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Error code reference

LG Refrigerator Error Code E rF

Abnormality of BLDC fan motor for refrigerator

LG codesLG refrigerator codes

Abnormality of BLDC fan motor for refrigerator — feedback signal not received within 65 seconds during BLDC fan motor operation.

First step from the service manual

Reset the unit and enter Test 1 Mode, check airflow, then check fan motor voltage at CON6 pins 3-5.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What E rF means on a LG refrigerator

The E rF error code on an LG refrigerator indicates an abnormality with the BLDC (Brushless DC) fan motor in the refrigerator compartment. Specifically, the control board does not receive a feedback signal from the fan motor within 65 seconds of initiating operation. BLDC fan motors rely on a continuous feedback loop between the motor and the control board to confirm that the motor is spinning at the correct speed. When this communication is interrupted or absent, the board flags the fault and displays E rF.

The refrigerator compartment fan motor is responsible for circulating cold air from the evaporator coils throughout the fresh food section. Without proper airflow, the compartment will fail to maintain temperature, leading to food spoilage. The feedback signal itself is typically a pulse-width signal sent back through the motor harness, and any break in that circuit will trigger the fault. Diagnostics begin with a unit reset and entry into Test 1 Mode to observe fan behavior and airflow directly.

Voltage testing at CON6 pins 3 through 5 is the key electrical diagnostic step. This connector carries both the supply voltage and the feedback signal wire to and from the fan motor. If voltage is present but the fan does not spin, the motor itself is the likely culprit. If voltage is absent, the issue is upstream in the wiring harness or the main control board. Ice buildup around the fan blade is also a common mechanical cause that prevents rotation entirely, producing the same error without any electrical fault.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of E rF

  1. 01

    Ice buildup blocking the fan blade

    Wiring / connection

    Ice accumulation around the refrigerator compartment fan can physically prevent the blade from spinning, causing the control board to lose the feedback signal. Check for frost or ice obstructing the fan housing after removing interior panels.

  2. 02

    Failed BLDC fan motor

    Part replacement

    The fan motor itself may have a burned winding or failed internal circuitry, preventing it from spinning and sending a feedback signal. Confirm supply voltage is present at CON6 pins 3 through 5 before condemning the motor.

  3. 03

    Damaged or disconnected wiring harness

    Wiring / connection

    A broken, pinched, or disconnected wire between CON6 and the fan motor will interrupt both power and the feedback signal. Visually inspect the harness for damage and verify continuity through each wire.

  4. 04

    Faulty main control board

    Part replacement

    If voltage is absent at CON6 pins 3 through 5 and the harness checks out, the control board may not be sending the proper supply signal to the fan motor. This is typically the least common cause and should be diagnosed after ruling out the motor and wiring.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about E rF

What does E rF mean on a LG refrigerator?
E rF indicates that the refrigerator compartment BLDC fan motor is not operating correctly. The control board expects to receive a feedback signal confirming the fan is spinning, and if that signal does not arrive within 65 seconds, the error is triggered. Common causes include ice blocking the fan blade, a failed motor, or a wiring problem. The fan is critical for circulating cold air in the fresh food section.
Can I fix the E rF error myself on my LG refrigerator?
Some causes are DIY-friendly, such as clearing ice buildup from around the fan blade or reseating a loose wiring connector. However, replacing the BLDC fan motor or diagnosing a control board issue requires comfort with electrical testing, including checking voltage at specific connector pins. If you are not experienced with appliance wiring, it is safer to contact a qualified technician.
Will resetting my LG refrigerator clear the E rF code?
A reset may temporarily clear the code, but it will return if the underlying problem is not resolved. Resetting is actually the recommended first diagnostic step, followed by entering Test 1 Mode to observe fan behavior and check airflow. If the fan motor or wiring is faulty, the error will reappear within 65 seconds of the fan attempting to start.
Is the E rF error on my LG refrigerator a safety concern?
The E rF error is not a safety hazard in the traditional sense, but it does mean your refrigerator is not maintaining proper temperature in the fresh food compartment. This can lead to food spoilage relatively quickly if the fan is completely non-functional. Address the error promptly to prevent food loss and avoid potential strain on other components.
How much does it cost to repair an E rF error on a LG refrigerator?
Repair costs depend on the root cause. If only a wiring harness repair or ice clearing is needed, costs are minimal and may only involve a service call fee, typically in the range of $75 to $150. A replacement BLDC fan motor generally costs between $50 and $150 for the part, with labor adding to the total. A main control board replacement is the most expensive scenario, with parts and labor often ranging from $200 to $450 or more.

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