Defrost sensor error

Remove the freezer rear panel to access the defrost sensor/bi-metal thermostat mounted on the evaporator coil
Disconnect the sensor and test continuity — at room temperature the bi-metal should be closed (near 0 ohms), opening at approximately 140F (60C)
Inspect the defrost heater glass tube for visible breaks or dark spots that indicate burnout
Check the defrost timer or the adaptive defrost control on the main board — LG models use electronic defrost with temperature-compensated timing
Verify the sensor mounting is secure against the evaporator tube — poor thermal contact gives false readings
Pro Diagnostic Tip
LG adaptive defrost systems track compressor run-time and door openings to optimize defrost frequency. If the defrost sensor fails open, the unit will never enter defrost and ice will accumulate on the evaporator over 2-3 weeks before cooling performance drops noticeably.
Repair Difficulty
Hard — Advanced Skills RequiredEstimated Repair Cost
$150–$280
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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LG error code Er DS indicates: Defrost sensor error. This is a medium-severity issue affecting your refrigerator.
Remove the freezer rear panel to access the defrost sensor/bi-metal thermostat mounted on the evaporator coil Then, Disconnect the sensor and test continuity — at room temperature the bi-metal should be closed (near 0 ohms), opening at approximately 140F (60C) Then, Inspect the defrost heater glass tube for visible breaks or dark spots that indicate burnout 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: Heavy frost on freezer rear wall; Freezer temperature gradually rising over days; Water pooling under crisper drawers. If you notice any of these symptoms, check your refrigerator's display panel for error code Er DS.
Repair costs for LG Er DS typically range from $150 to $280 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.