On the covered LG refrigerator, r2 means an anomaly in temperature detection on the refrigerator side, R2, the LOWER part — LG's own wording. NOTE: rS is the same fault on R1, the UPPER part. First, confirm which of rS and r2 is displayed; LG assigns them to different sensors.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG refrigerator code r2”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The lower refrigerator temperature sensor has reported a fault
What separates it The display shows r2 and the lower compartment is too warm or too cold
How to confirm Note which compartment and how it feels
- 2
A sensor that has failed
What separates it The sensor reads out of range
How to confirm A technician tests it
- 3
A loose or damaged wire to the sensor
What separates it The connector is loose
How to confirm Reseat or replace
- 4
Ice around the sensor
What separates it A defrost problem has iced the area
How to confirm Defrost and check the drain
- 5
A control board fault
What separates it The sensor and wiring are fine
How to confirm Replace the board
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- That the display shows r2
- How warm the lower compartment is
- Whether ice has formed
- The model number
Try in this order
0 of 11 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleConfirm which of rS and r2 is displayed; LG assigns them to different sensors.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleThis is a sensor fault. LG directs these codes to service.
Note the symptoms
ReversibleRecord the fresh food temperatures.
Request service
ReversibleIf r2 returns, request service.
Check the lower shelf
ReversiblePut a thermometer on the lower shelf overnight; a steady, cold reading means the sensor code is a reporting fault and not a cooling one.
Note the code and the temperature
ReversibleWrite down r2 and measure the temperature of the lower compartment with a thermometer, since the code only says that a sensor has a problem.
Unplug the refrigerator for five minutes
ReversiblePull the plug, wait five minutes and restore power, so that the control resets and re-reads the sensors.
Look for ice
ReversibleCheck the back of the lower compartment for frost, since ice around a sensor can distort its reading.
Check the vents
ReversibleMake sure that food or containers do not block the vents, because poor airflow upsets the sensors.
Run the refrigerator for several hours
ReversibleLet the compartment settle and see whether the temperature holds and r2 stays away.
Book LG service if r2 returns
ReversibleA technician tests the lower sensor and its wiring and replaces the sensor or the control board.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- The code on this page
- r2, a lower refrigerator sensor fault.
- Parts involved
- The sensor, its wiring and the control.
- Related
- r1 is the neighboring code.
- Why the sensors matter
- A refrigerator controls its compressor and fans from sensor readings. When a sensor fails, the control may run the compressor too long or too short, so the compartment becomes too cold or too warm. That is why a sensor code is worth fixing promptly.
- Watch the temperature meanwhile
- Place a thermometer in the lower compartment and check it twice a day until the repair. If food starts to feel warm, move it to another refrigerator or a cooler.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If r2 returns after a reset, book LG service
- !Move food to another refrigerator if the compartment warms
- !Do not defrost with sharp tools
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. LG treats r2 as a service item.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does r2 mean on a LG refrigerator?+
an anomaly in temperature detection on the refrigerator side, R2, the LOWER part — LG's own wording. NOTE: rS is the same fault on R1, the UPPER part.
Is it rS?+
No; rS is the upper (R1) sensor.
Is my food at risk?+
If the lower compartment warms above about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, move perishable food to a cooler place.
Is the sensor an expensive part?+
It is a modest part, and the labor is a short job.
Is r1 related?+
r1 is the neighboring code for the upper sensor, and the same first steps apply.
Can a sensor fault freeze my food?+
Yes, if the control cannot see the temperature it may run the compressor too much, so watch for ice.
How long can I wait for the repair?+
As long as the temperature stays below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but do not delay if it drifts.