LG Refrigerator CH E Error Code (Er CH, E CH): Sealed System Problem (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

What the code means

LG calls CH "High side cycle leakage". LG Canada says CH E or E CH most likely means refrigerant is leaking from the condenser, the high-pressure side of the cooling system, and that the same family of codes can also come from a restriction in the refrigerant flow, a bad compressor, a defective valve, or doors left open far too long. LG's digital and analog error code guide adds that the fridge sets CH when its temperature and compressor sensors report abnormal values. LG USA's Er CH and Er CL article says the code appears when the fridge detects insufficient cooling or an abnormal internal temperature, and lists low refrigerant or a leak, a compressor, valve or other sealed-system problem, a blockage in the sealed system, or a door left open for a long time. Its twin code, CL (Er CL, E CL), means the same kind of problem on the low-pressure side, usually the evaporator. LG also notes CH can show up right after a repair if the freezer hasn't yet cooled below 14°F (-10°C); in that case let it run about 24 hours.

Likely causes

• A refrigerator or freezer door left open or ajar for a long time, so the fridge can't pull the temperature down
• A refrigerant leak on the high-pressure side of the sealed system, most likely at the condenser (LG's most likely cause for CH)
• A restriction or blockage in the refrigerant flow inside the sealed system
• A failing compressor
• A defective valve in the sealed system
• A recent repair: the freezer hasn't cooled below 14°F (-10°C) yet, so the code shows until it catches up

Safe DIY checks

1. Check every door. Close the refrigerator and freezer doors completely if any were left open, give the compartments time to cool, and see if the code clears.
2. Restart the refrigerator. Unplug it from the wall outlet, wait five minutes, and plug it back in. LG Canada also suggests a longer hard reset, unplugging it or turning off its breaker for about half an hour, to clear a false code.
3. On models that show CH E, LG Canada's clear-the-code steps are: open the right-hand refrigerator door and, with it open, press both the refrigerator and freezer temperature buttons together three times in a row. If the code comes back, it's a real fault.
4. If the fridge was just repaired, let it run for about 24 hours so the freezer can get below 14°F (-10°C). LG says to contact support if the code is still there after 24 hours or the freezer is still too warm.
5. If your fridge is connected to the LG ThinQ app, LG suggests running a ThinQ diagnosis before booking service.
6. Keep an eye on food temperatures with a thermometer. LG warns the fridge may not be cooling properly while CH is showing, so move perishables to a cooler or another fridge if temperatures climb.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• CF E LG Refrigerator CF E
• FF LG Refrigerator FF
• IF LG Refrigerator IF
• CE Frigidaire Refrigerator CE
• H1 / HI Frigidaire Refrigerator H1 / HI
• SY EF / 5Y EF Frigidaire Refrigerator SY EF / 5Y EF

All LG codes →

Sources

1. LG USA: How to Troubleshoot Er CH and Er CL Error Codes on Your LG Refrigerator (causes, door check, 5-minute restart, 14°F/-10°C after repair, 24 hours)
2. LG Canada: CL E / CH E / E CL / E CH error codes (high side cycle leakage at the condenser, clearing the error, half-hour hard reset, ThinQ diagnosis)
3. LG USA: Digital and Analog Error Codes (CH high side of cycle leak, faulty valve, abnormal temperature and compressor sensor values)
4. LG USA: LG Refrigerator Error Code List (CH high side cycle leakage, cycle error requires service)