What CH E / Er CH (High Side Refrigerant Leak) Means
CH E (also shown as Er CH) indicates a high-side refrigerant leak, most likely from the condenser, per LG's error-code list. LG's dedicated Er CH/Er CL article broadens this to "insufficient cooling or an abnormal internal temperature," naming insufficient refrigerant, a refrigerant leak, or a compressor/valve problem as the possible causes, and states there are no troubleshooting steps available.
Common Causes of CH E / Er CH (High Side Refrigerant Leak)
- Refrigerant leak in the high-pressure side of the sealed system (often the condenser)
- Insufficient refrigerant charge
- Compressor or valve component failure
- Refrigerator or freezer door left open for an extended period
🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try
Close the refrigerator and freezer doors fully if either was left open, since that alone can sometimes trigger a false read, and give the compartments time to cool back down before deciding the code is a genuine fault; beyond that, LG documents no owner-level repair for a refrigerant-side code.
⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That
- Refrigerant work on a sealed cooling system legally requires EPA-certified handling - this is not a part a homeowner can access or recharge themselves.
- A refrigerant leak that keeps running undiagnosed means the compressor works harder than it should, which shortens its life and increases the eventual repair cost.
- Because the same code covers several different possible causes (leak, undercharge, or a failed valve), a technician needs to isolate which one applies before any part is replaced.
Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.