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Error code reference

LG Refrigerator Error Code CR SENSOR

CR compartment sensor error

LG codesLG refrigerator codes

CR compartment sensor error: electric wire cut, short-circuit, contact failure, or sensor housing missing; displayed when sensor temperature is not lower than 122°F nor higher than -58°F.

First step from the service manual

Check the voltage between Main PCB CN 30 No. 12 ↔ 14 to see if it is between 4.5V and 1.0V.

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

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What CR SENSOR means on a LG refrigerator

The CR SENSOR error on an LG refrigerator indicates a fault detected in the CR compartment temperature sensor circuit. This error triggers when the sensor is reporting a temperature outside the valid operating range, specifically when the reading is not lower than 122°F and not higher than -58°F. In other words, the sensor is either reading an implausibly high or implausibly low temperature, which the Main PCB interprets as a circuit fault rather than a real temperature condition. The root causes include an open circuit (wire cut), a short circuit, a loose or corroded connector contact, or a physically missing sensor housing.

The CR compartment sensor communicates with the Main PCB through connector CN 30, and the first diagnostic step is to measure voltage between pins No. 12 and No. 14 on that connector. A healthy sensor circuit will produce a voltage reading between 1.0V and 4.5V, which corresponds to the sensor's normal thermistor resistance range across expected compartment temperatures. A reading outside this window, or no voltage at all, confirms a wiring or sensor fault rather than a coincidental temperature extreme.

Because the sensor is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor type, its resistance rises as temperature drops and falls as temperature rises. A broken wire will drive the voltage toward the supply rail (open circuit condition), while a short to ground will collapse the voltage toward zero. Both conditions fall outside the 1.0V to 4.5V window and trigger this error code. Technicians should inspect the full wiring harness from the sensor to CN 30 for chafing, pinching, or moisture-related corrosion before condemning the sensor itself.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of CR SENSOR

  1. 01

    Wiring harness open circuit (cut wire)

    Part replacement

    A broken or cut wire between the sensor and the Main PCB will cause the voltage at CN 30 pins 12 and 14 to fall outside the 1.0V to 4.5V range. Inspect the full harness run for visible breaks, pinching at cabinet edges, or damage from ice buildup.

  2. 02

    Loose or corroded connector contact

    Wiring / connection

    A poor connection at the CN 30 connector or at the sensor plug can create intermittent or absent signal voltage. Unplug and reseat connectors, inspecting pins for corrosion, bent terminals, or moisture intrusion.

  3. 03

    Failed CR compartment sensor

    Part replacement

    The sensor's internal thermistor element can fail open or short, producing an out-of-range resistance and a corresponding voltage reading outside 1.0V to 4.5V. If wiring and connections check out, the sensor itself should be replaced.

  4. 04

    Short circuit in sensor wiring

    Part replacement

    A wire shorting to ground or to another conductor will collapse the voltage at CN 30 toward zero volts, triggering the error. Look for pinched harness sections where insulation may have worn through against metal cabinet edges.

  5. 05

    Missing or improperly seated sensor housing

    Wiring / connection

    If the sensor housing is not properly installed in its mounting location, the sensor may be exposed to temperatures far outside the normal compartment range, causing readings beyond the -58°F to 122°F valid window. Verify the sensor is seated correctly in its housing bracket.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about CR SENSOR

What does CR SENSOR mean on a LG refrigerator?
The CR SENSOR error means the refrigerator's Main PCB has detected a fault in the CR compartment temperature sensor circuit. The sensor is reporting a temperature outside the valid range of -58°F to 122°F, which indicates an electrical problem rather than an actual temperature condition. Common causes include a cut wire, short circuit, loose connector, or a missing sensor housing. The voltage at Main PCB connector CN 30, pins 12 and 14, should read between 1.0V and 4.5V when the circuit is healthy.
Can I fix the CR SENSOR error myself?
Some causes are accessible to a knowledgeable DIYer. You can inspect the wiring harness for visible damage, check that sensor connectors are fully seated, and verify the sensor housing is properly installed without any special tools. However, measuring voltage at the Main PCB connector CN 30 requires a multimeter and comfort working near live circuit boards. Replacing a failed sensor or damaged harness section is moderately involved and may be better suited to a qualified appliance technician.
Is my refrigerator safe to use while the CR SENSOR error is displayed?
Because the Main PCB cannot read accurate temperatures from the affected compartment, it cannot reliably regulate cooling in that section. Food safety may be compromised if the refrigerator is running without proper temperature feedback. It is best to address the error promptly and avoid storing perishables in the affected compartment until the fault is resolved.
How much does it cost to repair the CR SENSOR error on an LG refrigerator?
Repair costs depend on the root cause. If only a connector needs reseating, there may be no parts cost, though a service call fee typically ranges from $75 to $150. A replacement temperature sensor part generally costs between $15 and $50 depending on the model. If a wiring harness section needs replacement, total repair costs including labor could range from $150 to $350 or more.
Will resetting the refrigerator clear the CR SENSOR error?
A power reset may temporarily clear the error code from the display, but the fault will return if the underlying wiring or sensor problem has not been corrected. The Main PCB will re-detect the out-of-range voltage at CN 30 and trigger the error again once the unit restarts its diagnostic cycle. A permanent fix requires identifying and repairing the actual electrical fault in the sensor circuit.

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