LG Refrigerator Error Codes
LG refrigerators use ER, FF, dH, and IF codes for fan, freezer, defrost, and ice maker faults. Linear compressor models may show different patterns than conventional units.
General troubleshooting
Try these checks before opening a specific error code page—they resolve many LG refrigerator faults without parts.
- 1Confirm both doors seal fully—clean gasket folds and check for items blocking closure
- 2Vacuum the condenser coils at the rear or behind the lower front grille
- 3Allow 24 hours after a power outage before assuming a sensor fault
- 4Clear ice from the freezer back panel area if airflow feels weak
- 5Check that the unit has 1 inch clearance on sides and rear for ventilation
Common symptoms
Owners often search for a code after noticing one of these issues on their LG refrigerator:
- Fresh food section warming while freezer still cools (evaporator fan ER codes)
- Ice maker stopped producing or IF fault on the display
- Frost buildup in the freezer with dH defrost errors
- Compressor runs constantly with FF freezer sensor faults
- Water under the crisper drawers from a clogged defrost drain
All LG refrigerator error codes
| Code | What it means | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| 1F | Same as IF—ice fan failure1F is the numeric shorthand for the ice maker fan fault also labeled Er IF. The ice compartment fan did not reach commanded speed—identical troubleshooting path as IF. | View fix → |
| CF | Condenser fan at compressor not runningCF is a Condenser Fan error—the motor that cools the compressor at the bottom rear stopped reporting speed. LG may clear CF briefly after power reset but the code often returns within three hours until the fan is repaired. | View fix → |
| CHE | Compressor or inverter communication faultCHE is a Compressor Error on LG linear inverter refrigerators—the main board lost valid feedback from the inverter or compressor windings. Cooling may stop while the display shows CHE, and freezer temps climb within hours. | View fix → |
| CL | Child lock on—display not a faultCL is Control Lock—not a cooling fault. It disables dispenser and temperature buttons to prevent accidental changes, especially on door-through models. | View fix → |
| CLE | Control Lock enabled on the displayCLE is Control Lock Engaged—the same function as CL on other LG displays. Water and ice dispensers and temperature keys are disabled until lock is cleared. It is not a cooling or sensor fault. | View fix → |
| CO | Communication fault on main boardCO indicates Communication Error between the main refrigerator PCB and a sub-board—display, inverter compressor driver, or door UI. Cooling may continue briefly or stop depending on which link failed. | View fix → |
| DT | Defrost system did not completedT indicates Defrost Time or defrost system error—the board expected the freezer coil to thaw during defrost but the thermistor never showed a temperature rise, implying heater, fuse, or sensor failure. | View fix → |
| ER | General refrigerator system errorER prefixes many LG refrigerator faults—Er IF, Er FF, Er CF, Er dH, etc. A lone ER flash usually means the board logged an unspecified fault; read the second letters or numeral pair on the display for the specific subsystem. | View fix → |
| FF | Freezer evaporator fan faultFF signals the freezer evaporator fan did not provide feedback while running. This fan circulates cold air from the evaporator coil to both freezer and fresh food sections—warm spots and soft ice cream often appear before the code. | View fix → |
| FS | Freezer sensor reading invalidFS reports a Freezer Sensor error—the thermistor in the freezer compartment sent resistance outside the expected range, so the board cannot regulate defrost and compressor run time accurately. | View fix → |
| GF | Flow sensor on water line faultgF is a Flow sensor error on LG fridges with measured water dispensers or ice makers. The board expected a pulse count from the inline flow meter during fill and saw none or too few. | View fix → |
| IF | Ice maker fan not spinningIF (often shown as Er IF or 1F) means the ice maker fan motor did not report RPM to the board for more than 65 seconds. That fan pushes cold air into the ice bucket area—without it, ice production stops and the display alerts you. | View fix → |
| IS | Ice maker sensor or position faultIS indicates an Ice maker Sensor or ice system fault—the board did not get expected feedback from the ice maker optics, fill level, or ejector home position. | View fix → |
| RS | Refrigerator compartment sensor faultrS is a Refrigerator Sensor error—the fresh food compartment thermistor failed to report valid temperature, causing erratic compressor cycling or warm fridge sections. | View fix → |
| SS | Pantry or specialty drawer sensor faultSS appears on LG models with pantry drawers, Craft Ice, or convertible zones when a secondary temperature sensor stops reporting—often the drawer was left open or the harness was disturbed during cleaning. | View fix → |
15 codes documented with causes, fixes, and affected models.