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LG models have an auto defrost feature that runs at least once a day like all modern refrigerators. However, if that cycle doesn’t go as planned, the fridge will show the dH F error code.
The dH F error code appears on LG refrigerators when the defrost cycle runs for longer than 80 minutes. However, the cycle shouldn’t take that long to complete. So, a problem here is likely caused by a faulty defrost temperature fuse, faulty defrost heater, or a drain jam.
The problem might seem challenging at first, but don’t worry. This guide has everything you need to understand the problem, its causes, and its solutions.
What Does The dH F Error Code Mean On An LG Refrigerator?
When you see the dH F error code on your LG refrigerator, that means the appliance is experiencing a defrosting error. In simple terms, the fridge’s regular defrost cycle is taking too long to complete, which means that there’s a problem somewhere in the defrost system.
More specifically, the dH F error code will appear on your fridge display when 80 minutes have passed, and the defrost cycle is still not complete. The code is also triggered when the defrost temperature is too low and does not go over 46.4°F(8°C) as it’s supposed to.
Why Is Defrosting Important In A Refrigerator?
Defrosting is a crucial task for all refrigerators, including the LG model you have at home. That’s because all fridges experience a gradual buildup of ice and frost around their evaporator, which is where cool air is supplied into the fridge’s compartments.
A heater near the evaporator will melt away any ice and frost, preventing build ups from forming.
Once the defrost cycle is complete, the fridge will continue cooling its compartments as usual.
Read: LG Refrigerator Error Code FF: Troubleshooting Guide
dH F Error Code: Causes And Solutions
The dH F error code is most likely triggered by a problem at the defrost temperature fuse, defrost heater, or at the fridge drain.
This section will help you understand each of these fridge parts, the purpose they serve, and how you can fix them when they stop working correctly.
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Defrost Temperature Fuse Problem
What it is: A part of your fridge’s defrost system is the defrost temperature fuse. This thermal fuse is a safety device that prevents the system from overheating whenever the defrost cycle runs.
When the heating element is working at the correct temperature, nothing will happen to the temperature fuse. However, if that element overheats, the fuse will break the circuit and shut off the heater.
In doing so, the fuse prevents the heating element from overheating and damaging your fridge from the inside.
How it fails: The dH F error code can be triggered by two faults at the temperature fuse. Firstly, it’s likely that the fuse has become disconnected from the system.
Besides that, the fuse could have also blown as a protective measure to stop the heating element from overheating and damaging the fridge.
How to fix it: Suppose the defrost temperature fuse is still in good shape but has come disconnected. In that case, all you have to do is reconnect the fuse firmly to prevent the connector from coming loose again.
However, you’ll have to replace a blown fuse with a new one. You’ll find the fuse located behind the rear panel of the fridge’s compartment attached to the defrost heating element.
Firstly, unthread the screws holding the fuse to the heating element. Then, disconnect the fuse’s wiring.
Next, mount the new fuse to the heating element the same way as the one you’re replacing. Be sure to reconnect the wiring firmly to ensure a strong connection.
Read: Refrigerator Auto Defrost Problems
What it is: The defrost heater is a heating element around the evaporator. It’s designed to melt away any frost and ice buildup that forms around that area, allowing the fridge to continue working without any problems.
Faulty Defrost Heater
The defrost heater is concealed behind the back wall inside the fridge compartment. Several times a day, the auto-defrost cycle will run. When that happens, the defrost heater will turn on to a reasonably warm temperature and then turn off once the cycle has ended.
How it fails: There are two ways the defrost heater can trigger the dH F error code. Firstly, the heater’s electrical connector could have become loose or come undone. A disconnected defrost heater will trigger that error code.
Besides that, it’s also very likely that the heating element has physically broken. The heating element expands and contracts several times a day with repeated use. Over many years, that can cause enough wear to break the heating element entirely.
When broken, the heater can’t conduct electricity and generate heat. That means the defrost cycle will fail to melt away frost and ice, triggering the dH F error code.
How to fix it: The defrost heater is hidden behind the back wall of the fridge compartment. Therefore, you must empty the fridge and remove that panel to check the heater.
Suppose you find that the heating element was disconnected. In that case, reconnect the wiring firmly to fix the problem.
However, if you find that the heating element is broken, you must replace the heater entirely.
Firstly, remove all screws that hold the heater in place and disconnect all electrical connectors. Then, carefully take the heating element out. Next, mount the new heating element in the same way and reconnect it firmly.
Remember: the defrost temperature fuse is attached directly to the heating element. So be sure to transfer yours from the old defrost heater to the new one.
Read: What Is An Auto Defrost Refrigerator?
Drain Jam
What it is: Your LG refrigerator has a drain hole inside its compartments. This hole allows all water to flow smoothly into a pan underneath the fridge, where it will evaporate naturally.
By letting all water flow away, the drain plays a critical role. It prevents water from building up in the fridge and turning into frost or ice.
How it fails: Over an extended period, water can freeze inside the drain and cause it to jam.
That jam will cause water to back up into the compartment, leading to an excessive ice buildup in the fridge that the defrost system can’t melt away in time.
As a result, the dH F error code is triggered.
How to fix it: When the drain line is frozen, you must melt away all that ice to get things flowing again. The most straightforward solution is to pour warm water down that drain line repeatedly until the ice melts.
Remember:
Never use tools like hair dryers or heat guns whenever you’re trying to melt any ice buildup in any part of your LG refrigerator. Those tools shoot a concentrated blast of heat that will melt or warp your fridge’s plastic walls.
Read: Top 4 Reasons Why Your Fridge Leaking Water Inside
Clearing The dH F Error Code
The dH F error code will no longer be a problem once you’ve fixed the root cause, and the fridge can complete a defrost cycle within 80 minutes.
Still, you can also clear the code by resetting your fridge with the steps below.
How To Reset Your LG Refrigerator?
To reset your LG refrigerator and clear its error codes, do this:
- Firstly, unplug your refrigerator or turn off its circuit breaker.
- Next, leave the fridge alone for at least 30 seconds.
- Lastly, turn the fridge back on.
Testing Your LG Fridge After Repairs
Whether you repair the fridge yourself or have a qualified technician do it for you, always test your fridge after the repairs are complete.
In this case, give your fridge 24 hours to stabilize and go through its regular cycles (including the defrost cycle). Then, when the system is working correctly, the dH F error code will no longer appear on the fridge display.
Using The LG Refrigerator’s Test Button
LG fridges can also be tested by pressing its Test Button. Unfortunately, the test button is located directly on the main control board, which is housed in a compartment on the back of the fridge.
Pressing the button triggers the fridge to run automated tests on itself. If it finds any problems, it will then display error codes for you to see.
Pressing the test button while the fridge is on can be risky, as your fingers will be near other parts on the main control board. So, only perform this task if you’re confident you can do it safely.
Read: LG Refrigerator Error Code 1F Or IF – Troubleshooting Guide
