LG Refrigerator Error Er RF: Evaporator Fan Stalled

The Logic Verdict

Online Appliance Tech strips an LG French-door refrigerator down to the back wall to show what Er RF really means: the fresh-food evaporator fan’s three-wire DC motor isn’t feeding the expected tach signal to the board. He removes the shelf rail, slides the Styrofoam cover off without gouging it, and finds a chewed-up harness that was rubbing the fan. After swapping the motor, flattening the harness with foil tape, and snapping the panel back in place, airflow returns and the dispenser works again within a minute.

What It Means

Er RF = Refrigerator (fresh-food) evaporator fan fault. The control powers the fan and expects to “see” the rotor speed through the feedback wire. If the blades are blocked, iced over, or the motor windings open, the board disables the dispenser and throws Er RF until airflow is restored.

Common Causes

• Frozen or obstructed fan. Ice, loose wiring, or insulation scraps get lodged in the blades.
• Failed DC motor. Worn bearings or burnt windings keep the fan from hitting speed.
• Harness not seated. Wires that aren’t tucked into the channels keep the cover from sealing and rub the fan again.
• Damaged foam cover. Gouged Styrofoam leaks warm air into the evaporator plenum, creating repeat frost and error codes.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Power down and clear the cavity. Unplug the refrigerator, pull the shelves, and remove the left support rail so the rear panel can move.
2. Remove the evaporator cover. Back out the Phillips screws, release the top edge carefully (don’t crush the foam), and unplug the fan harness from the wall.
3. Replace the RF fan motor. Remove the bracket screw, slide the three-wire motor out, and install the new LG DC fan. Spin it by hand to verify nothing binds.
4. Re-dress the harness. Lay the wires flat inside the molded channel and secure them with foil HVAC tape so the panel can sit flush against the evaporator.
5. Reassemble the panel and rails. Seat the lower clips, reconnect the harness, press the cover tight, then reinstall the shelf rail, clips, and screws.
6. Test airflow. Plug the fridge back in, close the doors, and use a magnet on the door switch to force the fan on. You should feel air from the lower vent within 60 seconds; once airflow is stable, Er RF clears automatically.

Parts & Tools

• LG EAU63103201 evaporator fan motor (direct replacement for stalled Er RF fans)
• 3M 3381 foil HVAC tape (keeps harnesses flat so the panel seals tight)

Resources