LG Mini-Split Code CH36
Hard lockoutShown as: Outdoor LED1 blinks 3 times, LED2 blinks 6 times (2-LED type; service manual lists this row as '36 (38)')
Refrigerant leakage detection. The outdoor unit's control logic has concluded the system is short on refrigerant.
Manual wording: “Refrigerant leakage detection”
Documented for: LG single-zone room air conditioner / mini-split outdoor units with leak detection logic
Likely causes, most common first
- Pipe break damage
- Bad connection of the pipe (flare joints)
- Pipe damage due to corrosion
- Corrosion damage of the heat exchanger
- Compressor damage (crack)
- EEV body clogging
- Refrigerant shortage, including too little refrigerant added at install for the line length
What you can safely check yourself
- Turn the system off so the compressor is not running short of refrigerant until a technician can look at it
When to call a technician
Refrigerant leak repair and recharging are EPA-regulated and require a licensed technician with recovery equipment. Do not add refrigerant yourself.
A LG mini-split throwing this code repeatedly has a reason — clearing the code without fixing the cause just hides it.
Source
- Room Air Conditioner SVC Manual (General) - Trouble Shooting Guide with Error Code (LG Electronics, All LG single-zone room air conditioner / mini-split chassis (SW, SB, SC, S4, S5, SH, SA, SJ, SK)) · checked 2026-08-25