LG refrigerator — Error Code OF
The refrigerator is in Cooling Off (Demo) mode; the compressor is disabled.
What it means
The 'OF' or 'O FF' indicator on your LG fridge isn't a mechanical breakdown. It signals that the appliance is stuck in 'Cooling Off' mode, often called Demo or Showroom mode. In this state, the main control board keeps the compressor, evaporator fans, and condenser fan powered down intentionally. While the interior lights and front display stay active so shoppers can see the features, the unit isn't actually chilling your food. If you notice this in your home, it usually means the mode was toggled during a routine wipe-down, a power fluctuation caused a logic error in the board, or the installation crew didn't disable it before leaving your home.
Likely Causes
- 1 Accidental Button ActivationOften, wiping the display panel with a damp cloth leads to pressing the specific button sequence that triggers Demo Mode without meaning to.
- 2 Power Surge or OutageSudden electrical spikes or outages common during PNW storms can cause the main control board's EEPROM to glitch, reverting the settings to the factory showroom default.
- 3 New Installation OversightIf your appliance was recently delivered, the installation team might have simply missed the step to disable Cooling Off mode after they finished setting it up.
- 4 Faulty Main Control BoardIn rarer instances, a damaged main control board or a stuck relay will prevent the unit from exiting demo mode, effectively blocking power to the compressor indefinitely.
How to clear / reset
To disable the OF (Cooling Off) mode, you need to use the specific button sequence on your front interface. For most LG models, open the right-side refrigerator door, then press and hold both the 'Refrigerator' and 'Ice Plus' buttons for 3 to 5 seconds. You should hear a chime, and the display will return to normal temperature readings. If your particular unit uses a different layout, try holding the 'Refrigerator' and 'Express Freeze' buttons instead. If the fridge remains in OF mode despite your attempts, unplug it for 5 minutes to perform a hard reset of the main control board, then attempt the button combination once more.
Common replacement parts
When to call a pro
If you have repeatedly tried the reset sequence and power-cycled the unit to no avail, you likely have a defective main control board or a damaged display interface. Reach out to A-Fix Service at (800) 200-2349. We offer a $90 diagnostic fee (waived if you choose to repair) to inspect the board's EEPROM and verify voltage output to the compressor. All our control board replacements are backed by a 1-year parts and labor warranty.
FAQs
How much does it cost to fix the OF code?
Usually, this is a free fix you can do yourself via a button reset. If the control board is actually broken and stuck in demo mode, professional repairs typically cost between $250 and $450 including parts and labor.
Can I fix the OF code myself?
Yes, in 99% of cases you can resolve it by holding the 'Refrigerator' and 'Ice Plus' (or 'Express Freeze') buttons for 3 to 5 seconds until you hear the chime.
Will the OF code damage my food?
Yes, because the compressor is completely disabled in this mode. The refrigerator will not cool at all, and your food will spoil if the mode is not disabled promptly.
Why did my fridge go into OF mode by itself?
This is typically caused by accidentally triggering the buttons while cleaning the display, or occasionally by a power surge that resets the board's memory.
How long does it take for the fridge to cool after clearing the code?
After clearing the OF code, you should hear the compressor start within 1 to 2 minutes. Expect 12 to 24 hours for the internal temperatures to fully stabilize.
Need help with OF?
Our certified techs diagnose LG error codes daily. $90 diagnostic · 1-yr warranty.