Air Conditioner
LG
Updated Jul 27, 2026
LG AC CH26 Error — Inverter Compressor Fault & Fix
CH26
LG · Air ConditionerCH26 means the inverter compressor has a fault — typically a winding failure, ground fault…
Quick answer
CH26 means the inverter compressor has a fault — typically a winding failure, ground fault, or the compressor has seized.
What CH26 means
CH26 is one of the more serious LG error codes. The outdoor unit's inverter board has detected that the compressor motor is not responding correctly — it may be drawing abnormal current patterns, have a winding short, or have seized mechanically.
This requires professional diagnosis. CH26 almost always needs a technician with a megger (insulation resistance tester) and compressor diagnostic equipment.
What to do
What does the CH26 code mean?
CH26 indicates an inverter compressor fault. The compressor motor has a winding error, ground fault, or mechanical seizure.
Common causes
- Compressor winding short (phase-to-phase or phase-to-ground)
- Mechanical seizure (bearing failure, liquid slugging)
- Inverter PCB driver fault sending wrong signals to compressor
- Loose compressor wiring at the outdoor terminal block
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How to fix the CH26 error
Switch off immediately
Do not restart.
Call a qualified technician
They will perform a megger test on the compressor windings (expect minimum 10 megohms to ground) and measure phase-to-phase resistance (should be balanced).
Check compressor wiring
The technician will verify the three compressor leads are secure.
If compressor is faulty
Replacement is needed. Check warranty status — LG offers up to 10 years on inverter compressors.
If inverter PCB is faulty
The PCB is replaced and the compressor retested.
Safety first: The compressor is a high-voltage, high-pressure component. Never attempt compressor diagnosis without proper training and equipment.
Part you may need: Inverter compressor / outdoor inverter PCB
LG inverter compressors often carry an extended warranty (up to 10 years). Check your purchase documents before paying for replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Is CH26 always a dead compressor?
Not always — sometimes the inverter PCB sends incorrect drive signals, mimicking a compressor fault. A technician can differentiate by swap-testing the PCB.
How much does compressor replacement cost?
It varies significantly by model and region. If under warranty, only labour is charged.
✎ Written by
REZAUL Karim (Riad)
REZAUL Karim (Riad) is the founder of ErrFixHub and a hands-on electronics and home-appliance repair specialist with over 15 years of experience diagnosing and fixing air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, inverters and other household appliances. He built ErrFixHub to turn cryptic error codes into clear, step-by-step fixes anyone can follow — cross-checking every code against manufacturer documentation and real repair-bench experience.
