LG Refrigerator Error Er Ft — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Er Ft means the temperature sensor (thermistor) inside your LG freezer is not working correctly. This sensor constantly monitors how cold the freezer is and sends that information to the control board. Without accurate temperature data, the refrigerator cannot maintain the right temperature reliably. Your food may not stay properly frozen, or the compressor may run constantly. This is a moderate repair — the thermistor part is inexpensive, but it does require a service visit.

Affected Models

LRMVS3006S
LFXS26973S
LRFXS2503S
LRMDC2306S
LSXS26366S
Most LG French door and side-by-side refrigerators

Common Causes

The freezer thermistor has failed due to age — sensors wear out over time
Moisture has gotten into the thermistor housing and corroded the sensor contacts
A wiring connector between the thermistor and the control board has come loose
Ice buildup around the thermistor has insulated it from the freezer air, causing false readings
The main control board has a fault and is misreading or not receiving the thermistor's signal

How to Fix It

Unplug the refrigerator and wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Check whether Er Ft clears.

A power reset can resolve a temporary communication error between the thermistor and the control board.
Check the temperature in your freezer with a standalone freezer thermometer (not the display reading). Compare it to what the refrigerator display is showing.

If the actual temperature and the displayed temperature are very different, this confirms the thermistor is giving inaccurate readings.
Unplug the refrigerator. Open the freezer and look at the back wall for any visible ice buildup — especially around the temperature sensor wire near the evaporator coils.

Frost or ice packed around the thermistor can insulate it from the air and cause false temperature readings.
If there is significant ice buildup, manually defrost the freezer by leaving it unplugged with the door open for 4 to 6 hours. Dry the interior with a towel and plug back in.

This can clear a false Er Ft caused by frost buildup on the sensor. If the error does not return within a week, frost was the cause.
If Er Ft returns after defrost, the thermistor needs to be replaced. Contact a Samsung-authorized or LG-authorized technician for this repair.

The thermistor is a small, inexpensive component — usually clipped near the evaporator coils. A technician can locate, test, and replace it in under an hour.

When to Call a Professional

Freezer thermistor replacement is a straightforward repair that a technician completes in one visit. The thermistor part costs $15 to $40. Total repair including labor typically runs $100 to $200. Check your warranty at lg.com/us/support — thermistor failures within the first year are covered. Call LG support at 1-800-243-0000 with your model and serial number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Er Ft the same as Er rT on LG refrigerators?

They are similar but cover different areas. Er Ft refers to the freezer thermistor — the temperature sensor inside the freezer compartment. Er rT refers to the refrigerator (fresh food) thermistor — the sensor in the fridge section. If your freezer temperature is the problem, Er Ft is the relevant code. If the fridge section is not cooling correctly, check for Er rT.

Is my food still safe if Er Ft is showing?

It depends on how long the error has been active and what your actual freezer temperature is. Check the real temperature with a standalone thermometer — food is safe in the freezer as long as the temperature stays at 0°F (-18°C) or below. If the freezer feels warm or items are partially thawed, move food to a backup freezer or use it promptly. Get the thermistor repaired quickly.

Can I check the thermistor myself?

A basic check is possible if you have a multimeter. A working LG freezer thermistor typically has a resistance of around 16,000 ohms at 32°F (0°C) — the resistance changes with temperature. However, most homeowners find it easier and more reliable to have a technician test it. If you are not comfortable working around wiring and tight freezer spaces, a service call is the safer option.