LG - Refrigerator - CO

LG Refrigerator Error Code CO - What It Means & What to Do

Seeing CO on an LG refrigerator can be frustrating, especially if the display is flashing. This code often appears during normal operation and is a common alert, not a sign of immediate danger.

What the Error Code Means

Error code CO generally means the refrigerator detected a communication condition and paused to report it.

It points to a communication status rather than a confirmed single failure.

Common Symptoms You May Notice

  • The display shows CO and the unit may beep.
  • Cooling may continue but the alert remains on the display.
  • Some controls may feel unresponsive until the alert clears.

Most Common Causes (From Least to Most Serious)

  1. Temporary control panel glitch: A brief interruption can cause a communication alert even when cooling is normal.
  2. Power interruption or reset: A short power interruption can trigger a status message on the display.
  3. Communication status is outside the expected range: In some cases the refrigerator reports a communication condition to protect normal operation.

Safe Things You Can Check Yourself

  • Press any key or reset the alert to clear the display.
  • Confirm the power cord is fully seated in the outlet.
  • Power cycle the refrigerator: unplug it for one minute, then plug it back in.

If at any point this feels unsafe or unclear, stop and contact a professional.

When to Stop and Call for Service

  • The CO code returns repeatedly without a known interruption.
  • Controls remain unresponsive or cooling does not return to normal.
  • You notice burning smells, sparking, or repeated shutdowns.

Typical Repair Cost Range

$0-$200 is typical for diagnosis if communication-related alerts persist, depending on the cause and parts involved.

Costs vary by region, model, and provider. Request an estimate before approving any repair.