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Error Code CH38

LG Air Conditioner

Severity: Critical

Source: OnlyErrorCodes.com — Every error code. One place.

LG Air Conditioner Error Code CH38 — Fix

What it means

LG Error Code CH38 means the outdoor unit fan motor has a fault and the outdoor unit cannot expel heat.
Turn the system off immediately — running without an outdoor fan will overheat and damage the compressor.
Call an LG-authorised technician.

Affected Models

  • LG Artcool Series
  • LG Dualcool Series
  • LG Standard Plus Series
  • LG DUALCOOL Premium

Common Causes

  • Outdoor unit fan motor failed
  • Outdoor fan motor capacitor failed
  • Fan blade obstructed — debris lodged in outdoor unit
  • Outdoor PCB fan driver circuit fault

How to Fix It

  1. Turn the system off immediately.

    Switch the AC off at the remote and at the outdoor isolator.
    Running the system without an outdoor fan causes rapid heat build-up and compressor failure within minutes.
    Do not restart until repaired.

  2. Inspect the outdoor unit for obstructions.

    Look into the outdoor unit grilles from the outside.
    A plastic bag, large leaf, or other debris jammed into the fan blade is a common cause of CH38.
    If you can safely remove an obvious external obstruction, do so — then perform a power reset to test.

  3. Perform a power reset after clearing an obstruction.

    If an obstruction was found and removed, turn the isolator off for 5 minutes.
    Restore power and attempt to run the system.
    If CH38 returns, the fan motor itself has been damaged by the stall.

  4. Do not attempt further DIY repair.

    The outdoor unit contains live electrical components and refrigerant under pressure.
    Do not remove the outdoor unit casing to access the fan motor.
    This is a professional repair.

  5. Book an LG-authorised technician urgently.

    Explain that the system has been turned off due to CH38.
    An experienced technician will test the fan motor, capacitor, and PCB driver circuit to identify the failed component.

When to Call a Professional

CH38 requires replacing the outdoor fan motor or capacitor.
This requires isolating the outdoor unit and working with refrigerant-side components — book an LG-authorised service agent immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's involved in fixing LG Error CH38?

Outdoor fan motor replacement requires accessing the outdoor unit and is a job for a qualified technician. A capacitor replacement (less common) is a simpler swap if that turns out to be the cause — worth confirming with a technician which part has actually failed before parts are ordered.

Can a LG air conditioner recover after running with CH38?

If the system was running for only a short time before CH38 was noticed and it was turned off promptly, the compressor is usually undamaged. If it ran for an extended period at high load with no outdoor fan, compressor damage is possible and should be assessed by the technician.