LG Microwave Error Code E-22

E-22 on an LG microwave is a Temperature Sensor Short Error. It occurs when the control board reads a sensor value below 5 from the temperature sensor circuit, indicating a short condition at the sensor. The microwave responds by entering cancel mode and stopping operation. This is a protective measure to prevent cooking under a potentially faulty sensor state.

A reset alone is unlikely to permanently clear E-22 if the underlying short condition at the sensor is still present. The control board will detect the out-of-range sensor value again as soon as it checks the circuit and re-trigger the error. The root cause, whether contamination on the terminals or a failed sensor, must be addressed before the unit will operate normally.

If the fault is caused by contamination on the sensor terminals, the repair may cost nothing beyond your time. If the temperature sensor itself needs to be replaced, parts and labor costs typically range from around $50 to $150 depending on the specific model and whether a professional technician is needed. If the control board is found to be at fault, repair costs can be higher, often ranging from $100 to $250 or more.

In some cases, yes. The first step is to inspect both terminals of the temperature sensor for any foreign substances such as grease or food residue that may be bridging the terminals and causing a short. Carefully removing any contamination may clear the fault without any parts replacement. If the sensor terminals are physically damaged or the sensor has failed internally, replacing the temperature sensor is required and is a more involved repair.

No. When E-22 is active, the microwave enters cancel mode and will not run a cooking cycle, so continued use is not possible in that state. Attempting to bypass or ignore this fault is not recommended, as the temperature sensor is a safety-related component. The fault should be diagnosed and corrected before the appliance is returned to service.