On the covered LG refrigerator, CH, CL, CH E, CL E means a refrigerant leak on the HIGH pressure side — LG's own wording. LG states it can be caused by a faulty valve, and appears when the temperature and compressor sensors show abnormal values. First, record the code and how the compartments are actually performing.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG refrigerator code CH, CL, CH E, CL E”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A refrigerant leak on the high pressure side (CH)
What separates it CH shows and the refrigerator does not cool, which points to a refrigerant leak on the high pressure side (CH)
How to confirm LG says it can be caused by a faulty valve and appears when the temperature and compressor sensors show abnormal values
- 2
A refrigerant leak on the low pressure side (CL)
What separates it CL shows and the refrigerator does not cool, which points to a refrigerant leak on the low pressure side (CL)
How to confirm LG gives the same explanation for CL: a faulty valve and abnormal sensor values
- 3
A misreading from the compressor or valve sensor
What separates it CH or CL appears while the refrigerator still cools and the compressor runs normally
How to confirm Check the food temperature with a thermometer and note whether the compressor is running
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact characters shown on the display: CH, CL, CH E or CL E
- How the compartments are actually performing
- Note whether the compressor runs before you start troubleshooting
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleRecord the code and how the compartments are actually performing.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleA refrigerant leak is not a customer repair. LG directs this to service.
Record the state
ReversibleRecord the code and how the refrigerator and freezer are actually performing.
Protect the food
ReversibleMove perishable food to a working refrigerator.
Request service
ReversibleLG lists CH and CL among the malfunction codes for which you should request service.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- CH, CL, CH E, E CH, CL E, E CL.
- Parts named
- Valve; compressor sensor.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Sealed-system and refrigerant work is licensed work; do not open the sealed system
- !Move food to another refrigerator, with the full model number and exact code ready
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. CH and CL share this page because LG gives them the same cause and the same service instruction.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does CH, CL, CH E, CL E mean on a LG refrigerator?+
a refrigerant leak on the HIGH pressure side — LG's own wording. LG states it can be caused by a faulty valve, and appears when the temperature and compressor sensors show abnormal values.
Can I top up the refrigerant myself?+
No; a sealed refrigerant system needs a licensed technician and specialist tools.