighten the cover screw (1).

Connecting tube color

• Blue to Blue

Caution

• White to White

1.

10

9

13

REFRIGERATOR INSTALLATION

HOW TO REMOVE AND INSTALL THE
PULL OUT DRAWER

IMPORTANT: To avoid possible injury, product or property

damage, you will need two people to perform the following
instructions.

1.Removing Pull out Drawer

• Pull the drawer open to full lower extension. Remove the

lower basket (1) by lifting basket from rail system.

1

• With both hands, hold both sides of the door and pull it

up to separate it from the rails.

• Press both hangers with yours thumbs to lift it up.

• Separate the left and right rail cover

• Remove the screws (2) of the rail on both sides.

2

• With both hands, hold the center of the bar and push it

in to let both rails fitted simultaneously.

CAUTION: When you remove the drawer, do not hold
handle. If it comes off, it could cause personal injury.

CAUTION: When laying down the drawer, be careful
not to damage the floor or hurt your feet by the sharp
edges on hinge side.

14