LG Air Conditioner Error Code E496

E496 indicates a DC voltage sensor error on the outdoor Fan1 PCB. The control system has detected that the DC-Link voltage signal between the Inverter PCB and the Fan1 PCB is abnormal or missing. This causes the unit to stop operating to prevent damage to the fan motor or control boards.

No. E496 indicates a fault in the power supply or sensing circuit for the outdoor fan motor. Continuing to operate the unit with this error can result in the outdoor fan not running properly, which can cause the compressor to overheat and fail. Keep the unit off until the fault is diagnosed and repaired.

Repair costs vary depending on which component has failed. If only a wiring harness needs to be replaced or reseated, costs are generally lower, typically in the range of $75 to $200 for a service call. If the Inverter PCB or Fan1 PCB requires replacement, parts and labor combined can range from $300 to $700 or more depending on the unit model and local labor rates.

Some causes of E496, such as a loose wiring harness connector, can be identified and corrected by a knowledgeable DIYer after disconnecting power to the unit. However, diagnosing and replacing the Inverter PCB or Fan1 PCB involves exposure to high-voltage DC circuits and requires appropriate safety precautions and tools. A qualified technician is recommended for any repair beyond basic wiring inspection.

A power reset may temporarily clear the error if the fault was caused by a momentary signal glitch, but the code will return if there is an underlying hardware problem. If E496 reappears after resetting, the wiring connections and PCBs need to be physically inspected and tested.