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Error code reference

LG Refrigerator Error Code 23

Condenser Fan Motor error (C-FAN ERROR)

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Condenser Fan Motor error (C-FAN ERROR) — feedback signal wire defective, motor wire slipped out, or motor defective.

First step from the service manual

Check voltage between MAIN PCB CN72-"7"(BRN) and "10"(GRY); should be within 7V–12V.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What 23 means on a LG refrigerator

Error code 23 on an LG refrigerator signals a condenser fan motor (C-FAN) fault. The condenser fan is responsible for drawing air across the condenser coils at the bottom or rear of the unit to dissipate heat from the refrigerant. When the main PCB loses the expected feedback signal from this motor, or detects an operating anomaly, it triggers the error and may reduce or halt cooling performance to protect the sealed system.

The three primary failure paths for this error are a defective feedback signal wire, a motor wiring connector that has slipped out of its terminal, and an outright motor failure. The feedback wire carries a pulse signal back to the control board confirming the motor is spinning. If that wire is damaged, shorted, or has high resistance due to corrosion, the board reads no confirmation of rotation and flags the fault. A connector that has backed out of the main PCB header at CN72 produces an identical symptom with no actual motor damage present.

The first diagnostic step is to measure the supply voltage at the main PCB connector CN72 between pin 7 (brown wire) and pin 10 (gray wire). This voltage should read between 7V and 12V under normal operating conditions. A reading outside this range points toward a board output problem or wiring issue before the motor itself. If voltage is correct at the connector but the motor does not run, attention shifts to the motor windings and the feedback circuit between the motor and the board.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 23

  1. 01

    Wiring connector slipped from PCB header

    Wiring / connection

    The connector at CN72 on the main PCB can work loose over time from vibration, causing the motor to lose power or feedback signal. Inspect the connector at pins 7 and 10 for secure seating before any other testing.

  2. 02

    Defective feedback signal wire

    Wiring / connection

    The wire that carries the motor rotation signal back to the main PCB may be chafed, broken internally, or corroded at a terminal. This causes the board to register no spin confirmation even if the motor itself is functional.

  3. 03

    Failed condenser fan motor

    Part replacement

    The motor windings can fail due to age, overheating, or bearing seizure. If supply voltage at CN72 pins 7 and 10 is within the 7V to 12V range but the motor does not spin, the motor itself is the likely culprit.

  4. 04

    Supply voltage out of range from main PCB

    Part replacement

    If the voltage measured at CN72 pin 7 (brown) to pin 10 (gray) falls outside the 7V to 12V spec, the main PCB may not be delivering adequate power to the motor circuit, indicating a board-level fault.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 23

What does 23 mean on a LG refrigerator?
Error code 23 on an LG refrigerator indicates a condenser fan motor fault, labeled C-FAN ERROR by the control system. The code is triggered when the main PCB detects a problem with the feedback signal from the condenser fan, a disconnected motor wire, or a motor that has failed. The condenser fan is critical for removing heat from the refrigerant system, and a failure here will reduce the refrigerator's ability to maintain proper temperatures.
Can I fix error code 23 on my LG refrigerator myself?
Some causes of error code 23 are accessible to a confident DIYer. Checking and reseating the wiring connector at CN72 on the main PCB, and inspecting the harness for visible damage, requires no special tools. Measuring the voltage at CN72 pins 7 and 10 requires a multimeter. Replacing the condenser fan motor is a moderate repair involving disconnecting power, accessing the motor assembly, and installing a compatible replacement.
Is it safe to keep using my refrigerator when error code 23 appears?
Continuing to use the refrigerator with an active error 23 is not recommended for extended periods. Without a functioning condenser fan, heat builds up in the sealed system, which can cause compressor overheating and potentially shorten the life of other components. Food safety may also be at risk if internal temperatures rise beyond safe limits.
How much does it cost to repair error code 23 on an LG refrigerator?
Repair costs depend on the root cause. If the fix is simply reseating a loose connector, there may be no parts cost at all. A replacement condenser fan motor typically ranges from $30 to $100 in parts. If a technician is hired for diagnosis and repair, total costs including labor generally range from $100 to $250, depending on local labor rates and whether additional components need replacement.
Will resetting my LG refrigerator clear error code 23?
A power reset by unplugging the unit for a few minutes may temporarily clear the error display, but if the underlying fault is still present, code 23 will return once the control board resumes monitoring the condenser fan circuit. A reset is useful for ruling out a one-time glitch, but persistent reappearance of the code means the wiring, connectors, or motor need to be physically inspected and tested.

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