LG Air Conditioner Error Code CH33
On fixed-speed models this is the same overheating protection as CH32 on inverter models: the gas leaving the compressor is too hot. Clear the outdoor unit's airflow first; a low charge or a failing compressor is licensed work.
Also shown as: 33
Applies to: Fixed-speed (non-inverter) residential split systems
Common causes
- Outdoor coil dirty or airflow blocked
- Outdoor fan not moving enough air
- Refrigerant charge low
- Discharge sensor or compressor fault
What to check, in order
- Check the outdoor unit and clear away anything blocking the fan or coil: leaves, covers, boxes, or a fence panel fitted too close.
- If the outdoor coil fins are visibly clogged, rinse the dust off gently and take care not to bend them.
- Restart once after cleaning. If the code returns, the refrigerant side needs a licensed technician.
Clear the code and test
- Fix what the checks above found first — a filter cleaned, an obstruction removed, the breaker restored. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
- Restore power at the breaker and switch the unit on with the remote.
- Run the unit in cooling or heating for ten to fifteen minutes and watch whether the code returns; some codes only appear after the compressor has run for a while.
- If the unit runs with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write down the code and whether the indoor or outdoor unit shows it before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.
When to call a professional
Most cases are solved by the checks above. Book a technician if any of these apply:
- The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
- You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
- Water is leaking and you cannot stop it.
- The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.
When you call, give the brand, the code CH33, your model number (on a label on the side of the indoor unit) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.
Parts that may be involved
Discharge pipe temperature sensorOutdoor fan motor
Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label on the side of the indoor unit — and match the part to that number before ordering.
Questions people ask about CH33
What does CH33 mean on a LG air conditioner?
CH33 means: Compressor discharge temperature too high (fixed-speed). On fixed-speed models this is the same overheating protection as CH32 on inverter models: the gas leaving the compressor is too hot. Clear the outdoor unit's airflow first; a low charge or a failing compressor is licensed work.
Can I fix LG CH33 myself?
Start yourself: the checks on this page cover the causes you can reach without opening the machine up. If they point to a faulty part, testing or replacing it is usually a technician job.
How do I clear LG CH33?
Fix what the checks above found first — a filter cleaned, an obstruction removed, the breaker restored. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back. Restore power at the breaker and switch the unit on with the remote. Run the unit in cooling or heating for ten to fifteen minutes and watch whether the code returns; some codes only appear after the compressor has run for a while.
Sources checked
The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.