On the covered LG range or oven, F38 means a Communication Error between the Main Board and the Inverter — LG's own wording. First, record the code and the function in use. Then: switch the unit's circuit breaker off, wait 30 seconds and switch it back on — LG's own sequence for this code; there is no CLEAR/OFF step for it.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG range or oven code F38”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A communication error between the main board and inverter
What separates it F38 shows on an induction cooktop, which points to a communication error between the main board and inverter
How to confirm LG words F38 as a Communication Error between the Main Board and Inverter
- 2
A loose connection between the boards
What separates it F38 returns every time the range is powered up and induction burners will not start
How to confirm Only a technician should check the connection; tell them F38 appears on every power-up
- 3
A one-off glitch after a power interruption
What separates it F38 appeared once after an outage and cleared at the breaker
How to confirm Switch the breaker off, wait, restore it and see whether F38 returns
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Note whether any induction burner heats before you start troubleshooting
Try in this order
0 of 9 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleRecord the code and the function in use.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleSwitch the unit's circuit breaker off, wait 30 seconds and switch it back on — LG's own sequence for this code; there is no CLEAR/OFF step for it.
Note when F38 appears
ReversibleWrite down whether F38 shows at power-up or when a burner is turned on, because that tells service which board link to check first.
Switch the breaker off and back on
ReversibleLG lists F38 as a communication error between the main board and the inverter. Turn the breaker off for 30 seconds and restore power.
Book service if it returns
ReversibleA communication fault between two boards is not an owner repair.
Note whether a burner is involved
ReversibleOn induction models, record whether F38 shows at power-up or only when a burner is switched on.
Switch the breaker off for 30 seconds
ReversibleRestore the power and watch whether the code returns.
Do not try to use the burners if it returns
ReversibleThe inverter drives the induction burners, so a code that comes back every time means they should not be relied on.
Book service
ReversibleA communication fault between two boards is not an owner repair, so call LG service with the model number and when the code appears.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Parts named
- Main board; inverter.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does F38 mean on a LG range or oven?+
a Communication Error between the Main Board and the Inverter — LG's own wording.
Can I use my LG oven with an F38 code?+
The oven may not heat while the main board and the inverter cannot talk, so it needs service if a breaker reset does not clear it.
Is F38 a problem I can fix by cleaning?+
No. It is a communication fault between two boards inside the range, so cleaning the surface does not help. Reset the breaker once and call for service if it returns.
Why does it matter whether F38 shows at power-up or when a burner is turned on?+
It tells a technician which board link to check first, so note the moment it appears before you call.
Does F38 affect only the induction burners?+
LG describes it as a fault between the main board and the inverter, so burners that depend on the inverter are the ones that fail first; other oven functions may still work.