Fridge
ER DH
The ER DH error code on an LG fridge-freezer points to a fault with the defrost sensor or defrost heater circuit — it’s a moderately serious fault that will cause ice build-up and cooling failure if left unresolved.
What does this error mean?
ER DH stands for ‘Error Defrost Heater’. Your LG fridge’s control board has detected that the defrost heater isn’t operating correctly, or the sensor monitoring the defrost cycle is sending an abnormal reading. Without a working defrost system, frost accumulates on the evaporator coils, blocking airflow and causing the fridge and freezer compartments to lose their ability to cool properly.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 professional repair; £15–£40 DIY parts (defrost heater or sensor)
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the fridge first: unplug it from the mains, wait 5 minutes, then plug it back in. If ER DH clears and doesn’t return within 24 hours, the fault was a temporary glitch.
Check for heavy frost build-up: if the freezer compartment has thick ice on the back panel, manually defrost the fridge by unplugging it and leaving the doors open for 24–48 hours with towels on the floor to catch meltwater. This can restore normal operation if a sensor was simply frozen over.
After defrosting, run the fridge for 24 hours. If ER DH returns, the fault is a failed component — not just ice build-up — and you’ll need to go further.
Access the evaporator panel (usually at the back of the freezer compartment — remove any shelves and the rear plastic panel by unscrewing it). Visually inspect the defrost heater for visible breaks or burn marks, and check that all wiring connectors are firmly seated.
Test the defrost thermal fuse and defrost sensor with a multimeter set to continuity: a healthy fuse and sensor should show continuity. No continuity means the part has failed. Replacement defrost heaters cost £15–£35 on UK parts sites (e.g. eSpares or BuySpares) and are a realistic DIY job if you’re comfortable with basic appliance repair.
Do NOT attempt to open or replace the main control board yourself — this involves mains-voltage components. If all defrost parts test as healthy but ER DH persists, the control board is likely at fault and requires a professional.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance engineer if the error returns after a full manual defrost, or if component testing confirms a failed heater or sensor but you’re not confident replacing them yourself. Tell the engineer you have an ER DH code on an LG fridge-freezer and that you suspect a defrost heater or sensor failure — this helps them arrive with the right parts and keeps call-out time (and cost) down.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for ER DH typically costs £80–£150 in the UK, covering the call-out, diagnosis, and a replacement heater or sensor. If your LG fridge-freezer is under 8 years old and in otherwise good condition, repair is almost always worth it. If it’s over 10 years old and the control board is also suspect, replacement with a new model starts at around £400–£500 and may be the more cost-effective long-term choice.