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Error code reference

LG Refrigerator Error Code Er IS

Icing sensor error caused by short or disconnection of the icemaker-related sensor (icing sensor or ice maker…

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Icing sensor error caused by short or disconnection of the icemaker-related sensor (icing sensor or ice maker sensor). Er IS displayed without user input indicates an icing sensor error.

First step from the service manual

Check for a loose connection, then check Blue to Blue resistance.

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

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What Er IS means on a LG refrigerator

The Er IS code means the LG refrigerator's control board has detected a fault in the icing sensor circuit. The icing sensor monitors ice formation conditions, and the board expects a specific resistance signal from it at all times. When the board reads either a short circuit (resistance too low) or an open circuit (resistance too high or no signal at all), it sets the Er IS code and flags the sensor as unreliable. The fault can originate at the sensor itself, the wiring harness connecting it, or the connector terminals between the two.

For homeowners, the icing sensor is a small thermistor that helps the refrigerator track icing conditions, typically near the evaporator. When this sensor loses its connection or its circuit shorts out, the control board no longer has accurate data to manage the cooling cycle properly. The refrigerator may continue to run in a limited capacity, but ice management and defrost timing can be affected.

The most common physical causes are a loose or corroded connector, a pinched or damaged wire, or a failed sensor. Because the error specifically calls out short or disconnection, the wiring and connector should be inspected before replacing the sensor itself.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Er IS

  1. 01

    Disconnected or loose icing sensor wiring harness

    Wiring / connection

    The connector linking the icing sensor to the main wiring harness can work loose over time due to vibration or thermal cycling. A loose connector breaks the circuit and causes the control board to read an open circuit, triggering Er IS.

  2. 02

    Damaged or shorted wiring to the icing sensor

    Part replacement

    Wires routed near moving parts, sharp edges, or frost buildup can become pinched, chafed, or shorted against the refrigerator chassis. A shorted wire sends an incorrect low-resistance signal to the control board, which registers as a sensor fault.

  3. 03

    Failed icing sensor

    Part replacement

    The icing sensor itself can fail internally, producing either no signal or a signal that reads as a short. When the wiring and connectors check out clean, the sensor is the next component to test for correct resistance using a multimeter.

  4. 04

    Corroded or damaged connector terminals

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture inside the refrigerator compartment can corrode the metal pins inside the icing sensor connector, increasing resistance or breaking continuity entirely. Corroded terminals may look connected but still produce an open-circuit reading at the control board.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Er IS

What does Er IS mean on an LG refrigerator?
Er IS indicates an icing sensor error. The control board detected either a short circuit or a disconnection in the icing sensor circuit and can no longer get a valid reading from the sensor. The fault can be in the sensor itself, the wiring, or the connector.
How do I fix Er IS on my LG refrigerator?
Start by unplugging the refrigerator and locating the icing sensor wiring harness, typically routed near the evaporator. Check that the connector is fully seated and that no wires are pinched, cut, or corroded. Reconnect any loose connections, restore power, and check if the code clears. If the code returns, use a multimeter to test the sensor's resistance against the spec in your service manual. A sensor reading open or shorted needs to be replaced.
Can I still use my LG refrigerator when it shows Er IS?
The refrigerator may continue to cool, but icing and defrost functions can be compromised without a working icing sensor signal. Running the unit long-term with this code active risks frost buildup on the evaporator or inadequate cooling. It is best to diagnose and resolve the fault within a few days rather than ignoring it.
How much does it cost to fix Er IS on an LG refrigerator?
If the fix is a loose connector, the repair costs nothing beyond your time. A replacement icing sensor part typically runs between $15 and $50 depending on the model. If you hire a technician, expect a service call fee of $75 to $150 plus parts and labor, bringing the total to roughly $100 to $250. This is a repair that many owners with basic mechanical comfort can complete themselves if the sensor is accessible.
How do I test the icing sensor to diagnose Er IS?
Disconnect the icing sensor connector and use a multimeter set to resistance (ohms) to read across the two sensor terminals. Compare the reading to the resistance spec in your model's service manual, as the target value varies by model. A reading of zero ohms indicates a short inside the sensor, while an infinite or open reading indicates the sensor element has failed. Either condition confirms the sensor needs replacement.

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