Defrost heater error

The defrost heater operates at 120V AC. Always unplug the refrigerator before accessing the heater assembly. Never use a heat gun or torch to clear ice near the evaporator — the refrigerant lines can be punctured.
Remove the freezer rear panel to access the defrost heater glass tube assembly mounted along the evaporator coils
Disconnect the heater leads and measure resistance — a functioning LG defrost heater reads between 20-40 ohms; open circuit means the heater element has burned out
Inspect the heater glass tube for visible cracks, dark spots, or separation from the mounting clips
Check the defrost relay on the main control board — if the relay tests OK but the heater has no power during defrost, the board timer circuit has failed
Verify the bi-metal thermostat (defrost termination switch) is not permanently open, which would interrupt the heater circuit
Pro Diagnostic Tip
LG uses adaptive defrost that activates based on compressor run hours, not a fixed timer. If you see Er dH on a unit that has been recently moved or lost power, the adaptive defrost counter may have reset and triggered an immediate defrost cycle on a cold heater — wait 24 hours and retest before replacing parts.
Repair Difficulty
Hard — Advanced Skills RequiredEstimated Repair Cost
$180–$350
Parts + labor. Free diagnosis with repair.
Parts That May Need Replacement
Refrigerant gauges ($200+), vacuum pump ($250), leak detector ($150), and EPA-certified recovery equipment. Our technician arrives with $15K+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
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Refrigerant (R-134a/R-600a) requires EPA certification to handle. Improper discharge is a federal violation and health hazard. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
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Error code Er dH is a high-severity issue that can cause further damage to your refrigerator if left unresolved. A licensed technician can diagnose and fix it the same day.
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LG error code Er dH indicates: Defrost heater error. This is a high-severity issue affecting your refrigerator.
Remove the freezer rear panel to access the defrost heater glass tube assembly mounted along the evaporator coils Then, Disconnect the heater leads and measure resistance — a functioning LG defrost heater reads between 20-40 ohms; open circuit means the heater element has burned out Then, Inspect the heater glass tube for visible cracks, dark spots, or separation from the mounting clips There are 2 more steps — see the full troubleshooting guide above. This repair typically requires professional tools and expertise.
Besides the error code on the display, common signs include: Thick ice sheet on freezer rear wall; Freezer temperature rising above 10F; Fresh food section getting warm. If you notice any of these symptoms, check your refrigerator's display panel for error code Er dH.
Repair costs for LG Er dH typically range from $180 to $350 depending on the specific cause and parts needed. EasyBear offers free diagnosis when you proceed with the repair. Call (415) 795-7300 for a same-day appointment.