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.
- Heavy ice buildup on the evaporator coils
- Defrost drain hole blocked with ice
- Defrost heater failed
- Thermal fuse open
- 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.
Step 1: Move your food
Put food in a spare fridge or a cooler. Place towels around the base of the refrigerator.
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.
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.
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.
- LG refrigerator defrost heaterCheck prices
- LG refrigerator thermal fuseCheck prices
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.