LG Refrigerator Error Er 22 – Causes & Fix
LG's board found a fault in the compressor relay circuit, so the compressor isn't starting or running right.
At a glance
Severity: High
- Meaning
- Compressor Relay Error – Compressor Start Circuit
- Typical repair cost
- $20–$1,800
- DIY difficulty
- Hard
LG defines code 22 as a problem with the compressor relay and says there are no owner troubleshooting steps – the unit needs service. On LG models with a conventional compressor, the relay circuit includes the relay on the main board plus a start device and an overload protector plugged onto the compressor terminals; on linear-compressor models the drive electronics take that role. When the board sees that the compressor circuit isn't behaving as commanded, it shows Er 22 (or 22E). In practice the fridge usually stops cooling and clicks every few minutes as the compressor tries and fails to start; less often the compressor won't shut off. The fix ranges from a start relay or overload to a main board or, in the worst case, the compressor.
How it looks on the display
Model families & display variants
| Model family | Shows | Note |
|---|---|---|
| French-door and side-by-side models with two readouts | Er 22 | Er on one readout, 22 on the other. |
| Models with a single display | 22E / E 22 | Same compressor relay meaning; some owners report it simply as error 22. |
| Linear-compressor models | Er 22 | No plug-on start relay; the fault lies in the compressor drive on the board or in the compressor itself. |
Safety first · Consult a professional
Unplug the refrigerator before removing the rear access panel; the compressor terminals and start components carry line voltage, and the compressor and overload can be hot enough to burn. Do not open refrigerant lines – sealed-system work requires an EPA 608 certified technician.
- Unplug the appliance or switch off the breaker before opening any panel. Mains voltage can kill.
- Sealed refrigerant system: repairs require an EPA 608 certified technician.
Symptoms
- Er 22 or 22E on the display
- Fridge and freezer both getting warmer
- A click from the bottom rear every few minutes, sometimes with a brief hum
- Compressor hot to the touch while not running
- On some units the opposite: compressor running nonstop and the freezer getting colder than set
Possible causes
Ranked by how often each cause is behind this code (editorial estimate).
- Start relay (PTC starter) on the compressor failed
- Compressor relay on the main board stuck or not switching
- Compressor mechanically or electrically failed
- Overload protector tripping or open
- Compressor overheating from a dirty condenser or stopped condenser fan
- Low supply voltage or an extension cord
Fix it step by step
Protect the food
Put thermometers in both compartments and keep the doors closed. Plan on moving perishables to coolers if the fridge section passes 40°F; a closed, full freezer holds for about two days.
Give it one clean restart
Unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes so pressures can settle, then plug it directly into a wall outlet. LG itself lists no user fix for this code, so if Er 22 is back within hours, go straight to service.
Listen and feel at the back
A short click, a hum of a few seconds and then another click several minutes later is the classic sign of a compressor that won't start. A compressor that runs constantly while the freezer gets very cold points instead to a relay stuck closed on the board.
Clean the condenser
With the power off, remove the lower rear panel and vacuum the condenser coil and fan. Heavy dust makes the compressor run hot, which trips the overload and makes restarts harder.
Tools: Screwdriver, Soft brush, Flashlight
Check the start relay (experienced DIYers)
On conventional-compressor models, the start relay and overload plug onto the compressor terminals behind a small cover. With the unit unplugged, a rattling start relay or an overload with no continuity at room temperature confirms a bad part. Leave winding tests and anything on the sealed system to the technician.
Tools: Multimeter, Pliers, Gloves
Check the outlet voltage
Measure the outlet under load if possible; readings well under about 108 V make compressor starts fail. Remove extension cords and don't share the circuit with a microwave or space heater.
Tools: Multimeter
How to reset Er 22
- Unplug the refrigerator or switch off its breaker for 10 minutes
- Plug it back in at a wall outlet and listen for a steady compressor run
- LG treats code 22 as a service code – if it returns, schedule a repair rather than repeating resets
Where the parts are
- 1Evaporator fan
- 2Defrost heater
- 3Temperature sensor
- 4Door switch
- 5Compressor
- 6Condenser
Repair options & costs
| Repair | DIY? | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Start relay and overload (parts only) | Yes | $20–$60 |
| Start relay replaced by a technician | No | $150–$300 |
| Main control board replacement | No | $250–$500 |
| Compressor replacement by an EPA 608 certified technician | No | $900–$1,800 |
Rough US estimates; technician call-out fees vary by region. Not a quote.
When to call a technician
LG says this code needs service, so book it as soon as a clean restart doesn't hold. Mention the clicking pattern and whether the compressor gets hot – it helps the technician bring a start relay, a board or plan a sealed-system job. Check the paperwork first: LG has covered compressors on many models with a longer parts warranty than the rest of the fridge.
Frequently asked questions
How long will food last with Er 22?
About 4 hours in a closed fridge and around 48 hours in a full, closed freezer (24 if half full). Discard perishables that sat above 40°F for more than two hours; frozen food that still has ice crystals can be refrozen.
Is Er 22 always a dead compressor?
No. A failed start relay or a relay on the main board causes it more often, and those are far cheaper. Only a technician's resistance and current checks at the compressor can confirm the compressor itself has failed.
Why does my fridge click every few minutes?
That's the start circuit trying to launch the compressor and the overload cutting it off when it doesn't start. It's the most common symptom that goes along with Er 22.
Is it worth fixing?
A start relay or board repair usually is. A compressor replacement on an older fridge often isn't, unless the compressor warranty covers the part and you only pay labor.
Sources
- Official LG user documentation and support pages (facts only; wording is our own)
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