LG Refrigerator Error Code LED 2 blinks

LED 2 blinks on an LG refrigerator indicates one of two faults depending on which LED is active. A blinking green M101 LED points to a knob dial error caused by a short or open circuit in the dial resistor. A blinking red M201 LED signals a Stroke Trip on the linear compressor, meaning the piston has traveled beyond its normal stroke range and a protective shutdown has occurred.

A knob dial fault may cause the refrigerator to misread temperature settings, which could result in food not being kept at a safe temperature. A compressor stroke trip means the compressor has already shut down as a protective measure, so the unit is not cooling properly. In either case, it is best to address the fault promptly to avoid food spoilage or further damage to the appliance.

A reset may temporarily clear the error and restore operation, but the fault will return if the underlying problem is not repaired. For a stroke trip fault, the compressor's protective system will shut it down again if the harness or capacitor issue remains unresolved. For the knob dial fault, the PCB will continue to detect the abnormal voltage signal until the dial or its connection is fixed. A reset should be used only as part of diagnosis, not as a long-term solution.

Start by identifying whether the green or red LED is blinking to determine which fault is active. For the green LED knob dial fault, check the dial connector for a loose fit and measure the dial voltage, which should read between 1 and 4VDC. For the red LED stroke trip fault, inspect the wiring harness connecting the PCB, compressor, and capacitor for damage or poor connections. If connections are intact and voltage readings are abnormal, replacement of the affected component is likely needed.

Repair costs vary depending on the root cause. A knob dial assembly replacement is generally in the range of $50 to $150 for parts and labor. Harness repairs or capacitor replacement for a stroke trip fault may run $75 to $200. If the linear compressor itself has failed, costs can be significantly higher, typically ranging from $300 to $600 or more depending on the service provider and parts availability.