Generally, the ability to interpret various LG mini split error codes is the key to troubleshooting most problems affecting the air conditioning system. The error codes will tell you when your air conditioning system is malfunctioning and how serious the issue is.
Some error codes only require you to briefly power off or reset the air conditioner, while others call for an expert inspection. Meanwhile, some may require a component replacement.
So, you ought to be familiar with them or at least have somewhere you can refer, and that’s where this error code troubleshooting guide comes in.
I’ll discuss the commonest LG mini split fault codes, their meaning, possible cause, and troubleshooting. The information will help you clear the error code and prevent a major malfunction or breakdown of your mini-split.
Let’s get into it!
In a hurry? The table below shows the most typical error codes and their troubleshooting details.
Quick LG Mini Split Error Codes Troubleshooting Guide
| – | Error Code | Meaning | Possible Cause | Troubleshooting |
| 1. | CH00 | Electrical problem | Power fluctuation | Power the unit off for 5 minutes |
| 2. | CH01/CH02 | Auto-Stop Protection problem | Open/shut circuit fault | Request expert inspection |
| 3. | CH03/E3 | No refrigerant | Refrigerant leakage | Request expert inspection |
| 4. | CH05/5 flashes | Communication fault | Lack of power or wiring fault | Check the power supply and fix any wiring faults or loose connection |
| 5. | CH07 | Operation mode variation | The indoor and outdoor units operate in different modes | Change the operating mode; reset the unit if that doesn’t work |
| 6. | CH10 | Locked up motor | Failed indoor fan motor | Replace the fan motor |
| 7. | CH21 | High voltage compressor, or PCB fault | Short-circuited compressor, bad inverter PCB | Replace the compressor or PCB |
| 8. | Code 26 | Seized compressor | The compressor is not correctly connected | Check the compressor and secure it properly |
| 9. | CH34 | Overheating | Abnormal pressure in the unit’s sealed system or dirty condenser coils | Shelter the AC from direct sunlight and clean dirty condenser coils |
| 10. | CH35 | Low-pressure sensor fault | Blocked outdoor fan, refrigerator leak, poorly connected pressure sensor, or a bad compressor sensor or PCB | Clean any fan blockage and request expert inspection for the other issues |
| 11. | CH38 | Electrical fault or low refrigerant | Unstable power or refrigerant leakage | Reset the mini split and request an expert repair if it won’t reset |
| 12. | CH67 | Outdoor fan lock fault | Seized outdoor fan motor or defective rotation sensor circuit | Inspect the outdoor fan motor for fault and replace it if you can’t fix it |
| 13. | P2/FL | Full drain pan | High humidity | Turn the fan to low speed and AC to cool mode |
| 14. | Code E4 | Defrost Mode | Ice detected in the evaporator | Wait for the AC to complete the defrost (up to 10 minutes) |
| 15. | Code E5 | Full water collection | Poor drainage | Drain out the water collection tank |
| 16. | Code F1/F2/F3 | Fan Mode | The normal working of the fan | Nothing to fix |
How to Troubleshoot Common LG Mini Split Error Codes
Below are troubleshooting guides for the 16 most common LG mini split fault codes.
1. Error Code CH00
Meaning
Electrical problem
Cause
Code CH00 typically pops up on the mini split screen to indicate an electrical issue, especially a power fluctuation. So, you’ve to inspect your unit to see if you can identify the fault.
Troubleshooting
Unplug the mini split for about 5 minutes and then plug it back in. If the error code persists, request an expert inspection.
2. Error Code CH01/CH02/E1/E2
Meaning
Auto-Stop Protection problem
Cause
The error code CH01, CH02, E1, or E2 indicates a problem with the mini split’s auto-stop protection. That’s likely because of an open or short circuit issue – affecting the pipe sensor.
Troubleshooting
You’ll need to request an expert inspection of the pipe sensor.
3. LG Mini Split Error Codes CH 03 or Code E3
Meaning
No refrigerant
Cause
The error code CH03 or E3 pops up when the mini split detects a drop in the refrigerant level. That indicates a significant refrigerant leakage, and one sign is that the LG air conditioner won’t cool.
Troubleshooting
Your unit needs refrigerant refilling. However, that is something you should call a professional to handle.
4. LG Mini Split Error Codes CH 05 (LG Mini Split Error Codes 5 Flashes)
Meaning
Communication faults either in the outdoor unit or indoor unit
Cause
The error code CH05 (sometimes displaying as five light flashes) will come on when there’s failed communication in your outdoor or indoor unit.
That’s likely to happen due to one of these causes:
- Failed power supply (your unit failing to get power either due to a faulty socket, tripped breaker, or bad fuse)
- Wiring fault (broken or loose wiring connection)
Troubleshooting
Ensure your unit is getting power. Reset the breaker if it’s flipped off and replace the thermal fuse or power plug if they fail the multimeter’s electrical continuity test.
5. Error Code CH07
Meaning
Variation in the operation mode between the indoor unit and the master unit
Cause
Whenever the temperature or operation mode between the master unit and the indoor unit differs, the error code CH07 will likely pop up. Once it does, you’ve to check the temperature setting of the two units.
Troubleshooting
Reset the master and indoor unit’s temperatures so that they match. Unplug the mini-split for a few minutes to reset it if it is unsuccessful in clearing the error code.
6. LG Mini Split Error Codes CH 10
Meaning
Locked up motor
Cause
Once the fan motor fails to run, the indoor fan will lock up, and the error code CH10 will come on when it does. Additionally, the unit’s indoor LED will blink once.
Troubleshooting
Since the issue is the fan motor, replace it.
7. LG Mini Split Error Codes CH 21
Meaning
Over-voltage compressor or failed PCB
Cause
The error code will pop up if an excessive voltage is enough to short-circuit the compressor. This error code may also suggest a down-to-earth compressor or a faulty PCB board.
Troubleshooting
Check if the compressor is working. If it’s not, replace it. But if the compressor is okay, replace the PCB.
8. LG Mini Split Error Codes 26
Meaning
Seized compressor
Cause
If the compressor is improperly connected, it’ll be seized, and the sign for that is error code 26. A seized compressor won’t run, not until you fix it.
Troubleshooting
Check the compressor to ensure it’s well connected. If it’s not, do it or request an expert’s help.
9. Error Code CH34
Meaning
Unit overheating
Cause
The code CH34 will appear on the control panel when the mini split overheats. The most likely trigger for that is an abnormal pressure in the unit’s sealed system, often related to direct exposure of the unit to sunlight.
But still, the mini split may overheat if the condenser coils are dirt-clogged.
Troubleshooting
Consider inspecting the condenser coils first for dirt clogging and clearing them. If the error code comes on again, shelter the air conditioner from direct sunlight. It may mean erecting an awning over it.
Alternatively, set the mini split at a higher temperature, especially when you aren’t home, to allow it to match the increased air temperature.
10. LG Mini Split Error Codes CH35
Meaning
Faulty low-pressure sensor
Cause
If there’s a problem with the pressure sensor, the error code CH35 will appear. The likely triggers of such are:
- A blocked outdoor fan
- Leaky refrigerant
- Poorly connected pressure sensor
- Bad compressor sensor
- Bad control board
Troubleshooting
Start by checking the outdoor fan for potential blockages such as dirt, debris, and branches and clear them. If there are none, have an expert inspect the other issues and fix them.
11. LG Mini Split Error Codes CH 38
Meaning
Electrical fault or low refrigerant
Cause
The fault code CH38 will pop up if there’s an electrical fault, especially unstable power or refrigerant leakage. So, you ought to check the two.
Troubleshooting
Try resetting your mini-split by unplugging it for 5 minutes. If the error code won’t go after turning it back on, have an expert inspect it for refrigerant leak and refill if that’s the case.
12. LG Mini Split Error Codes CH 67
Meaning
Outdoor fan lock fault
Cause
The error code CH67 will display when the outdoor fan motor is seized, resulting in a fan lock fault. The rotation sensor circuit could be defective if that’s not it.
Troubleshooting
Check both the fan motor and the PCB for faults. Depending on whether it is faulty, you’ll need to replace one of them, and an expert can help you.
13. Error Code FL or P2
Meaning
Full drain pan
Cause
Depending on your mini-split model, the error code FL or P2 will appear when the drain pan fills up with water. That’s likely to be the case due to the high humidity.
Troubleshooting
Consider increasing the air conditioner’s fan speed to improve water drainage. You can also set the unit on Cool Mode to lower the humidity and possibly shut the windows and doors to create a more temperature-controlled indoor environment.
14. Code E4
Meaning
The mini split is on Defrost mode
Cause
The code E4, which is not a fault code, comes on when the air conditioner enters the defrost mode. That happens due to the detection of the frost on the evaporator. So, it occurs naturally.
Troubleshooting
Since it’s not a fault code, wait for the mini-split to complete the defrost cycle. It may take up to 10 minutes.
15. Error Code E5
Meaning
Full water collection tank
Cause
Expect the error code E5 to pop up when the water collection tank fills up with water, indicating the water is not drawing out.
Troubleshooting
Drain out the water collection tank by removing the drain cap and reinstalling it once it entirely flows out.
16. Code F1/F2/F3
Meaning
The unit is on ‘fan mode.’
Cause
This is another code that doesn’t indicate a fault. It shows that the unit is running in fan mode.
Troubleshooting
Since the code indicates a running fan, no troubleshooting is needed.
Closing Thought
Above are the most everyday LG mini split error codes you will likely see on your unit. You can thus use the guide to troubleshoot the unit and clear the code. But if the error code doesn’t go away, consider contacting an HVAC professional or LG’s technical team for direction.
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