What it means
LG Levant says CH38 appears 'when the refrigerant (gas) level of the appliance is low'. LG Africa pairs it with F4. LG's US page groups CH32, CH33, CH36 and CH38 as refrigerant or compressor problems, and LG India says it can also be a communication fault, so the exact cause needs a technician.
What to check, in order
- Think about when it started
If it appeared after the unit was installed or moved, LG says a technician must check there is enough refrigerant. Contact your installer.
- Reset the power once
If it appeared after months of normal use, LG says electrical instability can cause a temporary error. Unplug the unit or switch off its breaker, wait 5 minutes, then switch it back on.
- Stop using it if it returns
If CH38 comes back, LG says to stop using the unit and ask a qualified technician to inspect it.
When to call an engineer
Finding and fixing a leak and recharging the system is sealed-system work: in the UK it needs an F-gas certified engineer, in the US an HVAC technician. Besides low refrigerant, LG lists a temporary power issue or a fault in the outdoor unit's compressor, drive, protection circuit or electronics as possible causes.
A repair visit will usually check the refrigerant charge and the pipe joints for leaks, which needs a qualified refrigeration engineer.
- Note the model and serial number. They're on a label on the side of the indoor unit, and on the outdoor unit.
- Write down the exact code, and what the appliance was doing when it appeared.
- Check whether it's still under warranty. If it is, the repair may cost you nothing.
Quick answers
What does the LG CH38 error code mean?
The unit has detected that it is low on refrigerant and has stopped to protect itself. Low refrigerant usually means a leak somewhere in the sealed system. LG Levant says CH38 appears 'when the refrigerant (gas) level of the appliance is low'. LG Africa pairs it with F4. LG's US page groups CH32, CH33, CH36 and CH38 as refrigerant or compressor problems, and LG India says it can also be a communication fault, so the exact cause needs a technician.
Can I fix LG CH38 myself?
Engineer only (engineer visit). Start with: think about when it started; reset the power once; stop using it if it returns. Finding and fixing a leak and recharging the system is sealed-system work: in the UK it needs an F-gas certified engineer, in the US an HVAC technician. Besides low refrigerant, LG lists a temporary power issue or a fault in the outdoor unit's compressor, drive, protection circuit or electronics as possible causes.
Is LG CH38 worth repairing?
Get a quote first. A leak has to be found and repaired before regassing, so get a price first. On a new install it should be the installer's job to put right.
Checked against
- LG Levant: Inspection code CH38
- LG USA: How to troubleshoot error codes CH05, 53, E0, CH32, 33, 36, 38, F4, CH66, 90, 91, 92 and 93
- LG Africa: LG Air Conditioner, Guide to Error Codes
- LG India: How to solve CH38 error code in LG AC
- LG Canada: Single / Multi-Split Air Conditioner Error Codes
Last reviewed October 2026. Manufacturers update their pages, and your manual is the final word. Spotted a mistake? Email contact@appliance-error-codes.com.