What it means
On portable units LG says FL means the condensate tank is full and CH04 may also appear. LG Levant says it 'does not indicate a system failure'. LG's US room air conditioner page shows the code as P2 or FL (depending on model) and says the drain pan should not normally need emptying. It adds that if the code keeps coming back in COOL mode, the room is very humid and the unit is working well.
What to check, in order
- Switch off and unplug
Turn the unit off and pull the plug before you drain it.
- Drain a portable unit
Put a bucket or large container under the drain outlet at the bottom, open the cap and let all the water run out. Close the cap fully afterwards. LG warns that tilting it too far can make water spill.
- Drain a window unit
LG's US page says to remove the drain port cap and tilt the unit to the back so the water runs out of the drain outlet.
- Make it fill more slowly
LG suggests LOW fan speed, keeping doors and windows shut, and using COOL rather than DRY mode. LG says some models can take a hose for continuous draining: check your owner's manual.
- Reset it
Unplug for at least 10 seconds, plug back in and press POWER.
When to call an engineer
If no water comes out when you drain it, the code stays after draining, or it keeps appearing in normal temperature and humidity, LG says the unit needs a service technician.
Good to know
- LG says to empty the water before moving a portable unit, as a leak could cause electric shock, fire or damage.
- On ceiling cassette units, LG Africa says CH04 means water inside the indoor unit is not draining. If it comes back after a reset, request service.
Quick answers
What does the LG FL error code mean?
The water the unit collects from the air has filled its tank or drain pan, so it has stopped. On a portable unit this is normal in hot, humid weather and just needs draining. On portable units LG says FL means the condensate tank is full and CH04 may also appear. LG Levant says it 'does not indicate a system failure'. LG's US room air conditioner page shows the code as P2 or FL (depending on model) and says the drain pan should not normally need emptying. It adds that if the code keeps coming back in COOL mode, the room is very humid and the unit is working well.
Can I fix LG FL myself?
Very easy (about 10 minutes). Start with: switch off and unplug; drain a portable unit; drain a window unit. If no water comes out when you drain it, the code stays after draining, or it keeps appearing in normal temperature and humidity, LG says the unit needs a service technician.
Is LG FL worth repairing?
Usually free. This is usually just a full tank or drain pan in humid weather. If it keeps coming back in normal temperature and humidity, have it checked.
Checked against
- LG Australia: (Mobile/Portable) The letters FL are displayed and the appliance is not operating
- LG Levant: Portable, check code CH04 (FL)
- LG USA: Room air conditioner (portable, window, through-the-wall) error codes
- LG Africa: LG Air Conditioner, Guide to 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.