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LG Refrigerator Error Code dS

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ Medium Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Defrost sensor open circuit

The most common cause of the dS error on a LG refrigerator is sensor burned out (open circuit) (~70% of cases); start with: manually defrost.

💰 DIY cost: $15–$40 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$300 Save $135+ by doing it yourself
LG Refrigerator error code dS on the display panel
How the dS code appears on a LG refrigerator display

What Does Error Code dS Mean on a LG Refrigerator?

Defrost sensor open circuit.

The control board monitors the defrost thermistor clipped to the evaporator coil and expects a resistance within a defined range. When it reads an open circuit—no continuity—it posts dS. Without a valid reading the board cannot confirm the coil has warmed enough to end a defrost cycle, so frost accumulates and cooling weakens over time. This differs from Er dH, which points to the defrost heater circuit rather than the sensing thermistor itself.

Models affected: LG refrigerators with a defrost sensor mounted on the evaporator, including French-door and side-by-side models such as the LFXS26973S, LFXS28968S, LRFVS3006S, LMXS28626S, and LRFDS3016S
What owners report: Owners commonly report dS appearing alongside a gradual loss of cooling or noticeable frost buildup on the back panel of the fresh-food or freezer compartment. A loose or corroded sensor connector can occasionally trigger a false reading, so reseating the harness before replacing the part is a frequent quick win.

What Causes Error Code dS?

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

  1. 1
    Sensor burned out (open circuit) 70% of cases
  2. 2
    Connector loose 20% of cases
  3. 3
    Frost causing sensor misread 10% of cases

How to Fix LG Refrigerator Error Code dS

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Manually defrost

    Unplug, allow complete defrost.

  2. 2

    Test sensor

    Room temp: ~6k–8k ohms. At 32°F: ~16k ohms.

    🔩 Multimeter
  3. 3

    Replace sensor

    Unclip from evaporator and replace.

    🔩 LG defrost sensor ($15–$40)

How to Reset Error Code dS

Allow 24 hours for normal operation after repair.

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

Full LG refrigerator reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode → Symptom guide: Refrigerator not cooling →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If defrost sensor is fine and dS persists, defrost heater or control board defrost circuit has failed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$300

Related Error Codes

Er dH
Defrost heater error — defrost cycle not completing
⚠ Medium Severity
Er FF
Freezer fan error — fan motor not operating
⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

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

GE Appliances logo
GE Appliances Refrigerator dS
Defrost sensor issue — freezer not defrosting correctly

Find Replacement Parts

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

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

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

More LG Refrigerator Error Codes

Er CF Condenser fan motor error Er FS Freezer temperature sensor error Er IS Ice maker sensor failure Er IF Ice maker fan error Er CO Communication error — main board to sub-board Er rS Refrigerator (fresh-food) compartment sensor error

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my LG Refrigerator when error dS appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the defrost issue behind dS will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.
What most commonly causes dS on a LG Refrigerator? +
Across reported LG refrigerator repairs, the most frequent is sensor burned out (open circuit) (70% of cases), connector loose (20%), then frost causing sensor misread (10%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
dS keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored dS fault; if it returns, the defrost problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — manually defrost, then test sensor — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.
How much does it cost to fix LG Refrigerator error dS? +
A DIY repair typically runs $15–$40 in parts, versus $150–$300 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $135. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.
Which LG Refrigerator models show error dS? +
dS is documented on LG refrigerators with a defrost sensor mounted on the evaporator, including French-door and side-by-side models such as the LFXS26973S, LFXS28968S, LRFVS3006S, LMXS28626S, and LRFDS3016S. 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 10, 2026.

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