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

What Does This Error Mean?

Er rF means the evaporator fan in the refrigerator (fresh food) compartment has stopped working or is running too slowly. This fan circulates the cold air produced by the evaporator coils throughout the fridge section. Without it, the back of the fridge gets cold but the air doesn't move — so the front and top shelves warm up. Food closest to the fan stays cold while items further away start to warm up and spoil.

Affected Models

LRMVS3006S
LFXS26973S
LRFXS2503S
LRMDC2306S
LSXS26366S
LG French door and side-by-side models with separate fridge evaporator fans

Common Causes

The fan motor has burned out due to age or bearing failure
Ice has built up around the fan blades in the evaporator area, physically stopping them from turning
A broken or cracked fan blade can no longer spin properly
A wiring connector to the fan motor has come loose or corroded
The main control board has failed to send power to the fan motor

How to Fix It

Unplug the refrigerator and wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Check whether Er rF clears within a few minutes.

A power reset can resolve a temporary motor control glitch. If the fan starts up normally, you may hear it begin humming.
Listen carefully at the back wall of the fridge section while the refrigerator is running. You should hear a gentle hum from the fan. Silence from that area confirms the fan is not turning.

A working fridge evaporator fan produces a constant low hum. A knocking or grinding sound means the blade is hitting ice or a bearing is failing.
Unplug the refrigerator and manually defrost the freezer and fridge evaporator areas by leaving the doors open for 4 to 6 hours.

Ice blocking the fan blades is a common cause of Er rF. If ice has formed around the fan, the defrost will clear it without any parts replacement.
After defrosting, dry the interior and plug the refrigerator back in. Listen for the fan to resume. Wait 30 minutes and check whether the error has cleared.

If the error clears after defrost and stays away, poor door sealing or frequent door opening was allowing humidity in, causing frost buildup on the fan.
If Er rF returns within a few days of defrosting, the fan motor itself has failed and needs replacing. Do not ignore this — the fridge section will not cool properly without the fan.

Contact an LG-authorized technician. Describe the Er rF code and note whether you heard any noise from the fan before it stopped.

When to Call a Professional

Evaporator fan motor replacement is a standard refrigerator repair that a technician completes in one visit. Fan motor parts cost $30 to $80. Total repair with labor runs $100 to $220. Check your warranty at lg.com/us/support — fan motor failures within the first year should be covered. Call LG support at 1-800-243-0000 with your model and serial number.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Er rF and Er FF on an LG refrigerator?

Both codes involve evaporator fans but in different sections. Er rF means the fan in the refrigerator (fresh food) section has failed. Er FF means the fan in the freezer section has stopped. You can often tell which is affected by where the temperature problem is. If your fridge section is warm but the freezer is still cold, Er rF is the likely code. If the freezer is not cooling, Er FF is more likely.

How fast does food spoil if Er rF is showing?

Without the fan circulating cold air, the refrigerator section will start warming up within 4 to 8 hours. Food safety guidelines say perishables (meat, dairy, leftovers) should be discarded if kept above 40°F (4°C) for more than 2 hours. If you discover Er rF early, move the most perishable items to a cooler with ice while you arrange the repair.

Is this repair worth doing on an older LG refrigerator?

Generally yes — fan motor replacement is one of the more affordable refrigerator repairs. At $100 to $220 total cost, it makes financial sense for any refrigerator that is less than 10 to 12 years old. A new comparable LG French door refrigerator costs $1,500 or more. If the refrigerator is over 12 years old and has had multiple repairs, compare the repair cost against the value of the appliance before committing.