How to Defrost an LG Refrigerator [Detailed Guide]

In this article, we discuss how to defrost an LG refrigerator. If you have been wondering how to do this, you have come to the right place.

how to defrost an LG refrigerator

What Does Defrost Error ER dh Mean?

The error code er dh in an LG refrigerator means that the refrigerator has spent an hour trying to get into the defrost mode. Usually, when the refrigerator is defrosting, it increases the temperature of the evaporator to a preset level. But if the evaporator does not reach this preset level in the space of an hour, the error code appears.

To fix this, simply unplug the unit and leave unplugged for about 2 minutes. Plug it back in again so that it can start the defrost process. However, if the error code appears again, then the refrigerator needs to be serviced. Chat with any of our qualified refrigerator technicians or visit the LG service center.

How to Manually Defrost an LG Refrigerator Freezer

To defrost the freezer of an LG refrigerator, do the following:

Step 1: Unplug the unit and empty it of all food items. Store those that are perishable in another freezer. Alternatively, you can store them in a cooler after wrapping them in newspapers to preserve the ice.

Step 2: Leave the doors of the unit open for about 8 hours at the least. This gives the unit time to defrost fully. Place thick towels or rags around the unit in order to absorb water as the ice melts.

Step 3: After the ice melts, mop up any leftover moisture with a dry towel. Wipe the insides of the unit until it is completely dry.

Step 4: Plug the refrigerator back into the power source and give it time to normalize operations, usually around 24 to 48 hours. Be sure to leave the air vents free from any obstruction. Close the doors of the unit properly and ensure that they are level.

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Note: The same steps apply to a standalone LG freezer, but you may have to open the drain port to drain the defrost water. That may mean attaching a hose for easy drainage; otherwise, mop the water as the ice melts.

LG Refrigerator Defrost Heater Test Mode

To test the defrost heater on your LG refrigerator, locate the heater in the evaporator compartment. It is usually attached to the evaporator coils, so you can easily locate it. It does not matter what type of heater your refrigerator has; you cna use the same method to test all types of defrost heaters.

You will see the connectors holding the wires in place; pull out the connectors from the terminals. You may need to use neddle-nosed pliers to remove if they are too small to hold with your fingers. Leave the wires in place ad use a multimeter to test the heater for continuity.

Ensure the multimeter is set to R X 1 scale before using it to test the heater. Place the tester’s probes on the heater’s terminals; the reading should be more than 0 and less than infinity. If the heater shows a reading of 0 or infinity, it is defective and needs a replacement. The correct reading may differ from one type of heater to another, but none shold read infinity or 0. Otherwise, the heater no longer works.

How to Replace the Defrost Heater in an LG Refrigerator

To replace the defrost heater in an LG refrigerator, take the following steps:

1. Get Your Tools Together

Get a new defrost heater assembly. Then get your tools together – a pair of needle-nose pliers, a nut driver set and a good pair of work gloves.

2. Protect Your Hands

Put on the work gloves to protect your hands and to reduce the chances of electric shock.

3. Unplug the Unit

Unplug the refrigerator from its power source, that is the wall outlet. If this is not possible, power down the circuit breaker.

4. Empty the Freezer

Remove the shelves in the freezer. First, remove the spacers. Removing these spacers release the shelves. Next, move the shelves slightly to the left so that the right sides are free from the holes that balance them.

5. Uncover the Evaporator

Unmount the screws that hold the cover of the evaporator in place. This is the inside back wall of the freezer section. It covers the evaporator.

6. Unplug the Evaporator Fan

Pull the top of the cover down to see the evaporator. Now, unplug the wire harness of the evaporator fan.

7. Disconnect the Ice Maker

Disconnect the wire harness of the ice maker and the green ground wire next to it. Then, take the cover of the evaporator out of the way.

8. Disconnect the Old Heater

Disconnect the wires which are connected to the defrost heater. Then, unravel the two straps made of aluminium at the base of the evaporator. By now, you will see the defrost heater wrapped around the evaporator coils. When you unravel the straps, pull the coils toward you a little, enough to allow you to unhook the faulty defrost heater from around them.

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9. Connect the New Heater

Put the new defrost heater under the coils in the place of the old one. Wrap the aluminium straps back in place and push the coils back into position.

10. Reconnect the Wires

Reconnect the wires of the defrost heater, which you disconnected earlier. In the same way, reconnect the wire harness of the ice maker and the green ground wire. Then, plug back the wire harness of the evaporator fan.

11. Cover the Evaporator

Push the cover of the evaporator in place and mount the holding screws. After this, take the shelves, slide them to the right to fix them in the holes. Fix the spacers back in place.

12. Plug the Unit Back

Plug the refrigerator back into its power source or power the circuit breaker on to restore power to the refrigerator.

ERP DA47-00424L Refrigerator Defrost Heater

This video is a step-by-step visual representation of how to replace the defrost heater in an LG bottom-drawer freezer refrigerator…

How to Reset the Defrost Timer on an LG Refrigerator

To reset the defrost timer on an LG refrigerator, find the round notch on it and turn it anticlockwise using a flathead screwdriver. Turn it until you hear the fan stop. Once this happens, it means that the button has reset. Also, if the reset was successful, then the fan should kick into action again shortly.

However, if you are not sure about how to do this or you don’t trust this process, it is best to contact a qualified refrigerator technician or consult your owner’s manual.

Where Is the Defrost Sensor on an LG Refrigerator?

The defrost sensor on an LG refrigerator is in the compartment that houses the evaporator coils. You will find it fixed close to the top right side of the coils, and is usually near the defrost heater wires.

How to Test the Defrost Sensor

To test the defrost sensor on your LG refrigerator, you must remove it from the control board. You will also need a multimeter to test it correctly. Check the tech sheet attached to the refrigerator to get the correct value for the sensor when checking its resistance. If you find no continuity or the resistance value is too low, replace the sensor.

How to Replace the Defrost Sensor in an LG Refrigerator

To replace the defrost sensor in an LG refrigerator, do the following:

1. Open the door of the freezer and remove the bin holding frozen food at the lower part of the freezer.

2. Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the screws holding the door assembly to the rails of the freezer.

3. When the door is out, put the rails back and remove the food bin at the upper part of the freezer.

4. With the 2 food bins removed from the freezer, take a Phillips screwdriver and remove the upper and lower rails.

5. After removing the rails, remove the back panel of the freezer. Once you do this, you will see the defrost sensor right at the upper right corner of the evaporator.

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6. To remove the defective sensor, cut the 3 zip ties that hold it in place. Then, extract the thermistor which is at the bottom. Pull the fuse which is at the top out. Once the thermistor and the fuse are out, pull out the wire harness holding the sensor to the back of the freezer. Then, gently take the sensor out.

7. Thread the zip tie at the top of the sensor through the evaporator hole. This makes it easy to secure it once it is in place. Now, run the wire harness of the defrost sensor through the back of the copper wire and insert it into the wall of the freezer. Run the wires through the evaporator’s side. Secure the 3 zip ties you loosened earlier. Zip them after tightening them.

8. Retrace your steps from 6 to 1 in reverse order. Then, plug the freezer back in and power it. If you shut down the circuit breaker, turn it on again.

If replacing the defrost sensor does not solve the defrost problem, contact a refrigerator repair agent to properly diagnose the fault and fix it.

Here is a video detailing how to replace a faulty defrost sensor…

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How to Defrost an LG Refrigerator – Related FAQs

1. How Often Does an LG Refrigerator Defrost?

An LG refrigerator defrosts once or twice a day. Between 4 hours and 16 hours, the automatic defrost cycle comes on in a day.

2. Where Is the Defrost Timer in an LG Refrigerator Located?

For some models, the defrost timer in an LG refrigerator is located within the area where the compressor is, behind the refrigerator. For other models, you can find the timer inside the housing of the temperature control or behind the top grille of the refrigerator.

3. Where Is the Location of the Defrost Heater in an LG Refrigerator?

The heater in an LG refrigerator is located right under the evaporator coils, behind the inside rear wall of the freezer section.

4. How to Automatically Defrost an LG Refrigerator

An LG refrigerator automatically defrosts itself. Every 4 to 16 hours, the refrigerator defrosts automatically, resolving most issues resulting from frost buildup. If your LG refrigerator model has a defrost button, you can press it to get the unit into the defrost cycle.

5. Where Is the Defrost Drain in an LG French-door Refrigerator?

The defrost drain on an LG french-door refrigerator is found in the freezer section, close to the rear wall. This location of the defrost drain is the same for all LG refrigerators.

6. How to Clean the Defrost Drain in an LG Refrigerator

To clean the drain in an LG refrigerator, make a mixture of vinegar and warm water. Pour the mixture down the drain so that it can clean out ice or debris. Do this until the water runs free and clear. Whenever the drain becomes clogged, repeat this process.

7. Where Is the Defrost Button on an LG Refrigerator?

The defrost button on an LG refrigerator can be found in the center of the temperature control knob inside the unit. This is applicable to LG refrigerators that have push defrost buttons. Some others simply advance automatically into the defrost cycle without the push of a button.

8. How to Release the Defrost Button in an LG Refrigerator

If the button in an LG refrigerator is stuck, patience is what you need. The button usually releases automatically once all the ice melts. But if it does not release on its own, try pulling it out with pliers or with a sharp pointer. However, if the button comes off, you can replace it.

9. Where Is the Location of the Defrost Thermostat in an LG Refrigerator?

The location of the thermostat in an LG refrigerator is dependent on the type or model. For some, the thermostat is found behind the freezer section. For others, the thermostat is found under the refrigerator’s floor.

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