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ER CO

LG Refrigerator

Severity: Critical

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

LG Refrigerator ER CO Error — Compressor Fault Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

ER CO is one of the codes you don't want to see — it means the compressor isn't running properly.
Either it failed to start, stalled mid-run, or the inverter board can't drive it.
The fridge will warm up over hours.
Get a thermometer in the fridge, move perishables to a cooler if temperature is climbing, and call LG service the same day.
Compressor repairs are 300–800 USD.

Affected Models

  • LG InstaView
  • LG French door
  • LG side-by-side
  • LG smart Wi-Fi refrigerator

Common Causes

  • Inverter board failed (most common)
  • Compressor motor windings burned out
  • Compressor mechanically seized after years of use
  • Power surge damaged the inverter
  • Voltage drop at the outlet under heavy load

How to Fix It

  1. Check fridge temperature with a thermometer.

    Place a thermometer in a glass of water in the fridge for an hour.
    Normal: 3–5°C / 37–40°F.
    If it's climbing past 7°C, food is at risk.
    Move dairy, meat, and leftovers to a cooler with ice immediately.

  2. Listen for compressor activity.

    Stand at the back of the fridge.
    Within an hour you should hear the compressor start (a soft hum).
    If silent for over an hour after a power cycle, the compressor is dead or its inverter board is failed.
    Note this — it speeds the technician's diagnosis.

  3. Power-cycle once.

    Unplug the fridge for 30 minutes.
    Plug back in.
    This lets capacitors fully discharge, occasionally clearing inverter latch states.
    If the compressor starts after the cycle and ER CO doesn't return, monitor closely.
    If ER CO returns within hours, it's confirmed.

  4. Don't keep restarting.

    Multiple restart attempts on a failing inverter can damage the compressor.
    If ER CO returns after one cycle, leave the fridge unplugged with food in coolers until service arrives.
    Repeated restart attempts are exactly what makes a 400 USD repair into a 1200 USD repair.

  5. Call LG service urgently.

    Provide model number and serial number.
    Tell them ER CO is showing and the fridge is warming.
    LG-authorized centers usually offer same-day or next-day for compressor codes.
    Out of warranty, expect 300–800 USD depending on whether it's inverter only or compressor too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did ER CO appear suddenly with no warning?

Inverter and compressor failures often happen suddenly — components either work or they don't, with little warning.
That said, recent symptoms may have been there: louder running, longer cycles, slightly warmer temperatures.
If you noticed any of those in past weeks, mention it to the technician.

Is ER CO covered by LG's compressor warranty?

Many LG fridges come with a 10-year compressor warranty.
If your fridge is within that window, the compressor itself is covered, but the inverter board and labor often aren't.
Have your purchase date ready when calling — that affects coverage scope significantly.