LG Air Conditioner Error Code E185

E185 on an LG air conditioner indicates a cross wiring error between the communication cable and the power cable of the indoor unit. The system has detected that these two circuits are mixed up or incorrectly connected at the terminal block. This is a wiring fault that must be corrected before the unit can operate safely. Do not attempt to run the system while this error is active.

No, you should not operate the unit while E185 is active. A cross wiring condition means 220V power may be present on terminals or conductors where it should not be, which poses a risk of equipment damage, control board failure, or electrical hazard. Turn off the unit at the main disconnect until the wiring issue is diagnosed and corrected.

If the issue is simply a wiring correction at the terminal block, repair costs are typically limited to a service call fee, which can range from around $75 to $200 depending on your location and the technician. If the wiring harness is damaged and needs replacement, parts and labor could bring the total to a range of $150 to $400 or more. In the uncommon scenario where the indoor unit control board has been damaged by the cross wiring condition, board replacement can add significantly to the cost.

If you are comfortable working with electrical systems and can safely identify wiring diagrams, you may be able to inspect and correct the terminal block connections after turning off main power. However, because 220V power is involved at the F1 and F2 terminals, this repair carries a significant shock risk if proper precautions are not followed. Most homeowners should have a qualified HVAC technician perform this diagnostic and correction.

Resetting the unit by cycling power will not clear E185 if the underlying wiring problem has not been fixed. The error will return immediately or shortly after power is restored because the control board will detect the same wiring condition again. The wiring connections must be inspected and corrected at the terminal block to resolve the fault.