CH38

Low refrigerant charge

Home Appliance Error Codes LG Air conditioners Short guide

Can you still use it? No, unplug it

Typical cost SAR 200 to 1,500

What it means

On LG air conditioners, CH38 usually indicates the system has detected an abnormally low refrigerant charge, most often due to a leak. The meaning can vary by model, so check the manual for your unit.

Symptoms3

Weak cooling despite long run times.
Frost or ice on the pipes or the indoor unit.
The unit stops and shows the code.

Possible causes4

Leak at the flare joints on either unit.
Corrosion leak in the indoor or outdoor coil.
Undercharge at installation.
Faulty temperature sensor giving false readings, which is less common.

How to diagnose and fix4

Switch the unit off to avoid straining the compressor.
Call a licensed refrigeration technician to locate and repair the leak.
After repair the system is evacuated and recharged to the correct amount.
Never handle refrigerant yourself; if you hear hissing or notice an odd smell, ventilate the room and keep flames away.

Repair cost

0–200

200–600

600–1,500

1,500+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

Cost depends on where the leak is; a joint repair and recharge is cheaper than a new coil.

Prices are rough estimates including the part and the technician’s fee, and vary with brand, model and part source.

Frequently asked questions

Is a gas top-up enough?

No; without fixing the leak the charge will drop again, so the leak must be found first.

Is it harmful to keep running it?

Yes; running low on refrigerant can overheat and damage the compressor.

This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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