LG Multi-split (model FM30AH) outdoor unit problem

[bintoito]

Hey guys,

My outdoor unit is broke (again, more on that later). Fire up one of the indoor units in either hot or cold and after a few minutes where the fans spin very slowly and the compressor outside doesn't even start, the inside unit(s) close the air direction thingie and the power button starts blinking green 5 times, followed by about 3 secs, then restarts...
What could the problem be?

Ps. Had this or a similar problem about a year and half ago (not sure the blinking sequence was the same), and by then, my wife got hold of a "technician" that was "fixing" another AC in a neighbour...to summ it up, I ended up with the outside unit full of dents and scratches, supposedely 6 probes replaced, refrigerant charge and about €500 bill to pay for --- I don't want to recall this so called technician no way in hell (as an example, the day he was finishing the repair I got home and started talking to him and one of his pearls of wisdom was that for AC units, the condenser's best kept in the sun!!!!!!:mad: I was like, what? you SoB, get the *** outta my place errr

sorry for the testament guys, but I could sure use your help so I won't get conned again!

[install monkey]

5 blinks comms error
between indoor/outdoor
check wiring between is ok
dont do much on lg so dont have much info

[bintoito]

ok, many thanks.
From what I gathered in a LG tech doc it should be either the comms issue, an abnormal voltage in the AC input...

In terms of repair, what's your best guess on what's needed? Would it have a fried controller (the PCB?) or could it simply be a case of "re-wiring" all the plugs and cables correctly (wishful thinking!)?

many thx install monkey

[install monkey]

http://www.hawco.co.uk/UserFiles/MediaLibrary/MultiInverterType2008.pdf
click on link above for service manual;)

[Tayters]

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CEQQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hawco.co.uk%2FUserFiles%2FMediaLibrary%2FMultiFandFdx-ServiceManualOlderStyle.pdf&ei=1-Z3UvLkEaSe7AaJmoHYBg&usg=AFQjCNHtEiead3Ou42bQQqJBB2ds6_95qQ

And this one with wiring diagrams. In any case if all indoors are flashing comms error then it looks like something has gone wrong at the outdoor unit.
I'd start off checking PCB for obvious scorching then compressor windings / to earth and any other components shorting to earth which might have taken out board.

[install monkey]

same manual! :p
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CEQQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hawco.co.uk%2FUserFiles%2FMediaLibrary%2FMultiFandFdx-ServiceManualOlderStyle.pdf&ei=1-Z3UvLkEaSe7AaJmoHYBg&usg=AFQjCNHtEiead3Ou42bQQqJBB2ds6_95qQ

And this one with wiring diagrams. In any case if all indoors are flashing comms error then it looks like something has gone wrong at the outdoor unit.
I'd start off checking PCB for obvious scorching then compressor windings / to earth and any other components shorting to earth which might have taken out board.

[bintoito]

many thanks to both of you. indeed I suspected (wasn't sure because I couldn't quite get the "1 digit" and "10 digit" related to the symbols with the first two lights...:( ) the 05 error (indoor unit) and as the error was the same for the remaining units, the problem probably is in the outdoor unit.

I'll now call a diferent guy up with and see what he has to say about the error, then report back t you

cheers!

[Tayters]

same manual! :p

Ha, not quite. For some reason they do a 'General Service Manual' for some models as well as the more specific version with extra info.

When I used to download them from their website in a previous employment they even had their own viewer you had to use to get the computer to open them up - Deja Viewer or something like that. Couldn't wait when someone wanted a probe ordered. Come up with a dozen alternatives and then the contractor calls because the one ordered didn't fit.

Happy memories and their technical chaps were always helpful though!