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LG refrigerator Er dH code: defrost error

Also shown as dH, F dH, r dH

Urgency
High
Who can fix it
Moderate DIY
Time
About 30 min
Repair cost
$200–$450

The automatic defrost did not finish in time, so ice may be building up on the cooling coils. It is often caused by a blocked defrost drain, a failed defrost heater or a blown thermal fuse.

Likely causes

Listed from most to least common.

  1. Heavy ice buildup on the evaporator coils
  2. Defrost drain hole blocked with ice
  3. Defrost heater failed
  4. Thermal fuse open
  5. Main control board fault

How to fix the Er dH code

Unplug the refrigerator or switch it off at the breaker before removing any panel or filter.

  1. Step 1: Move your food

    Put food in a spare fridge or a cooler. Place towels around the base of the refrigerator.

  2. Step 2: Unplug and open the doors

    Unplug the refrigerator and open the fridge and freezer doors wide. The ice takes about 1 day to melt in summer and up to 3 days in winter.

  3. Step 3: Let the water drain

    When the ice has fully melted, the water should run down the drain into the drain pan. Wipe up any water that collects inside.

  4. Step 4: Restart the fridge

    Plug it back in and allow 24 hours to cool. If dH shows again, the defrost system needs a technician.

You'll need: Towels, cooler.

Parts that may need replacing

Check your model number on the label inside the door or on the back before ordering.

When to call a technician

A repeated dH code means the defrost heater, fuse or board needs testing. Call a technician, as this means removing panels and working with electrical parts.

A typical repair for this code costs $200–$450 in the US, including parts and labor. Prices vary by area and model.

Models this applies to

  • French door refrigerators (LF, LR and LM series)
  • Side-by-side refrigerators (LS and LRS series)
  • InstaView Door-in-Door models
  • Linear and inverter linear compressor models

Codes can differ slightly between models. Your owner's manual is the final word and is available from LG support.

Common questions

›What happens if I ignore an Er dH code?

Ice keeps building on the coils and blocks airflow, so the fridge and freezer slowly lose cooling.

›Why does a manual defrost only fix dH for a few weeks?

Melting the ice clears the symptom, but a failed heater or fuse will let ice build up again. The part needs replacing.

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