LG Refrigerator CL E Error Code

What CL E means

On many LG refrigerator models, CL E belongs to the cooling or temperature fault category. The appliance is warning that cooling, temperature sensing, or sealed-system performance is outside the expected range.

Codes and exact steps can vary by model number, production year, and regional design. Use this guide as first-pass orientation and confirm model-specific details with the manufacturer source listed below.

Before you start

Write down the full model number and the exact display text before changing parts or clearing the control. Similar-looking codes can map to different model families, and a reset can erase useful timing clues.

If the appliance shows active leaking, a burning smell, smoke, gas odor, repeated breaker trips, or water near power, stop this checklist and use qualified service.

Model numbers affected

Commonly searched LG model families include French-door refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators, bottom-freezer refrigerators, top-freezer refrigerators, and built-in refrigerator models.

This is not a confirmed model-number list. Similar display codes can mean different things across model families, production years, and regional designs. Match the exact code to the full model number on the appliance tag before ordering parts or opening panels.

Common causes

• Door was left open or warm food raised cabinet temperature
• Condenser area or air path is restricted
• Evaporator or condenser fan is not moving air normally
• Temperature sensor, sealed system, or compressor fault

How to check and fix CL E

1. Confirm the model number and exact code spelling.
2. Confirm doors and drawers close fully and gaskets are not blocked.
3. Move food away from interior air vents.
4. Check whether the refrigerator was recently installed, loaded, or left open.
5. Keep perishable food safe if the cabinet is warming.
6. Avoid sealed-system or refrigerant work unless you are qualified.
7. Run one controlled reset only when the appliance is dry, stable, and safe.
8. Stop if CL E returns immediately or appears on an empty test.

Safe checks before service

• Confirm doors and drawers close fully and gaskets are not blocked.
• Move food away from interior air vents.
• Check whether the refrigerator was recently installed, loaded, or left open.
• Keep perishable food safe if the cabinet is warming.
• Avoid sealed-system or refrigerant work unless you are qualified.

What not to do

• Do not chip ice with sharp tools or open powered evaporator covers.
• Do not keep resetting the refrigerator while food temperature is unsafe.
• Do not attempt sealed-system or refrigerant work without proper qualifications.
• Do not bypass locks, sensors, fuses, or leak protection to force a cycle.
• Do not open powered panels or touch wiring for a code check.
• Do not assume one display code proves one specific part has failed.

Stop and call a technician when

• Cabinet temperature keeps rising after doors and vents are checked.
• The compressor or fan is loud, hot, or not running when cooling is needed.
• The code points to refrigerant, compressor, or sealed-system service.

FAQ

Aliases and related display text

People may search for this same condition using different capitalization or alternate display forms.

• CL E
• E CL
• low side leak
• refrigerant leak

Sources

Related safety guides