LG Refrigerator ER CO Error Code: Condenser Sensor Fault

Quick Answer

The LG ER CO error code points to either a condenser temperature sensor failure or a communication fault between control boards, depending on your model. The condenser sensor monitors how hot the condenser area gets during operation - if it fails, the control board cannot protect the compressor from overheating.

Nine times out of ten when I show up to an ER CO call, the condenser coils look like a cat exploded back there. All that dust and pet hair makes the sensor go haywire or just burn out from the heat. Ignore this code long enough and you're gambling with a $400+ compressor. The fridge basically shuts down cooling on purpose so it doesn't cook itself.

LgRefrigeratorSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate82% DIY Success

Time to Fix

30–90 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$10 – $200

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Nut driver (1/4 inch)

What Does the ER CO Code Mean?

Here's the deal with ER CO: your fridge monitors its own temperature constantly, and something in that loop just broke. Either the sensor itself died, or the two control boards stopped talking to each other. LG's linear compressor models are especially prone to this. I see it way more in kitchens with pets or in humid climates where that back compartment gets nasty fast.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Condenser temperature sensor failed (open circuit)40%

Wiring harness between main board and inverter board damaged24%

Control board communication circuit fault14%

Connector pin corrosion between sensor and board12%

Dirty condenser coils causing sensor to read out of expected range10%

Symptoms You May Notice

ER CO flashing on the display panel, sometimes alternating with the actual temperature reading so you might miss it at first glance
The back of the fridge near the compressor is noticeably hot to the touch, way hotter than it should be
Food's still somewhat cold but the fridge isn't recovering temperature after you open the door like it used to
Condenser fan running nonstop without cycling off, even when the compressor isn't running
CH E code showing up right alongside ER CO, which usually means the boards have completely lost communication with each other

Can you reset a Lg refrigerator to clear the ER CO code?

Unplug the fridge completely and wait a full 10 minutes, not just 5. LG's inverter board capacitors take longer to discharge than most people think. Plug back in and watch the display panel. If the code clears and stays gone through the first full compressor cycle (give it 15-20 minutes of runtime), you're probably good. If ER CO comes right back the second the compressor kicks on, you've got a hard component failure, not a software glitch.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverNut driver (1/4 inch)Digital multimeterVacuum with brush attachmentElectrical contact cleanerWork gloves

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range10000–15000 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Condenser Temperature Sensor6615JB2002C · $10–$25	6615JB2002C	$10 – $25
Inverter Control BoardEBR74799501 · $100–$200	EBR74799501	$100 – $200

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ER CO mean the compressor is about to fail?

Honestly, in 15 years I've rarely seen a bad compressor be the direct cause of an ER CO code. It's almost always a breakdown in how the board reads the temperature. But here's the thing: if you ignore this code, the lack of heat monitoring means the compressor can overheat and die prematurely without any safety shutoff to stop it. These linear compressors aren't cheap, we're talking $400-600 in parts alone for a replacement. Fix the sensor or board issue now and you'll probably save the compressor from an early grave.

How do I know if ER CO on my model is a sensor fault or a communication fault?

Quick trick I use on every call: if the error only shows up when the compressor tries to start, it's usually the sensor. If ER CO is sitting on the screen from the moment you plug the unit in, before the compressor even has a chance to cycle, it's almost certainly a board-to-board communication issue. Linear Compressor models (look for that sticker on the front door or side panel) are especially prone to the communication version of this fault because the inverter board on those is really sensitive to connector quality and voltage stability.

How much does it actually cost to fix ER CO on an LG refrigerator?

Depends completely on the root cause. Dirty coils? Costs you nothing but an hour of your time. New condenser sensor is $15-25 for the part. Wiring repair is maybe another hour of work if you're doing it yourself. Where it gets expensive is the inverter board ($80-150) or main control board ($150-250). If you're calling a tech out, add $100-150 in labor on top of parts. On a fridge that's 8+ years old, run the math before you commit to a $300+ board repair, because sometimes a new fridge just makes more sense.

Can I still use my fridge while ER CO is showing?

Technically yes, but I really wouldn't. The fridge goes into a kind of limp mode where it's trying to protect the compressor, so cooling won't be normal or consistent. If you've got meat or medications that need to stay at a specific temperature, don't rely on it right now. You've probably got 24-48 hours before things warm up noticeably. Get it looked at today, not next week. That $15 sensor can turn into a $500 compressor replacement if you push it long enough.

Is ER CO covered under LG's warranty?

LG's standard warranty is 1 year parts and labor, but they also offer a 5-year linear compressor warranty on most models made after 2012. So if the compressor itself is the underlying problem, you might be covered. The sensor and boards aren't usually covered under that extended warranty though. Call LG at 1-800-243-0000 and give them your model and serial number before you buy any parts, because sometimes they'll cover things you wouldn't expect, especially on known problem model years. Worth a 10-minute phone call before you spend $150 on a board.

Related Lg Refrigerator Error Codes

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Same Fix Works on These Brands

Lg shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

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Models Known to Experience ER CO Errors

This repair applies to most Lg refrigerators with this error code. Common model numbers include:

LRMVS3006S, LRFXS2503S, LRFXC2416S, LRMGS2806S, LSXS26366S, LRMVS3006D, LRFDS3006S, LRFXS2503D

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026