Quick-Glance Rescue Plan
| Step | Move | Clock Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hard-reset — unplug / breaker off 5 min | 0-5 min |
| 2 | Display reset — hold Freezer + Fridge 10 s | 5-6 min |
| 3 | Listen for fan — condenser-fan should start 30 s after power-on | 6-8 min |
| 4 | Back panel off — vacuum coils, reseat 3-pin fan plug | 8-14 min |
| 5 | Spin & test — finger-spin blades, check 125-200 Ω coil | 14-18 min |
| 6 | Power up & watch — wait 2-3 min for reboot | 18-20 min |
If CF stays gone for 30 minutes and the compressor hums smoothly, you’re golden.
1 | What CF Really Signals
LG’s CF code flags a lost condenser-fan feedback signal. The board asked the fan to spin, but the Hall-sensor groove didn’t report the expected RPM within 65 seconds.
Top Calgary Culprits
Dust-jammed fan — pet hair + YYC construction dust.
Ice splash after defrost drain leak — blades freeze.
Brown-out surge fries the Hall sensor.
Loose / corroded 3-pin harness on fan motor.
Aged fan motor (PN EAU65058502) after ~7-8 years.
Main PCB glitch — rare, but spikes happen during thunderstorms.
2 | 20-Minute DIY Diagnosis
A) Hard-Reset (5 min)
LG boards need a full capacitor bleed. Pull the plug or trip the breaker for 5 minutes. Restore power; if CF clears and stays away, celebrate.
B) Panel Reset (1 min)
Press Freezer + Fridge for 10 seconds (older panels: Energy Saver + Lighting). If CF flashes again → move on.
C) Fan-Sound Test (2 min)
With the fridge running, place a hand behind the lower grille. You should feel a light breeze and hear a laptop-style hum. Silence = stalled fan.
D) Back Panel & Cleanup (6 min)
Safety: Unplug again; gloves on.
Remove the cardboard/metal service panel (10 mm hex or Phillips).
Vacuum dust from condenser coils.
Reseat the white 3-pin harness on the fan motor; check for green corrosion.
Inspect blades: no cracks, spin freely with a finger. If blades drag → replace motor.
E) Coil Test (4 min)
Set multimeter to Ω. Good LG fan coil ≈ 125-200 Ω. ∞ Ω or < 50 Ω = dead motor. Swap PN EAU65058502 (or your model’s equivalent).
F) Re-Power & Verify (2 min)
Panel on → wait 30 seconds → listen for fan start. No more CF after 30 minutes? Load the ice cream back in.
3 | If CF Boomerangs Back
| Symptom | Likely Culprit | DIY Level |
|---|---|---|
| Code returns within 24 h | Dead fan motor → swap | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Fan spins, CF persists | Hall-sensor wire broken | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Compressor overheats | PCB misses RPM data → board swap | ★★★★☆ |
| Random extra codes (67, HS) | Main PCB degrading | ★★★★☆ |
4 | Parts & Calgary Street Prices (2025)
| Part | CAD | Stock |
|---|---|---|
| Condenser-fan motor (EAU65058502) | 85-105 | In most LG vans |
| Fan harness & grommets | 20-30 | Usually stocked |
| Main PCB | 240-320 | Order |
| Pro visit (diag + labour) | 139-189 | Flat |
5 | When to Call a YYC Tech
CF shows twice in 48 h.
Multimeter proves fan coil open.
Compressor hot to touch (> 60 °C).
Board shows scorch marks or smells burnt.
LG-certified crews cover NW | NE | SW | SE same day and carry fans onboard.
6 | Keep CF Out of Your Life
Vacuum coils every three months (pet owners: monthly).
Level fridge — if it rocks, vibration eats motor bearings.
Stable power: plug into a surge-protected outlet; brown-outs are CF’s friend.
Drain pan check quarterly — water splashes freeze blades.
Post-outage ritual: 5-minute hard-reset before heavy cooling cycles.
7 | FAQ
Is CF the same as “C F” on some panels?
Yes—spacing varies; meaning doesn’t.
Can I oil the fan motor?
No. Sealed sleeve bearings; oil just attracts dust.
Will a 20-minute test warm my food?
Doors stay shut 90 % of the time; temp rise is negligible.
Does insurance cover burnt compressors?
Some YYC policies do; document CF code, photos, and service invoice.
LG fridge error CF flags a condenser-fan feedback fault; unplug for 5 minutes, reset the panel, reseat the rear 3-pin fan harness, clean dust, verify 125-200 Ω coil, and restart—replace fan motor EAU65058502 if CF returns.
