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LG CL E

LG Refrigerator Error CL E: Low-Side Refrigerant Leak Detected

Clear meaning, realistic next steps, and safe guidance without turning the page into a long repair manual.

What it means

The refrigerator's leak detection system has identified a refrigerant leak on the low-pressure (evaporator) side of the cooling circuit. Cooling capacity is reduced and food safety is at risk.

Severity

High - stop using the LG refrigerator until the cause is understood or professional help is arranged.

Can you fix it yourself?

No — call a technician

Most likely cause

Refrigerant leak in the evaporator coils or low-side tubing

Also displayed as CL E, E CL on some models.

Estimated time for safe first checks: Professional service required.

Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide

  1. SAFETY: Unplug the refrigerator. Do not attempt to handle refrigerant.
  2. Move perishable food to a cooler with ice.
  3. Call an LG-authorized technician immediately.

If the leak warning comes back

  • If the base or floor area dries out but the code returns during the next cycle, moisture is still reaching the leak-sensor area.
  • CL E displays for any reason — this always requires a certified technician

What This Error Means

Error CL E on your LG refrigerator means: The refrigerator's leak detection system has identified a refrigerant leak on the low-pressure (evaporator) side of the cooling circuit. Cooling capacity is reduced and food safety is at risk. Also displayed as E CL on some LG models. The refrigerator's self-diagnostic system has detected this condition.

The most frequent cause is refrigerant leak in the evaporator coils or low-side tubing. Work through the causes and fix steps below in order — many LG refrigerator errors are resolved without a service call.

LG's official guidance classifies CL E as a technician-only fault. A 5-minute power reset is the only DIY step — if the code returns, contact LG Support at 1-800-243-0000.

Refrigerant leaks are not DIY-repairable under any circumstances. Refrigerant handling requires EPA 608 certification. Move food to a cooler and call a certified technician immediately.

Most Likely Cause by Symptom

The LG refrigerator may stop, pause, or refuse to complete the cycle normally.

Likely cause: Refrigerant leak in the evaporator coils or low-side tubing

Check first: SAFETY: Unplug the refrigerator. Do not attempt to handle refrigerant.

You may notice leaking, moisture, or water where it should not be.

Likely cause: Corrosion in the evaporator caused by food acids or cleaning agents

Check first: Move perishable food to a cooler with ice.

Common Causes

  • Refrigerant leak in the evaporator coils or low-side tubing
  • Corrosion in the evaporator caused by food acids or cleaning agents
  • Physical damage to the evaporator coils from aggressive manual defrosting

What Not to Do

  • Do not use ice picks or knives to chip away at freezer frost — this directly punctures the evaporator coil
  • Do not continue running the refrigerator after CL E — operating with insufficient refrigerant destroys the compressor

Model and Display Variation Notes

Model-family notes

  • LG refrigerator display wording and code formats can vary by series.
  • If your model behaves differently, check the owner manual before trying any deeper maintenance step.
  • Some models may display the same fault as CL E, E CL.

Display and panel differences

  • Some control panels show this issue as CL E, E CL instead of only CL E.
  • Panel wording and whether the code appears with letters, numbers, or a longer variant can differ by model family.

Parts, Tools and Service Options

Service option

LG service visit if the warning returns after the basic checks are complete.

Manual and model check

Check your exact model and manual before ordering any LG refrigerator parts.

Common parts

  • Evaporator coil assembly if coil is damaged ($100–$300)
  • Refrigerant recharge () - technician-sourced

This section stays service-first because the page points more strongly toward support or professional repair than a routine parts purchase.

When Not to Keep Troubleshooting

CL E displays for any reason — this always requires a certified technician

How to Prevent It Recurring

  • Never use a sharp instrument to manually break up freezer ice — puncturing the evaporator coil is the primary cause of CL E on older models

Related Error Codes

Extra notes

  • This page is based on LG support material and stays conservative where model-specific guidance may vary.
  • The goal is to help you identify safe first checks before you move into parts, service, or model-specific manual lookup.

Source and model notes

Last reviewed: 2026-04-08

Based on: Based on LG support material and edited into consumer-safe guidance for the exact code family on this page.

View LG US Official Support

Model coverage note: LG refrigerator code meanings can vary by series, control panel, and model family, so use this page as a safe starting point rather than a replacement for the model-specific manual.

Important: FixThisError is an independent guide, not the manufacturer. Use your model-specific manual when the panel wording or behavior differs.

Always disconnect power before inspecting appliances. If unsure, contact a licensed appliance technician.