LG · Refrigerator
LG Refrigerator dT Error Code
Defrost system did not complete
What this error means
dT 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.
How DT is detected
When DT appears on a LG refrigerator, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On LG LFXS26973S, LG LRMVS3006S, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most DT calls are resolved without parts: manual defrost to restore cooling temporarily. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If DT returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Open defrost heater element
- Blown defrost thermal fuse on the evaporator
- Failed bi-metal defrost thermostat
- Ice-choked defrost drain causing false temp readings
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Manual defrost to restore cooling temporarily
- 2After thaw, listen during forced defrost for sizzle at the coil—silence suggests dead heater
- 3Clear the drain hole in the freezer floor with warm water
- 4Schedule service if FF/IF codes also appeared before dT
When to call a technician
Defrost heater and fuse tests require freezer panel removal and live voltage checks.
Affected models
- LG LFXS26973S
- LG LRMVS3006S
- LG LFXS28968S
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use refrigerators to prevent DT from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when DT appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your LG refrigerator—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for DT; LG uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting DT; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.