LG Refrigerator Error Code Outer sensor open/short

The LG refrigerator outer sensor open/short error indicates a fault in the ambient temperature sensor, which monitors the air temperature surrounding the refrigerator. The control board continuously reads the sensor's output and flags this error when the reported temperature falls below -50°C or rises above +50°C. These extreme readings are outside the physically plausible range for a kitchen environment, which tells the control board the sensor circuit has either opened (broken wire, failed sensor element) or shorted (wiring contacted ground or another conductor).

The ambient sensor is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, meaning its resistance decreases as temperature increases. At normal room temperatures, the sensor should read a predictable resistance value. An open circuit produces an infinitely high resistance reading, while a short circuit produces near-zero resistance. Both conditions push the reported temperature outside the -50°C to +50°C threshold and trigger the fault. The sensor is typically located near the exterior of the cabinet or in the fresh food compartment area depending on model.

Common root causes include physical damage to the sensor or its wiring harness, corrosion at connector terminals, and sensor element failure due to age or moisture exposure. The diagnostic process starts by measuring the sensor's resistance with a multimeter and comparing it against the expected value at a known ambient temperature. Wiring continuity should also be checked back to the control board connector. If resistance is out of range or continuity is broken, sensor replacement is the standard repair.