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Error code reference

LG Refrigerator Error Code Error8

Communication abnormal

LG codesLG refrigerator codes

Communication abnormal - short circuit or open circuit in cable connection between main board and display board.

First step from the service manual

Check wiring between main PCB and display PCB for continuity.

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

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What Error8 means on a LG refrigerator

Error8 on an LG refrigerator indicates a communication fault between the main control board (main PCB) and the display board. These two boards exchange data continuously through a dedicated wiring harness, and when that signal is interrupted or short-circuited, the refrigerator triggers Error8 to alert the user and technician that the communication link has failed. The fault can be either an open circuit, where the electrical path is broken entirely, or a short circuit, where conductors in the harness are making unintended contact with each other or with ground.

The most common physical causes involve the wiring harness that runs between the two boards. Connectors can work loose over time due to vibration, refrigerator door operation, or during prior service work. Individual wires within the harness can develop breaks from repeated flexing, especially near connector ends or at points where the harness is routed through cabinet panels. Short circuits typically occur when insulation is pinched, chafed against a metal edge, or damaged by moisture intrusion.

If the harness and connectors are intact and showing proper continuity, the fault may lie within the main PCB or display PCB itself. A failed communication driver component on either board can produce the same error even when the wiring is undamaged. Diagnostic priority should start with a visual inspection and continuity check of the harness and connectors before assuming either board has failed internally.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Error8

  1. 01

    Loose or disconnected wiring harness connector

    Wiring / connection

    The connector at either the main PCB or display PCB end may have come unseated. Check both ends of the harness for a secure, fully latched connection.

  2. 02

    Damaged or broken wire in the harness

    Part replacement

    A wire inside the harness may have an open circuit due to a break in the conductor, often near connector ends. Use a multimeter to check continuity on each wire in the harness.

  3. 03

    Short circuit from chafed or pinched wiring

    Part replacement

    Harness insulation damaged by contact with a metal cabinet edge or panel can cause conductors to short against each other or ground. Inspect the full harness routing for visible insulation damage.

  4. 04

    Failed display board

    Part replacement

    If wiring checks out, the display PCB itself may have a failed communication component. This is identified by process of elimination after confirming harness integrity.

  5. 05

    Failed main control board

    Part replacement

    A damaged communication circuit on the main PCB can produce Error8 even when all wiring and the display board are functional. This is typically the last component to suspect after all other checks.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Error8

What does Error8 mean on a LG refrigerator?
Error8 indicates an abnormal communication condition between the main control board and the display board. The fault is caused by either a short circuit or an open circuit in the wiring harness connecting the two boards. The refrigerator detects that data transmission between these components has failed and displays Error8 to signal the problem.
Can I fix Error8 myself or do I need a technician?
Start by checking that the wiring connectors at both the main PCB and display PCB are fully and securely seated, as a loose connector is a common cause. If reseating connectors does not resolve the error, testing the harness for continuity and inspecting for physical damage requires a multimeter and some comfort working inside the appliance. Board replacement, if needed, is typically within reach of an experienced DIYer but involves handling fragile electronic components.
Is it safe to keep using my refrigerator while Error8 is displayed?
A communication fault between the main board and display board can affect your ability to monitor and control refrigerator functions through the display. While the unit may continue cooling in some cases, you should not rely on temperature readings or controls that go through the display until the fault is resolved. Address the error promptly to avoid potential food safety issues.
Will resetting my LG refrigerator clear Error8?
A power reset by unplugging the refrigerator for a few minutes may temporarily clear the error if the fault was caused by a transient glitch. However, if the underlying cause is a physical wiring problem or a failed board, the error will return after the reset. A reset is a reasonable first step but should not substitute for proper diagnosis.
How much does it cost to repair Error8 on a LG refrigerator?
If the fix is simply reseating a loose connector, the repair costs nothing beyond your time. Harness replacement, if a wire is damaged, typically runs in the range of $20 to $80 for parts. Display board replacement generally falls in the range of $50 to $150 for the part, while main control board replacement can range from $100 to $300 or more, with labor costs on top if a technician is involved.

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