LG Air Conditioner Error Code E500

E500 indicates an overheat fault on the IPM of the Inverter PBA1, specifically caused by a contact failure at the IGBT module. The error triggers when the IGBT module's internal temperature reaches 105 degrees Celsius or higher. This is typically related to degraded thermal grease, a loose heat sink bolt, or a contact issue at the IGBT module's temperature sensing pins 8 and 9.

No, you should not continue operating the unit while the E500 error is active. The error indicates the inverter's IGBT module has reached a critically high temperature of 105 degrees Celsius or more, which can cause permanent damage to the inverter board or create a fire hazard. The unit should be shut down and inspected before resuming operation.

Repair costs vary depending on the root cause. If the fix involves re-torquing the heat sink bolt and reapplying thermal grease, labor costs alone may range from roughly 75 to 150 dollars. If the IGBT module or the full Inverter PBA1 board requires replacement, parts and labor combined can range from approximately 200 to 600 dollars or more depending on the model and service provider.

Some causes of E500, such as reapplying thermal grease or tightening the heat sink bolt, are mechanical fixes that a skilled DIYer could attempt. However, the inverter board contains high-voltage capacitors that must be safely discharged before any inspection, making this repair hazardous without proper tools and training. Checking resistance at IGBT module pins 8 and 9 also requires a multimeter and knowledge of the expected values. For most homeowners, this repair is best handled by a certified technician.

A power reset may temporarily clear the E500 error, but if the underlying cause such as dried thermal grease or a loose heat sink bolt is not corrected, the error will return once the IGBT module temperature climbs back to the fault threshold. Discharge mode must also be enforced before powering off during any reset procedure on an inverter unit. A proper physical inspection and repair is required for a lasting resolution.