LG air conditioning error codes: what the CH codes mean
When an LG wall unit finds a fault, its display alternates between CH and a number, for example CH and 38. Here is what the common CH codes mean according to LG's own support pages, the checks LG says you can do yourself, and when you need an engineer.
- how an LG shows a fault
- CH + number
- LG's wait before power comes back on
- 3 to 5 min
- diagnostic visit, deducted
- £125
- we repair LG whoever fitted it
- Any fitter
How an LG shows an error code
On LG wall units, the display on the front of the indoor unit flashes CH and then a number, one after the other. CH and 05 means error CH05. There's nothing to press: the code shows by itself.
LG notes that models sold in North America blink two small lights in a pattern instead, while units elsewhere show the code as numbers. If you're reading an American guide, that's why it talks about counting blinks.
Common LG error codes
These are the codes from LG's error code chart, in plain English, plus CH38 from LG's own article on it.
| Code | What LG says it means | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| CH01 | Indoor room air sensor disconnected or shorted | Book an engineer. |
| CH02 | Indoor pipe sensor (inlet) disconnected or shorted | Book an engineer. |
| CH05 | Indoor unit can't communicate with the outdoor unit | Check the breakers and do a power reset, as below. Book an engineer if it returns. |
| CH06 | Indoor pipe sensor (outlet) disconnected or shorted | Book an engineer. |
| CH09 | Indoor unit memory (EEPROM) error | Book an engineer. |
| CH10 | Indoor fan has locked up | Book an engineer. Don't try to free the fan yourself. |
| CH21 | DC peak or power module (IPM) fault: compressor DC voltage too high | Book an engineer. |
| CH23 | DC link voltage too low | Book an engineer. |
| CH26 | Compressor has seized or isn't turning | Book an engineer. |
| CH29 | Compressor current too high | Book an engineer. |
| CH32 | Compressor discharge pipe temperature too high | Book an engineer. |
| CH38 | Refrigerant level is low, so the unit stops to protect itself | One power reset. If it returns, book an F-Gas certified engineer. |
| CH44 | Outdoor air sensor disconnected or shorted | Book an engineer. |
| CH53 | Outdoor unit can't communicate with the indoor unit | Power reset, waiting 5 minutes. Book an engineer if it returns. |
| CH61 | Outdoor coil too hot in cooling. LG says in heating it's usually a clogged indoor filter | Clear around the outdoor unit or clean the indoor filter, then do a power reset. |
| CH62 | Outdoor circuit board heat sink too hot | Clear space around the outdoor unit. Book an engineer if it returns. |
| CH67 | Outdoor fan motor locked | Look from a distance for anything stopping the fan. If it's clear, book an engineer. |
Sources: LG help library, Single / Multi-Split Air Conditioner Error Codes, and LG's CH05, CH38 and CH61 articles, checked October 2026.
CH05 and CH53: the units have stopped talking
LG says that where the outdoor unit has its own circuit breaker, a tripped outdoor breaker causes CH05. If it has tripped, switch the indoor one off too, wait 3 minutes, then switch both back on together.
Straight after an installation, LG says the installer should check the cables between the units. After normal use, it can be a temporary fault from an unstable power supply: switch off at the breaker for about 5 minutes. If a breaker keeps tripping or the code returns, it needs an engineer.
CH38: low refrigerant
LG says CH38 appears when the refrigerant level is low, and the unit stops to protect itself. After a period of normal use, LG suggests one power reset, waiting 5 minutes, before calling a technician.
A split system is sealed, so low refrigerant usually means a leak. Refrigerant work must be done by an F-Gas certified engineer. Ours are F-Gas and REFCOM certified, and we fix the leak before recharging.
CH61: the outdoor unit is too hot
In cooling, LG says CH61 shows when the outdoor unit's coil gets too hot, usually because hot air can't escape. Clear anything from the front, sides and back of the outdoor unit. If it sits in an enclosure, make sure air can flow freely in and out.
In heating, LG says the usual cause is a dust-clogged indoor filter, so clean it. LG adds that CH61 doesn't clear by itself: switch off at the breaker for 3 minutes, then back on. If it comes back after that, book an engineer.
Safe checks before you book
These are safe for anyone. If none help, or the same code keeps coming back, stop and book a visit.
- Write down the code and the model number from the label on the side of the indoor unit
- Check your consumer unit for a tripped breaker, for the outdoor unit too if it has its own
- Switch off, then clean the air filters behind the front panel
- Clear leaves, bins or covers from around the outdoor unit, keeping hands away from the fan
- Do one power reset: switch off at the breaker, wait 3 to 5 minutes, then switch on
- If a breaker trips again, leave it off and book an engineer
What an LG repair visit costs
The diagnostic visit covers the first hour on site and comes off the bill if you go ahead. We repair LG systems whoever installed them.
- from£125inc. VAT
Repair diagnostic visit
First hour on site, deducted if you go ahead
LG error code questions
What does CH05 mean on an LG air conditioner?
CH05 means the indoor and outdoor units can't communicate. LG says a tripped breaker for the outdoor unit causes it. Check the breakers, then do a power reset. If it happens straight after installation, the installer should check the cables between the units.
What does CH38 mean on an LG air conditioner?
LG says CH38 means the refrigerant level is low, and the unit has stopped to protect itself. Try one power reset with a 5 minute wait. If it comes back, book an F-Gas certified engineer to find the cause.
What does CH10 mean on an LG?
LG's error code chart lists CH10 as the indoor fan locking up, meaning the fan motor isn't running as it should. Switch off and book an engineer. Don't try to turn the fan by hand.
How do I reset an LG air conditioner after an error?
Switch off at the breaker or isolator, wait 3 to 5 minutes as LG advises, then switch back on. If the cause has gone, the unit runs normally. If the code comes back, it needs an engineer.
Why do American guides talk about counting blinks on an LG?
LG says its units sold in North America show faults as blinking lights, while units elsewhere show the code as numbers on the display. Many code numbers are shared across regions, but the way they're shown is different.