LG Refrigerator Error Code CL E – Troubleshooting Guide

LG refrigerators have a long list of error codes, each one relating to a specific problem. If you’re trying to understand what the CL E or E CL error code means, you’ll want to read this guide closely.

The CL E or E CL error code on an LG refrigerator is triggered by a refrigerant leak on the low-pressure side. That’s most likely caused by a leak in the sealed system tubing, a clog restricting refrigerant flow, or a faulty compressor. Your fridge’s sealed system can only be repaired by a certified technician, so do not attempt to fix it yourself.

Keep reading to understand what causes this problem and what repairs are necessary to resolve it.

This error code will appear on your fridge’s display as either E CL or CL E. In both cases, the code means a refrigerant leak in your fridge’s sealed cooling system.

Seeing as how the code points to the low side of the system, that means the leak is most likely coming from the fridge’s evaporator. Still, the code can also be triggered when the refrigerant flow is restricted or a problem with the compressor.

Low Side Vs High Side; What’s The Difference?

Your LG refrigerator cools its compartments using a sealed cooling system. The system works by circulating refrigerant through tubes and components like the compressor, condenser, and evaporator.

Overall, the system has two sides: a low side and a high side. The refrigerant that circulates throughout the system is at low pressure when passing through the low side and becomes highly pressurized when flowing through the high side.

The CL E or E CL error code is specific to the low side of the cooling system. That means you can trace the problem down to the tubing on the low side, the evaporator or the compressor.

The most likely reasons behind this error code is a refrigerant leak, restricted refrigerant flow, or a faulty compressor. This section will help you understand each cause and how it can be fixed.

Leaking Refrigerant

What it is: The cooling system described above is designed to absorb and remove heat from the fridge’s compartments and transfer it outside of the fridge. All of that is possible as long as there’s enough refrigerant circulating throughout the system at the correct pressure.

How it happens: When the CL E or E CL error code is triggered, it’s most likely because a hole has developed somewhere along with the tubing in the low-pressure side of the cooling system. Holes like this happen because the tube has rubbed against a rough surface too much or because of corrosion on the tube.

The cooling system can only work correctly if it stays sealed. So, when refrigerant leaks out, the fridge won’t cool down, and the CL E or E CL error code will be triggered.

How to fix it: Only qualified and certified technicians can work on sealed refrigeration systems like the one on your LG fridge. So, you can’t repair it yourself.

The certified technician will fix this problem by locating the leak and sealing it or replacing the tubing as needed. Then, they will recharge the system with the correct amount of new refrigerant, not too much or too little refrigerant, as both will prevent the fridge from working correctly.

Read: LG Refrigerator Error Code CL – Troubleshooting Guide

Restricted Refrigerant Flow

What it is: As you’ve seen in the section above, your fridge’s refrigerant flows through the tubing and several components on the sealed system. Besides that, the refrigerant also flows through filters and valves that keep the overall system working correctly.

LG refrigerators have a long list of error codes, each one relating to a specific problem. If you’re trying to understand what the CL E or E CL error code means, you’ll want to read this guide closely.

The CL E or E CL error code on an LG refrigerator is triggered by a refrigerant leak on the low-pressure side. That’s most likely caused by a leak in the sealed system tubing, a clog restricting refrigerant flow, or a faulty compressor. Your fridge’s sealed system can only be repaired by a certified technician, so do not attempt to fix it yourself.

Keep reading to understand what causes this problem and what repairs are necessary to resolve it.

This error code will appear on your fridge’s display as either E CL or CL E. In both cases, the code means a refrigerant leak in your fridge’s sealed cooling system.

Seeing as how the code points to the low side of the system, that means the leak is most likely coming from the fridge’s evaporator. Still, the code can also be triggered when the refrigerant flow is restricted or a problem with the compressor.

Low Side Vs High Side; What’s The Difference?

Your LG refrigerator cools its compartments using a sealed cooling system. The system works by circulating refrigerant through tubes and components like the compressor, condenser, and evaporator.

Overall, the system has two sides: a low side and a high side. The refrigerant that circulates throughout the system is at low pressure when passing through the low side and becomes highly pressurized when flowing through the high side.

The CL E or E CL error code is specific to the low side of the cooling system. That means you can trace the problem down to the tubing on the low side, the evaporator or the compressor.

The most likely reasons behind this error code is a refrigerant leak, restricted refrigerant flow, or a faulty compressor. This section will help you understand each cause and how it can be fixed.

Leaking Refrigerant

What it is: The cooling system described above is designed to absorb and remove heat from the fridge’s compartments and transfer it outside of the fridge. All of that is possible as long as there’s enough refrigerant circulating throughout the system at the correct pressure.

How it happens: When the CL E or E CL error code is triggered, it’s most likely because a hole has developed somewhere along with the tubing in the low-pressure side of the cooling system. Holes like this happen because the tube has rubbed against a rough surface too much or because of corrosion on the tube.

The cooling system can only work correctly if it stays sealed. So, when refrigerant leaks out, the fridge won’t cool down, and the CL E or E CL error code will be triggered.

How to fix it: Only qualified and certified technicians can work on sealed refrigeration systems like the one on your LG fridge. So, you can’t repair it yourself.

The certified technician will fix this problem by locating the leak and sealing it or replacing the tubing as needed. Then, they will recharge the system with the correct amount of new refrigerant, not too much or too little refrigerant, as both will prevent the fridge from working correctly.

Read: LG Refrigerator Error Code CL – Troubleshooting Guide

Restricted Refrigerant Flow

What it is: As you’ve seen in the section above, your fridge’s refrigerant flows through the tubing and several components on the sealed system. Besides that, the refrigerant also flows through filters and valves that keep the overall system working correctly.