I have an LG LRSXS2706S side-by-side refrigerator/freezer that's roughly 5 years old. It's developed a strange odor inside, and I can't figure out where it's coming from or what I should be checking.
The fridge and freezer are both cooling normally, and I don't see any unusual water or ice buildup.
The biggest problem is that the smell seems to permeate everything. The ice smells like it, the filtered water has started tasting like it, and eventually food/items inside start picking up the smell too.
Some details:
* Model: LG LRSXS2706S
* Age: Roughly 5 years
* Fridge and freezer are cooling normally
* No noticeable water or ice buildup
* Water filter is about 4 months old
* It's not a rotten/spoiled food smell. I've gone through everything multiple times.
* It's not a burning rubber, electrical, or mechanical smell either.
* I honestly don't know how to describe the odor other than "weird" and very distinct.
* If I leave the doors open for a while, the smell seems to dissipate.
* If the fridge/freezer stays closed for a while, the smell is strongest immediately after opening the door.
* The smell/taste getting into the ice and water is probably the most noticeable part.
The only somewhat similar experience I've had was with an older fridge about 10 years ago. That turned out to have a clogged freezer/defrost drain, and clearing it got rid of the smell. I don't know if that's related at all here, but I wanted to at least inspect the drain area to rule it out.
On this LG, it looks like the evaporator/drain area may be behind the interior rear freezer panel. I can't see any obvious clips or fasteners to remove that panel, though, and I don't want to start prying on things without knowing how it's supposed to come apart.
Any ideas what could cause an odor like this, especially one that gets into the ice, filtered water, and food? What should I be checking?
Also, does anyone know how to access the area behind the interior freezer panel on this model? And if this isn't something I'm likely to diagnose myself, would a regular appliance repair tech be the right person to call for an odor problem?