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LG Refrigerator Error Code Er dH

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

Defrost heater error — defrost cycle not completing

The most common cause of the Er dH error on a LG refrigerator is burned-out defrost heater element (~50% of cases); start with: manually defrost the coils.

💰 DIY cost: $10–$80 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$330 Save $140+ by doing it yourself
LG Refrigerator error code Er dH on the display panel
How the Er dH code appears on a LG refrigerator display

What Does Error Code Er dH Mean on a LG Refrigerator?

Defrost heater error — defrost cycle not completing.

The automatic defrost system has failed to complete a defrost cycle. Over time, frost will accumulate on the evaporator coils, eventually blocking airflow and causing the refrigerator to stop cooling. This is a common LG refrigerator issue often linked to a failed defrost heater or thermal limiter.

What Causes Error Code Er dH?

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

  1. 1
    Burned-out defrost heater element 50% of cases
  2. 2
    Thermal fuse (limiter) blown on heater circuit 30% of cases
  3. 3
    Defrost thermostat failure 15% of cases
  4. 4
    Defrost control board fault 5% of cases

How to Fix LG Refrigerator Error Code Er dH

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

    Manually defrost the coils

    Turn off the refrigerator and allow all frost to melt. This provides temporary relief while you diagnose the root cause.

  2. 2

    Access the evaporator and defrost heater

    Remove the freezer back panel. The defrost heater wraps around or sits near the evaporator coils.

  3. 3

    Test the heater for continuity

    A working heater shows continuity (a few ohms). Open circuit = burned heater.

    🔩 Multimeter 🔩 LG defrost heater ($30–$80)
  4. 4

    Test the thermal limiter

    Small bi-metal devices on the heater circuit. Test each for continuity — a blown limiter shows open circuit.

    🔩 LG thermal limiter ($10–$25)
  5. 5

    Replace failed components

    Install new heater, limiter(s), or thermostat as needed.

    ⚠️ Unplug refrigerator and allow ice to melt before accessing heater.

How to Reset Error Code Er dH

After repair, the defrost system will run on its regular schedule (every 8–12 hours). The Er dH code should clear after a successful defrost cycle.

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 all defrost components test correctly, the main control board defrost control logic has failed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$330

Related Error Codes

Er FF
Freezer fan error — fan motor not operating
⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code Er dH appears on these other brands too.

Kenmore logo
Kenmore Refrigerator dH
Defrost heater fault — defrost did not complete

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 dS Defrost sensor open circuit

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my LG Refrigerator when error Er dH appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the defrost issue behind Er dH will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.
What most commonly causes Er dH on a LG Refrigerator? +
Across reported LG refrigerator repairs, the most frequent is burned-out defrost heater element (50% of cases), thermal fuse (limiter) blown on heater circuit (30%), then defrost thermostat failure (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
Er dH keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored Er dH fault; if it returns, the defrost problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — manually defrost the coils, then access the evaporator and defrost heater — 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 Er dH? +
A DIY repair typically runs $10–$80 in parts, versus $150–$330 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $140. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

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