Er dS
LG Refrigerator
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Er dS means the defrost sensor — also called the defrost thermistor — is not working correctly. Your LG refrigerator defrosts its evaporator coils on a regular schedule to prevent ice buildup. The defrost sensor monitors the coil temperature to know when defrosting is complete and safe to stop. Without a working sensor, the defrost system cannot operate properly. Ice may accumulate on the evaporator coils over time, eventually reducing cooling performance.
Affected Models
- LRMVS3006S
- LFXS26973S
- LRFXS2503S
- LRMDC2306S
- LSXS26336S
- Most LG French door and side-by-side refrigerators
Common Causes
- The defrost sensor has failed — its resistance has shifted outside the acceptable range
- The sensor wiring harness connector has come loose due to vibration or ice accumulation
- Ice buildup around the evaporator coils has physically damaged the sensor probe
- Moisture has gotten inside the sensor connector and caused corrosion
- The main control board has a fault affecting its ability to read the defrost sensor signal
How to Fix It
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Unplug the refrigerator from the wall. Leave it unplugged for 24 to 48 hours with both doors propped open slightly. This allows any ice buildup on the evaporator coils to thaw completely.
Place towels on the floor to absorb melt water. Manually defrosting the coils sometimes allows the sensor to work again if ice had physically immobilized it or blocked its probe.
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After the manual defrost, plug the refrigerator back in and check whether Er dS has cleared. Allow 2 hours for the refrigerator to cool down and stabilize before evaluating.
If Er dS clears after manual defrost, the defrost system had likely stopped working, allowing ice to build up. The underlying cause — possibly the sensor — still needs to be addressed.
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If Er dS returns within a day or two, the defrost sensor has likely failed. Call an LG service technician to inspect and replace the sensor.
The defrost sensor is located on the evaporator coils inside the freezer compartment, behind the rear panel. Access requires removing the freezer contents and rear panel.
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Check your LG refrigerator's warranty status by calling 1-800-243-0000 or visiting lg.com/us/support. Enter your model and serial number (found on a sticker inside the refrigerator door).
LG refrigerators have a 1-year parts and labor warranty. The sealed system — compressor and refrigerant circuit — has a longer 5-year warranty. Defrost sensors fall under the 1-year coverage.
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Schedule a service appointment through LG's website or a local appliance repair company. Provide the Er dS code and your model number when booking so the technician can bring the correct sensor.
Defrost thermistors for LG refrigerators typically cost $15 to $40. The repair itself takes 45 to 90 minutes including removing and reinstalling the freezer's rear panel.
When to Call a Professional
Er dS is a moderate repair that LG service technicians handle routinely. Defrost sensor replacement costs $80 to $200 including parts and labor in most areas. If left unrepaired, ice buildup on the evaporator coils can progress to a complete cooling failure. Contact LG support at 1-800-243-0000 or schedule a service visit at lg.com/us/support. Check your warranty — LG refrigerators carry a 1-year parts and labor warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I ignore Er dS?
Without a working defrost sensor, the defrost system may not run correctly. Ice will gradually accumulate on the evaporator coils inside the freezer. As the ice builds up, it blocks airflow through the coils — and your refrigerator gradually stops cooling properly. Food in both the freezer and refrigerator sections will begin to spoil. Repair Er dS before it progresses to complete cooling failure.
Is a defrost sensor the same as a defrost thermostat?
They are similar but different components. A defrost sensor (thermistor) continuously measures temperature and sends a variable resistance signal to the control board. A defrost thermostat is a simpler on-off device that cuts power to the defrost heater when the coils reach a safe temperature. Many modern LG refrigerators use a sensor (thermistor) rather than a traditional thermostat for more precise defrost control. Er dS refers specifically to the sensor — not the thermostat.
Can I manually defrost the LG refrigerator instead of repairing it?
Manual defrost is a temporary workaround, not a fix. You can unplug the refrigerator and allow it to thaw fully every few weeks to keep it running. However, this is inconvenient, risks food spoilage during each defrost cycle, and does not fix the failed sensor. The correct solution is replacing the defrost sensor — it is an inexpensive part and a routine repair.