LG Refrigerator Error Code Er 22
The compressor is not starting, so the refrigerator cannot cool at all. Beyond a power reset and confirming the outlet works, this is a technician job involving the start relay, the board or the compressor itself.
Also shown as: 22, E 22
Common causes
- Compressor start relay failed
- Main control board not supplying start power to the compressor
- Compressor worn or failing internally, so it cannot start
What to check, in order
- Unplug the refrigerator for about 5 minutes, plug it straight back into the wall outlet (not a power strip) and listen: repeated clicking with no steady compressor hum points to a start problem
- Confirm the outlet itself has power by testing it with another appliance
- Vacuum dust off the condenser coils at the back or bottom so the compressor area is not overheating
- Do not open the machine compartment or touch the compressor, its relay or its wiring: the start circuit is technician-only. Book service and ask about compressor warranty coverage, as many LG linear compressors carry extended cover
Clear the code and test
- Fix what the checks above found first. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
- Plug the appliance back in and restore its water supply if it has one.
- Run the shortest programme and watch the point where the code appeared before.
- If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write it down before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.
When to call a professional
This code usually points to a faulty part, wiring or the control board on a LG refrigerator. Run the checks above to rule out the simple causes, then book a technician — and book one straight away 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 at the tap.
- 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 Er 22, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.
Repair or replace?
This fault is in professional territory: the fix usually means a major part or board-level work, and the labour adds up. If your machine is already well into its service life, get the repair quote first, then compare it with the price of a current equivalent model before you decide. Paying a large share of a new machine's price to repair an old one is rarely the better deal; replacing a machine over one cheap fault is wasteful too.
Parts that may be involved
Compressor start relayMain control boardCompressor
Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label inside the door, on the door frame or on the back — and match the part to that number before ordering.
Questions people ask about Er 22
What does Er 22 mean on a LG refrigerator?
Er 22 means: Compressor relay error: the control board cannot start the compressor. The compressor is not starting, so the refrigerator cannot cool at all. Beyond a power reset and confirming the outlet works, this is a technician job involving the start relay, the board or the compressor itself.
Can I fix LG Er 22 myself?
Only the preliminary checks. Code Er 22 usually means a part, wiring or the control board has failed, which is a technician job. Run the checks to rule out simple causes before you book.
How do I clear LG Er 22?
Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.
Sources checked
- LG Help Library: washing machine error codes
- PartsTown Resource Center: LG washing machine troubleshooting codes
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.