Quick Reference
- Er dH — Defrost heater fault (frost buildup on coils)
- Er FF — Freezer fan motor failure
- Er CF — Fresh food fan motor failure
- Er rF — Refrigerant / compressor fault
- Er IS / Er FS — Ice maker or freezer sensor error
- Repair cost: $150–$350 | $89 diagnostic — waived with repair
LG refrigerators use a unique "Er" prefix error code system that stands for "Error." Unlike brands that use numeric codes, LG combines "Er" with two-letter abbreviations that describe the faulty component — making the codes more intuitive once you know the system. This guide covers all LG refrigerator error codes, including French door (LRMVS, LFXS series), side-by-side (LSXS series), and bottom-freezer (LBNC, LRFXS series) models.
LG Refrigerator Error Codes — Complete Table
The following table covers all LG fridge error codes. On models with smaller displays, the "Er" prefix may scroll before the two-letter code.
| Error Code | Meaning | Common Cause | Fix | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Er dH | Defrost heater fault | Defrost heater or thermal fuse failure; heavy frost on coils | Professional defrost heater and fuse testing and replacement | Pro |
| Er FF | Freezer fan motor error | Fan motor failure; ice blockage around fan | Manual defrost attempt first; professional fan motor replacement if persistent | Inspect First |
| Er CF | Fresh food (fridge) fan motor error | Fridge compartment fan motor failure | Professional fan motor replacement required | Pro |
| Er rF | Refrigerant / compressor system fault | Linear compressor failure; refrigerant issue | Professional compressor diagnosis; may be under LG extended warranty | Pro |
| Er FS | Freezer temperature sensor error | Freezer thermistor failure | Professional thermistor replacement required | Pro |
| Er IS | Ice maker sensor error | Ice maker temperature sensor failure | Professional ice maker sensor replacement required | Pro |
| Er CO | Communication error | Main board to display board communication failure | Power-cycle reset; professional board or harness service if persistent | Reset First |
| Er IF | Ice maker fan error | Ice maker compartment fan motor failure | Professional ice maker fan replacement required | Pro |
| Er IT | Ice maker thermistor error | Ice maker temperature sensor open or shorted | Professional ice maker thermistor replacement required | Pro |
| Er DH | Defrost heater error (alternate display) | Same as Er dH — defrost heater/fuse failure | Professional defrost system service required | Pro |
| Er gF | General fan error | Unspecified fan motor fault | Professional diagnosis to identify which fan has failed | Pro |
| CL | Child Lock active (some models) | Control lock feature activated | Hold Child Lock or lock icon button 3 seconds to deactivate | DIY |
| F dH | Freezer defrost heater fault (older models) | Same as Er dH on older LG platforms | Professional defrost heater service required | Pro |
How to Fix the Most Common LG Fridge Error Codes
Er dH — Defrost Heater Fault
Er dH is the most common LG refrigerator error code seen in GTA service calls. LG fridges run an automatic defrost cycle every 8–12 hours to melt frost off the evaporator coils. When the defrost heater or its thermal safety fuse fails, frost accumulates on the coils until airflow is completely blocked — causing both the freezer and fridge to warm up.
Signs that Er dH is causing a problem include: the fridge not cooling despite the compressor running, items freezing at the back of the fresh food section, and the freezer section full of frost and ice. Professional service is required — the technician will manually defrost the coils, test the heater and fuse, and replace the failed component.
Er FF — Freezer Fan Motor Error
The freezer fan motor draws air over the evaporator coils and forces cold air into both compartments. When Er FF appears, the fan has either seized, is blocked by ice, or the motor has burned out.
- Ice blockage: If you can hear the fan trying to run (a grinding or humming sound), ice may be blocking the blade. A manual defrost (see Er dH above) sometimes temporarily resolves this if the underlying cause is a defrost system failure.
- Motor failure: If the freezer is silent and not cooling at all, the motor has likely failed. This is a professional repair — the motor is located behind the freezer rear panel and requires disassembly to access.
Er rF — Compressor / Refrigerant Fault
Er rF is one of the more serious LG fridge error codes. LG uses linear compressor technology in many of its refrigerators, and these compressors have had documented reliability issues. Er rF means the compressor control board is not detecting normal compressor operation.
LG Canada offers extended warranties on linear compressors — check if your model is covered before paying for repairs. If not under warranty, professional diagnosis is required to determine whether the compressor itself has failed or whether the compressor drive board is at fault. Compressor replacement is a significant repair (typically $400–$600+ in parts and labour).
Er CO — Communication Error
Er CO means the main control board and the display panel are not communicating. Similar to Samsung's PC Er code, this can be caused by a power surge, a faulty wiring harness, or a failed board.
- Perform a power-cycle reset: unplug the fridge for 60 seconds, then plug back in.
- If Er CO clears and does not return, the code was triggered by a temporary electrical event.
- If Er CO returns within a few hours or immediately, have a technician inspect the wiring harness and test both boards.
Er IS / Er IT — Ice Maker Sensor Errors
These codes indicate a fault with the temperature sensing in the ice maker compartment. When the ice maker sensor fails, the ice maker stops producing ice and may show a frozen water line or no ice production at all. Professional sensor replacement is required — the ice maker assembly typically needs to be partially disassembled for access.
LG Refrigerator Models and Code Display
LG error codes display slightly differently across model lines:
- French door (LRMVS, LFXS, LRFXS): Full "Er XX" display on both door panels. Some models show codes on both the freezer and fridge displays simultaneously.
- Side-by-side (LSXS, LSXC): Codes appear on the left (freezer) or right (fridge) display. The dispenser control panel shows codes on InstaView models.
- Bottom-freezer (LBNC, LDCS): Codes show on the single fridge panel; smaller models may scroll the "Er" prefix.
- LG ThinQ smart fridges: The LG ThinQ app provides Smart Diagnosis, which sends detailed error data to an LG service centre before the technician arrives — useful for faster diagnosis.
When to Call a Certified Technician
All LG refrigerator "Er" codes except CL require professional service. Act quickly when:
- Er dH or Er FF appear — the fridge will stop cooling within 24–48 hours if not addressed
- Er rF appears — the compressor may be failing; check warranty status and call immediately
- Er CO does not clear after a power-cycle reset — control board fault
- The fridge is not cooling and food is at risk — move perishables to a cooler immediately
- Any Er code returns within a few days of a manual defrost — the root cause needs proper repair
Frequently Asked Questions — LG Refrigerator Error Codes
Er dH on an LG refrigerator means the defrost heater circuit has a fault — typically that the defrost heater or its thermal fuse has failed. The evaporator coils in the freezer will ice over completely, eventually blocking airflow and causing both the freezer and fresh food sections to warm up. This requires professional defrost heater and fuse testing and replacement.
Er FF indicates the freezer fan motor has failed or is not spinning correctly. The freezer fan circulates cold air from the evaporator coils throughout both the freezer and fridge compartments. Without it, temperatures rise in both sections. Er FF is often accompanied by a humming sound (fan trying to spin) or complete silence (fan motor dead). Professional fan motor replacement is required.
Er CF indicates the fridge (fresh food) compartment fan motor has failed. Similar to Er FF but affects fresh food airflow specifically. The fridge section warms up while the freezer may remain cold. Professional fan motor replacement is required.
Er rF indicates a fault with the refrigerant system — specifically that the linear compressor is not operating within normal parameters. This is one of the more serious LG fridge error codes and requires professional diagnosis. LG linear compressors have had reliability issues and are often covered under extended warranty.
Er IS indicates an ice maker sensor error. The temperature sensor inside the ice maker has failed or is reading outside the normal range. The ice maker will stop producing ice. Professional ice maker sensor replacement is required.
Press the refrigerator's Power or Reset button if available, or unplug the fridge from the wall outlet and wait 60 seconds before plugging it back in. This power-cycle reset clears temporary fault codes. For LG ThinQ smart fridges, the LG ThinQ app can run a Smart Diagnosis cycle that transmits detailed fault data for faster professional service.
LG refrigerator repairs in the GTA typically cost $150–$350 depending on the fault and parts. Defrost system repairs (Er dH, Er FF) and compressor-related faults (Er rF) are common LG fridge repairs. Nick's Appliance Repair charges an $89 diagnostic fee waived with repair, plus $40 OFF any repair.