LG Refrigerator ER RS Error: Fridge Sensor Error
LG refrigerator error — here’s what you need to know. The Er rS error code on your LG refrigerator indicates a fault with the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (thermistor). This is a Medium severity issue. What Does Er rS Mean on an LG Refrigerator? The Er rS code means the refrigerator section thermistor is […]
~70%
DIY Fixable
From $120
Typical Repair Cost
1–2 hours
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Maybe. The freezer section is typically unaffected. The fresh food compartment may maintain an approximated temperature. Verify actual temperature with a thermometer and keep it between 35°F and 40°F. Avoid storing high-risk perishables until repaired.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. A power reset may clear the error if caused by a connector that worked loose. If the thermistor has genuinely failed, the error will return within minutes of startup.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Fresh food compartment temperature drops below 32°F and items begin to freeze, Fresh food compartment temperature rises above 45°F for more than 2 hours.
Symptoms You May Notice
Fresh Food Compartment Too Warm or Too Cold
Produce wilts or freezes unexpectedly. Drinks may not reach the set temperature, or items on certain shelves freeze while others stay warm. The damper controlling airflow into the fresh food section cannot regulate properly without sensor data.
Compressor Runs More Than Usual
Without a valid temperature reading from the refrigerator section, the control board may keep the compressor and fans running continuously in an attempt to reach a temperature it cannot confirm. This causes elevated energy use and louder operation.
Temperature Display Reads Incorrectly
The refrigerator section temperature shown on the display panel does not match the actual measured temperature inside the compartment. The reading may jump between values or stay fixed at an extreme number.
Inconsistent temperature performance
The refrigerator runs too hot, too cold, or cycles erratically because the control board receives inaccurate temperature readings from the faulty sensor.
Possible Causes
Failed Refrigerator Compartment Thermistor
Component aging or moisture absorption shifts the thermistor's resistance out of calibrated range. This is the most common cause and is confirmed by a multimeter resistance test outside the expected 8,000–12,000 ohm range at room temperature.
DIY PossibleDamaged Sensor Wire or Connector
A wire pinched by a refrigerator shelf, scraped against a metal edge, or pulled loose from its connector interrupts the sensor signal. The thermistor element itself may be undamaged, but the open wire causes the same error.
DIY PossibleFaulty Main Control Board Sensor Circuit
The sensor input channel on the main control board can fail independently of the thermistor. This is the least common cause and should only be suspected after replacing the thermistor and verifying the wiring harness.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
-
1
Locate the Refrigerator Compartment Thermistor
Unplug the refrigerator. The thermistor in the fresh food section is usually clipped to the back wall near the top, often next to the air duct opening from the freezer. It is a small cylindrical or disc-shaped sensor with two thin wires. Remove any food blocking access to the rear wall.
-
2
Test the Thermistor Resistance
Unplug the thermistor connector. Set a multimeter to 20k ohms and measure across the two thermistor wires. At 70°F the reading should be near 10,000 ohms. A zero reading means the sensor is shorted; an infinite reading means open circuit. Either result confirms the sensor has failed and needs replacement.
-
3
Inspect the Wiring Run to the Control Board
Trace the sensor wires from the thermistor to where they disappear into the cabinet wall. Look for any pinch points where a shelf bracket or hinge area might have compressed the wire. Check the connector at the board end for bent or corroded pins.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- New thermistor installed correctly but error code returns immediately
- Wiring harness tests good for continuity but board still reports sensor fault
- Multiple sensor errors appear simultaneously (Er rS and Er FS together)
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
Refrigerator Repair Service Schedule Appointment