Error Codes
LG fridge error codes name the failed part directly, which makes them more readable than most brands once you know the format. A code like FF means the freezer fan, rS means the refrigerator sensor, and dH means a defrost cycle that ran too long — the pattern holds across most of LG’s line-up. This guide covers every code from LG’s official error code list, what each one means, which ones you can attempt to clear yourself, and which need a technician.
How to Read an LG Error Code
LG refrigerators display error codes differently depending on the model. Some show the code as letters directly on a digital display — FF, rS, dH and similar. Older or simpler models without a full alphanumeric display instead show the code through which temperature-setting LEDs are lit on the control panel, which can look like a random combination of numbers unless you know it’s actually spelling out a code. If your display shows numbers you don’t recognise as a fault (like all LEDs except one lit up), check your model’s manual for the LED-to-code mapping, since it varies by control panel layout.
On ThinQ-connected LG fridges, the same fault information is also pushed to the LG ThinQ app, which is often a faster and clearer way to confirm exactly what’s being flagged than reading a small control panel.
You may also see some of the codes below written with an “Er” prefix — Er FS, Er IF, Er CO and similar — on certain model displays. This is the same fault, just a different display convention; the meaning doesn’t change based on whether “Er” appears in front of it.
LG Fridge Error Codes: Full List
Fan Codes
FF — Freezer Fan Error. LG’s official guidance links this to frost build-up around the fan as the most common cause. The fix LG recommends is a full manual defrost: unplug the unit, remove all food and ice, leave the doors open for at least 8 hours, keep towels around the unit to catch the melting frost, then dry the interior, plug back in, and allow 24–48 hours for normal operation to resume. Afterward, check that internal vents aren’t blocked and that the fridge and its doors are properly levelled, since misalignment is a common repeat cause.
rF — Refrigerator Fan Error, also potentially caused by frost build-up. Same manual defrost process as FF applies.
CF — Condenser Fan Error. This means the feedback signal from the condenser fan (the fan at the back/bottom of the fridge that expels heat) isn’t registering as expected — LG’s official description specifies feedback under 65 seconds during the fan’s operation. There’s no self-service fix for this one; it needs a technician.
IF or F1 — Ice Maker Fan Error. Points to a problem with the ice maker’s own fan, often from frost or ice build-up around it. The same manual defrost process applies, along with checking the door gasket (particularly on French Door models) for tears or damage, and checking that the doors are properly aligned, since misalignment lets in the humid air that causes the buildup in the first place.
Sensor Codes
rS — Refrigerator Sensor Error. A short or disconnection in the sensor monitoring the fresh food compartment. No self-service troubleshooting; needs a technician.
FS — Freezer Sensor Error. The freezer-side equivalent of rS — a short or disconnected sensor.
dS (or F dS / r dS) — Defrost Sensor Error. F dS points to the freezer’s defrost sensor, r dS to the refrigerator’s defrost sensor. Both need a technician.
rT — Room Temperature Sensor Error. A shorted or open sensor that reads the ambient temperature around the fridge.
SS — Pantry Sensor Error. Relevant on models with a dedicated pantry or convertible compartment; a shorted or open sensor in that zone.
HS — Humidity Sensor Error. A short or disconnection in the humidity sensor fitted to some models.
Defrost Codes
dH (or F dH / r dH / Er dH) — Defrost Heater Error. This one has a precise official trigger: the unit spent more than an hour trying to defrost, and the evaporator didn’t reach the preset temperature within that hour. LG’s recommended first step is to unplug the fridge for two minutes to reset it, then allow the system to attempt defrost again. If dH returns, it needs a technician — likely a failed defrost heater or a stuck defrost thermostat.
Communication and Electronic Codes
CO — Communication Error, specifically between the control board and the display. No self-service fix.
C1 — Communication Error between the LCD display and the dispenser.
Od — Wi-Fi/Communication Error, between the display’s microcontroller and the Wi-Fi modem — relevant to ThinQ-connected models.
Refrigerant Codes
CH E or E CH — High Side Refrigerant Leak. LG’s official description notes this has a high probability of being a leak from the condenser. This is a licensed refrigerant handling job — not something to attempt yourself under any circumstances.
CL E or E CL — Low Side Refrigerant Leak, with a high probability of originating from the evaporator. Same handling requirement as CH E.
READ ALSO: Samsung Fridge Error Codes: What Every Code Means
Compressor and Electrical Codes
22 — Compressor Relay Problem. No self-service troubleshooting steps; needs a technician.
33 — Compressor Relay Problem (a separate code from 22, same general area of the unit).
88 — this one isn’t a fault. It displays when you press and hold Ice Plus and Freezer together for two seconds, and it means the unit is functioning properly. Worth knowing so an accidental button press doesn’t cause unnecessary alarm.
Ice Maker Codes
EID — Freezer Compartment Ice Maker Sensor Failure. No self-service fix.
EIU — Freezer Compartment Ice Maker Assembly Failure. Also no self-service fix.
IS or 1S — Ice Maker Fan Motor Problem, or a disconnected ice maker sensor. Needs a technician.
iT — Ice Maker Defect, a general fault code for the ice maker mechanism itself.
gF — Flow Sensor Error, or Low Water Pressure. If your ice maker is overfilling with water, the flow sensor that regulates water flow to the ice maker may be at fault. If water pressure to the fridge is simply low, increasing it can resolve the code; if it persists, book a technician.
Door and Motor Codes
67 — Door Gap Error. Something — an object inside the fridge, or a gap in the seal — is stopping the door from closing fully. Worth checking yourself before assuming a fault: clear anything blocking the door and check the seal for damage.
Ad — Door Motor Error. Displays when a motorised door doesn’t reach its maximum or home position within 5 seconds, relevant to models with power-assisted or auto-close doors.
dr — Door Motor Error, functionally similar to Ad on some model ranges.
AS, L AS, or r AS — Auto Door Reed Switch Error, occurring when the auto door motor is operating but the reed switch (which detects door position) registers as open.
Codes That Aren’t Faults
OF F, or OF — Demo/Display Mode. This disables cooling entirely and is meant for retail display, not home use. If your fridge shows this, it isn’t broken — it’s in a setting that needs switching off. With either door open, press and hold the Refrigerator and Ice Plus buttons together for five seconds; the panel will beep and show normal temperature settings once it’s deactivated.
Sb (may display as S6, 5b or 56) — Sabbath Mode. A setting for Sabbath and Jewish holiday observance that disables the dispenser and alarm functions. To turn it off manually, press and hold the Freezer and Wi-Fi buttons for three seconds. It also switches off automatically after 96 hours.
Which LG Codes You Can Try to Clear Yourself
A small number of codes have a genuine self-service step worth trying before booking anyone:
- FF, rF, and IF/F1 (all fan-related, frost-linked codes) — the manual defrost process described above, followed by checking door seals, alignment and vent clearance.
- dH — a two-minute unplug-and-reset, followed by letting the defrost cycle run again.
- 67 — check for anything blocking the door and inspect the seal.
- OF F / OF and Sb — these aren’t faults at all, and are cleared with the button combinations above.
Every other code on this list, per LG’s own guidance, has no self-service troubleshooting step and is listed as requiring a repair service.
How to Manually Defrost an LG Fridge
Since this comes up across several of the more common codes, here’s LG’s full process in one place:
- Unplug the unit and remove all food and ice, including from the ice bin.
- Leave the doors open for at least 8 hours to let the frost fully melt.
- Keep towels in and around the unit to soak up the water as it melts.
- Once the 8 hours are up, dry the interior thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Plug the unit back in and allow 24 to 48 hours for it to return to normal operating temperature.
- Before closing up, check that internal vents aren’t blocked by food, that the fridge and its doors are properly levelled, and that both doors close fully.
If the same fan or frost-related code returns after this process, particularly alongside visible frost on the freezer walls rather than just around the fan, that generally points to a door alignment or levelling issue rather than the fan itself — worth checking before assuming the fan motor has failed outright.
When a Technician Is the Right Call
Based on LG’s own code list, the majority of codes have no self-service path and are explicitly flagged as needing professional attention — which is worth taking at face value rather than continuing to reset the unit repeatedly. Book a technician without further troubleshooting for:
- Any refrigerant code (CH E, E CH, CL E, E CL) — these involve licensed refrigerant handling
- Any communication code (CO, C1, Od) that persists after a power cycle
- Compressor codes (22, 33)
- Sensor codes (rS, FS, dS, rT, SS, HS) — these need proper testing, not guesswork
- A fan or defrost code that returns after a full manual defrost and door check
Fridge Repair Experts provides mobile, on-site diagnosis for LG fridge error codes, with licensed technicians who can confirm the exact fault and carry genuine spare parts for common repairs — fan motors, defrost heaters, sensors and control boards — on the vehicle. Call 0468 340 685 to book a diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does FF mean on an LG fridge?
FF is a Freezer Fan Error. LG links it most commonly to frost build-up around the fan, and their recommended first step is a full manual defrost — unplugging the unit, leaving the doors open for at least 8 hours, then checking vents and door alignment before restoring power.
How do I get my LG fridge out of demo mode?
If the display shows OF F or OF, the fridge is in Demo or Display Mode, which disables cooling. With either door open, press and hold the Refrigerator and Ice Plus buttons together for five seconds until the panel beeps and shows normal temperature settings.
What’s the difference between CH E and CL E?
Both indicate a refrigerant leak. CH E points to a high-side leak, most likely from the condenser. CL E points to a low-side leak, most likely from the evaporator. Both require a licensed technician — refrigerant handling isn’t a DIY task.
My LG fridge shows dH. What should I do?
dH means the unit spent over an hour trying to defrost without the evaporator reaching its target temperature. Unplug the fridge for two minutes to reset it, then let it attempt the defrost cycle again. If dH comes back, it usually means the defrost heater or thermostat has failed and needs replacing.
Can I fix a compressor error code myself?
No. Codes 22 and 33 both indicate a compressor relay problem, and LG’s own guidance lists no self-service troubleshooting steps for either. These need a technician to test and replace the relevant component.
Why does my LG fridge keep showing a fan error after I’ve defrosted it?
If a fan-related code (FF, rF, or IF/F1) returns after a full manual defrost, the underlying cause is often door alignment or levelling rather than the fan itself — a door that isn’t sitting flush lets in warm, humid air that reforms the ice quickly. Check levelling and door seals before assuming the fan motor needs replacing.
Is my LG error code covered under warranty?
That depends on your fridge’s age and the specific fault, and isn’t something this guide can answer generally. Check your LG warranty documentation or contact LG directly to confirm coverage before booking independent repair, particularly for a fault like a compressor or refrigerant leak where the part cost can be significant.
Book a Diagnosis
If your LG fridge is showing an error code and you’d rather have it confirmed and fixed than keep resetting it, Fridge Repair Experts can diagnose the exact fault and repair it on the spot in most cases. Licensed technicians, genuine spare parts, and a workmanship warranty on any repair carried out.
Call 0468 340 685 to book a mobile, on-site diagnosis.