LG Refrigerator Error Code Er dH
A defrost cycle ran but the coil barely warmed up, so ice will keep building on the evaporator. A manual defrost restores cooling for now; if the code returns, the heater, fuse or board relay has failed.
Also shown as: F dH, r dH, E dH
Common causes
- Defrost heater failed or open circuit
- Defrost fuse in the controller assembly blown
- Control board relay not powering the defrost heater
- Defrost sensor reading incorrectly, ending defrost early
What to check, in order
- Unplug the refrigerator for about 5 minutes, then restore power and see whether the code clears
- Check for thick frost covering the rear wall and vents inside the freezer; that confirms defrosting is not keeping up
- Do a full manual defrost (unplug, doors open for at least 24 hours, food in coolers) to clear the ice so the unit can cool while you arrange repair; never chip ice off with tools, as the evaporator sits right behind the panel
- If the code returns after the manual defrost, the heater, its fuse or the board relay has failed and a technician must test and replace them
Clear the code and test
- Fix what the checks above found first. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
- Plug the appliance back in and restore its water supply if it has one.
- Run the shortest programme and watch the point where the code appeared before.
- If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write it down before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.
When to call a professional
Most cases are solved by the checks above. Book a technician if any of these apply:
- The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
- You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
- Water is leaking and you cannot stop it at the tap.
- The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.
When you call, give the brand, the code Er dH, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.
Parts that may be involved
Defrost heaterController assemblyDefrost sensorMain control board
Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label inside the door, on the door frame or on the back — and match the part to that number before ordering.
Questions people ask about Er dH
What does Er dH mean on a LG refrigerator?
Er dH means: Defrost error: the defrost sensor did not warm up enough during defrosting. A defrost cycle ran but the coil barely warmed up, so ice will keep building on the evaporator. A manual defrost restores cooling for now; if the code returns, the heater, fuse or board relay has failed.
Can I fix LG Er dH myself?
Start yourself: the checks on this page cover the causes you can reach without opening the machine up. If they point to a faulty part, testing or replacing it is usually a technician job.
How do I clear LG Er dH?
Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.
Sources checked
- LG Help Library: washing machine error codes
- PartsTown Resource Center: LG washing machine troubleshooting codes
The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.