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Error code reference

LG Refrigerator Error Code Damper Heater Error

Damper Heater open/wire connection errors detected (separation of housing part, bad contact, wire disconnection, short circuit).

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What the Damper Heater Error error code actually means

Your LG refrigerator has detected a problem with a small heater that keeps the air vent between the freezer and fridge section from freezing over. This heater may have burned out, or a wire connected to it may be broken or loose. Until this is repaired, your refrigerator may not cool the fresh food section properly.

Diagnostic procedure

The full Damper Heater Error procedure

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MyPros+ · DiagnosticsStep 1 preview
1
First diagnostic step
After separating MAIN PCB CN91 from PCB, measure resistance between Black <-> Brown wire: shall be 288 ohm +/- 20%.
More steps, wiring diagram references, and verified part numbers
Includes expected resistance and voltage values, connector pinouts, and supersession notes for replacement parts.
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Most common causes of Damper Heater Error

Ranked by how often they cause this code
  1. 1Failed damper heater element
  2. 2Wire disconnection or break
  3. 3Poor connector contact at CN91
  4. 4Separation of damper housing
  5. 5Short circuit in heater wiring

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Questions people ask about Damper Heater Error

What does Damper Heater Error mean on a LG refrigerator?
This error means the refrigerator's control board has detected a fault in the damper heater circuit. The damper heater is a small resistive element that prevents the air damper between the freezer and fresh food compartments from freezing shut. The fault can be an open circuit, short circuit, broken wire, or poor connector contact. The expected heater resistance is 288 ohms, measured at connector CN91 on the main PCB.
Is it safe to keep using my refrigerator when this error appears?
The refrigerator may continue operating, but the damper could freeze in place without a functioning heater, causing poor cooling in the fresh food section or excessive frost buildup. Continued use without repair risks food spoilage if temperatures rise in the fresh food compartment. It is best to address the fault promptly rather than leaving it unresolved.
How much does it cost to repair a Damper Heater Error on an LG refrigerator?
If only a wire or connector repair is needed, costs are typically low, mainly covering labor time or minimal materials. Replacing the damper heater element or full damper assembly generally falls in the range of $50 to $200 for parts, depending on the specific model, with additional labor costs if a technician performs the repair. Diagnosing the exact cause first with a resistance measurement helps avoid unnecessary part replacement.
Can I fix the Damper Heater Error myself?
A knowledgeable DIYer can perform the initial resistance check by disconnecting CN91 from the main PCB and measuring between the Black and Brown wires with a multimeter. If the wiring harness is visibly damaged or a connector is loose, those repairs are straightforward. Replacing the damper heater element itself requires disassembling the damper housing, which is a moderate difficulty repair that many experienced DIYers can handle.
Will resetting the refrigerator clear the Damper Heater Error?
A power reset may temporarily clear the error code from the display, but the fault will return if the underlying problem in the heater circuit is not corrected. The main PCB continuously monitors the resistance of the damper heater, so any out-of-range reading will re-trigger the error. A permanent fix requires repairing or replacing the faulty component.

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