Freezer
F5
The F5 error code on an LG freezer indicates a fault with the ice maker fan motor — specifically that the fan is not running or is running outside its expected speed range. It’s a moderate fault: your freezer may still cool, but ice production will stop and the issue will worsen if left unaddressed.
What does this error mean?
LG freezers use a dedicated fan to circulate cold air around the ice maker compartment. The F5 code is triggered when the control board detects that this fan motor has stopped responding, is drawing too much current, or is rotating too slowly. In practice, this usually means the fan is obstructed, has iced over, or the motor itself has failed. Left unchecked, poor airflow can cause the wider freezer temperature to rise.
Est. repair cost
£20–£45 DIY fan motor replacement; £100–£180 professional repair; £180–£280+ if PCB replacement is required
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Step 1 — Reset the freezer: Unplug the appliance from the wall socket, wait 5 minutes, then plug it back in. If the F5 code clears and does not return within 24 hours, the fault was a temporary sensor glitch.
Step 2 — Defrost the ice maker fan: If the code returns, switch the freezer off and leave the door open for 2–4 hours with towels on the floor. Ice build-up around the fan is the single most common cause of F5 and a full manual defrost often resolves it completely.
Step 3 — Inspect the fan blade: Once defrosted, locate the ice maker fan (usually behind a panel in the ice maker compartment). Turn the blade by hand — it should spin freely with no resistance. If it feels stiff or gritty, the motor bearings have likely failed.
Step 4 — Check the wiring connector: With the freezer still unplugged, inspect the wire connector leading to the fan motor. Press it firmly to reseat it. Look for visible corrosion or broken wires. A loose connector is a quick fix requiring no parts.
Step 5 — Replace the ice maker fan motor: If the fan blade is stuck or the motor hums but doesn’t spin, replace the fan motor. LG replacement fan motors (part numbers vary by model — check your serial number) are available from UK spare parts suppliers such as eSpares or 4ourhouse for £20–£45. Fitting involves removing 2–4 screws and swapping the connector — no specialist tools needed.
Step 6 — Check the door gasket: Run your hand around the freezer door seal while the door is closed. If you feel cold air escaping or the seal is visibly cracked or compressed flat, replace it. A failing seal causes repeated ice build-up and will trigger F5 again even after you fix the fan.
📞 When to call a professional
If you’ve completed a full defrost, replaced the fan motor, and the F5 code still returns, the fault is likely with the main control board — a job for an engineer. Call an appliance repair technician and tell them: ‘LG freezer showing F5 error code, ice maker fan motor has been replaced and defrost completed, fault persists — suspected PCB fault.’ Expect a diagnostic call-out fee of £60–£90 before any parts are quoted.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A DIY fan motor replacement will cost £20–£45 in parts and takes under an hour. A professional repair including call-out, labour, and a new fan motor typically runs £100–£180. If your LG freezer is under 8 years old, repair is almost always the better financial decision. If it’s over 8–10 years old and the control board is at fault (repair cost £180–£280+), a new mid-range freestanding LG freezer (£300–£500) is likely the smarter long-term choice.