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Kenmore Refrigerator Error Code dH

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026
⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧🔧 Advanced DIY Also shown as: ER DH

Defrost heater fault — defrost did not complete

The most common cause of the dH error on a Kenmore refrigerator is failed defrost heater element (~45% of cases); start with: test the defrost heater.

💰 DIY cost: $15–$95 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $200–$400 Save $185+ by doing it yourself
Kenmore Refrigerator error code dH on the display panel
How the dH code appears on a Kenmore refrigerator display

What Does Error Code dH Mean on a Kenmore Refrigerator?

Defrost heater fault — defrost did not complete.

dH indicates the control board started a defrost cycle but the evaporator sensor never registered the cutoff temperature within the allotted time, so the board flags an incomplete defrost. It usually points to an open defrost heater, a failed defrost sensor or thermal fuse, or a defrost relay on the main board that isn't energizing the heater. Unlike cooling-fan or airflow codes (ER FF, ER RF), dH specifically isolates the defrost circuit rather than general loss of cold air.

Models affected: Kenmore 795 Series refrigerators built on the LG control platform, plus similar LG-based bottom-freezer and side-by-side models
What owners report: Owners commonly report dH appearing alongside frost buildup on the freezer back wall and gradually warming compartments, sometimes days after cooling first seemed weak. A quick win some describe is a manual forced defrost clearing the code temporarily, but it typically returns until the heater or sensor is actually replaced.

What Causes Error Code dH?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Failed defrost heater element 45% of cases
  2. 2
    Failed defrost sensor/thermal fuse 35% of cases
  3. 3
    Main board defrost relay failure 20% of cases

How to Fix Kenmore Refrigerator Error Code dH

🔧🔧🔧 Advanced DIY Est. time: 1–3 hours
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Test the defrost heater

    Unplug, pull the freezer back panel, and measure the heater — open circuit means failed.

    ⚠️ Unplug before testing; the heater runs on mains voltage.
  2. 2

    Test the defrost sensor

    Check the sensor/thermal-fuse assembly clipped to the evaporator for continuity when cold.

    🔩 Kenmore defrost sensor ($15–$35)
  3. 3

    Replace the heater

    Replace if open; clear all frost before reassembly.

    🔩 Kenmore defrost heater ($40–$95)

How to Reset Error Code dH

After the repair, unplug for 5 minutes; run a forced defrost to confirm termination.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Symptom guide: Refrigerator not cooling →

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When to Call a Professional

Mains-voltage heater testing and full evaporator de-icing are tech territory if you've not done it before.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $200–$400

Related Error Codes

ER FF
Freezer evaporator fan motor fault
⚠ High Severity
ER RF
Refrigerator compartment fan motor fault
⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code dH appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows dH →

LG logo
LG Dryer dH
High temperature error — drum temperature exceeded safe limit

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Kenmore Refrigerator:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Kenmore Refrigerator repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Kenmore Refrigerator Error Codes

ER IF Icemaker fan motor fault ER 1F Ice room fan feedback error CF Condenser fan motor fault ER FS Freezer temperature sensor fault ER RS Refrigerator temperature sensor fault

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Kenmore Refrigerator when error dH appears? +
It is not advisable. The refrigerator may still power on, but running it while dH is active can worsen the defrost fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes dH on a Kenmore Refrigerator? +
Across reported Kenmore refrigerator repairs, the most frequent is failed defrost heater element (45% of cases), failed defrost sensor/thermal fuse (35%), then main board defrost relay failure (20%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
dH keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored dH fault; if it returns, the defrost problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — test the defrost heater, then test the defrost sensor — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is an advanced repair involving deeper disassembly or electrical testing.
How much does it cost to fix Kenmore Refrigerator error dH? +
A DIY repair typically runs $15–$95 in parts, versus $200–$400 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $185. Expect the work to take 1–3 hours.
Which Kenmore Refrigerator models show error dH? +
dH is documented on Kenmore 795 Series refrigerators built on the LG control platform, plus similar LG-based bottom-freezer and side-by-side models. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 11, 2026.

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