The Er FF code signals that your freezer's evaporator fan is stuck or broken. Usually, this is caused by ice buildup around the fan blades or a failed motor. You can often clear it by defrosting the unit, but a permanent fix may require replacing the fan motor.
Er FF means your freezer fan can't spin, and your fridge is basically just a warm box right now. Food starts going bad fast. I've seen this code trash a full freezer of groceries overnight. Most of the time it's ice locking up the blades, not a dead motor. But if defrosting doesn't fix it, you're probably looking at a $25-40 fan motor swap. Don't ignore this one.
OK so the Er FF code is super common on LG fridges, honestly I get calls about this one probably twice a week in summer. The control board sends power to the evaporator fan, doesn't get a speed signal back, and panics. Could be ice, could be a dead motor, could be a wiring connector that just shook loose. Usually a $0 fix if it's ice, around $40-60 in parts if the motor actually died.
Most Likely Causes
Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:
Ice blockage from humidity60%
Mechanical motor failure30%
Control board or wiring issues10%
Symptoms You May Notice
The freezer is still cold but the fresh food section is getting warm, like 50-55 degrees, because without that fan circulating air the cooling stays trapped in the freezer.
You hear a grinding or scraping noise coming from the back wall of the freezer before the code shows up, that's the fan blade hitting ice buildup.
There's a solid sheet of frost covering the entire back wall of the freezer compartment, thicker than normal, sometimes an inch or more.
The display shows Er FF and the fridge stops cooling, both compartments start warming up within a few hours.
Complete silence from the freezer where you'd normally hear that quiet hum of the fan running, and the whole unit just feels dead even though the compressor kicks on.
Can you reset a Lg refrigerator to clear the Er FF code?
After fixing whatever caused the Er FF code, unplug the fridge from the wall for a full 60 seconds. Don't just flip a breaker, actually unplug it. Plug it back in and the control board runs a self-check. Give it about 10-15 minutes to start the fan and stabilize. If the repair worked, you won't see the code again. If it comes back within the first hour, something's still wrong and you need to go back through the diagnostic steps.
Tools Required for Diagnosis
Phillips #2 screwdriverFlathead screwdriver (for prying panel clips)Multimeter with DC voltage settingFlashlight or headlampOld towels (a lot of them)Hair dryer or heat gun on low settingSmall container for screws
Service / Diagnostic Mode
Press and hold the Freezer and Refrigerator temperature buttons at the same time for about 5 seconds until the display changes. On some models you'll see test codes cycle through. Press Freezer button to advance through tests. Look for the fan test mode to confirm if the motor responds.
Diagnostic Checklist
Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.
ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range10–15 VDC
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix the Er FF code without calling a professional?
Yeah, honestly most people can handle this one. If it's ice buildup, you just need time and towels, no tools required. Even replacing the fan motor is pretty beginner-friendly, it's just unplugging a connector and swapping the motor out. I'd say if you're comfortable changing an outlet or a light fixture, you can do this repair. The only time I'd say call someone is if you've ruled out the fan motor and you're staring at a potentially bad control board, because those are pricier and you want to be sure before you spend $150-200 on a board.
Why does ice build up around my LG evaporator fan?
Usually it's one of two things. Either your door gasket has a gap letting humid air in, or your defrost system isn't running properly. LG fridges are supposed to run a defrost cycle every 8-12 hours to melt any frost off the evaporator. When that system fails, usually because the defrost heater or thermostat died, frost just keeps building until it buries the fan. I had a call last month where the customer had been living with a slowly warming fridge for three weeks before the fan finally seized up completely.
Is Er FF the same thing as the Er IF code?
Nope, different fans. Er IF is the ice maker fan up in the door on French door models. Er FF is the main evaporator fan in the back of the freezer compartment. Both get caused by frost buildup but they're in different locations. The Er FF one is way more impactful because that evaporator fan is what circulates cold air through both compartments. When it dies, the whole fridge warms up. When the Er IF fan dies, usually just the ice maker stops working right.
Will a simple reset clear the Er FF code?
It might clear it from the display for a little while, but the code will absolutely come back if the underlying problem isn't fixed. I've seen people reset and reset for weeks thinking they're solving it. You're not. The board is just waiting a few minutes, checking the fan again, seeing it's still not spinning right, and throwing the code again. Fix the fan first, then reset. Do it backwards and you're just wasting time.
How long should I wait for a manual defrost?
Full 24 hours is my recommendation, power off, doors open. You can speed it up with a hair dryer but keep it moving and don't concentrate heat in one spot. I've seen melted plastic liners from people who got impatient with a heat gun and that's a way bigger problem. A bowl of hot water inside the freezer helps a lot and it's safer. Once everything's melted, dry it out thoroughly before you plug it back in.
What's the fan motor part number for LG refrigerators?
Most LG evaporator fan motors use part number EAU61524007 or EAU60474216. Check your model number on the sticker inside the fresh food section door jamb and cross-reference it before ordering. Runs about $25-40 on parts sites. Takes maybe 20 minutes to swap out once you've got the back panel off. Just make sure you match the connector type because there are a few variations floating around on different model years.
Models Known to Experience Er FF Errors
This repair applies to most Lg refrigerators with this error code. Common model numbers include: