LG Heat Pump Error Code E232

E232 indicates a discharge temperature sensor error on fixed capacity compressor 1 in the outdoor unit. The control board has detected either an OPEN (excessively high resistance) or SHORT (excessively low resistance) condition in the sensor circuit. This fault is only triggered when the outdoor ambient temperature is above -10°C, which helps distinguish it from normal cold-weather sensor behavior. The heat pump will not operate normally until the fault is resolved.

No, you should not attempt to bypass or ignore E232. The discharge temperature sensor protects the compressor from overheating, and without a reliable reading the control system cannot safeguard one of the most expensive components in the system. Continuing to operate the unit with a faulty or missing discharge sensor signal risks serious compressor damage.

A power reset may temporarily clear the fault code and allow the unit to restart, but if the underlying sensor or wiring fault still exists the error will return, usually quickly. The outdoor control board re-checks the sensor circuit on startup and during operation, so a persistent hardware fault will re-trigger E232 shortly after reset. A reset is useful for confirming whether the fault is intermittent, but it is not a repair.

A knowledgeable DIYer can inspect the sensor connector for loose fit or corrosion and reseat it, which sometimes resolves the fault. However, accessing the discharge sensor on the compressor, measuring sensor resistance against the temperature reference table, and tracing the wiring harness inside the outdoor unit requires comfort working with electrical components and refrigerant-side parts. If the sensor itself needs replacement or the PCB is suspect, a qualified technician is recommended.

If only the discharge temperature sensor needs replacement, parts typically range from around $20 to $80 depending on the specific model, plus labor costs that generally fall between $75 and $200 for the service call and repair time. If the issue involves wiring harness repair the cost is similar, but if the outdoor PCB has failed, total repair costs can rise to the $300 to $600 range or more.