Maintenance procedure · Written to ASD-STE100 Issue 9 · Formatted to ANSI Z535

Dehumidifier Error Codes

A code index for domestic dehumidifiers, built from what Frigidaire, GE Appliances, LG and Danby actually publish — and a warning about why the same two letters do not mean the same thing on two different machines
ApplicabilityDomestic portable and basement dehumidifiers with a digital display. Code tables here are specific to Frigidaire, GE Appliances, LG and Danby machines
Task time52 min to 1 hr 12 min editorial estimate, not a measurement. The page total adds every brand row, and no reader works through all of them
PersonnelOne
Revisionv1 · 2026-07-29
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Before you begin. This procedure is general reference information, not professional advice. Equipment varies by manufacturer, model, and year. Always follow the documentation supplied with your equipment — where it differs from this page, follow the manufacturer. Verify that you have the tools, the working conditions, and the ability to do this task safely. If anything is unclear, if the equipment is damaged, or if the task exceeds your experience, stop and use a qualified professional. You are responsible for your own safety and for the outcome. This site accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use of this information.

Specifications marked unverified could not be traced to a manufacturer source. Do not rely on them — obtain the value from your equipment documentation.

Summary

A dehumidifier with two letters on the display is either telling you something you can fix in a minute or telling you it needs a technician, and there is no way to tell which without knowing the brand. This page is a lookup table rather than a procedure. It carries the codes that four manufacturers publish for their own machines, each attributed to the manufacturer that published it.

The reason it is organised by brand is that the codes are not a standard. P2 is a full bucket on a Danby. P1 is a drain-pump fault on a GE — but only on the 50-pint models with a built-in pump, because the 70-pint ones use E01 for the same fault, and Frigidaire calls its pump fault PU. Even the reset differs: GE says pull the plug for 30 seconds, LG says 20 seconds for some codes and three minutes for others, and Danby says five to ten minutes. A generic dehumidifier code table is therefore a table of somebody else's machine.

If your brand is not one of the four here, the honest answer is your own manual, and this page says so rather than guessing. Two of the entries are not faults at all, which is worth knowing before you call anyone.

Safety

WARNING

STOP THE DEHUMIDIFIER IF YOU SEE SMOKE OR IF YOU SMELL BURNED PLASTIC.
Disconnect the dehumidifier from the power supply. A recalled dehumidifier can catch fire and burn you.

Necessary equipment

ItemNote
Owner documentation for your dehumidifierThe documentation gives the code table for your own model.
Pen and paperWrite the code before you disconnect the dehumidifier.
Flashlight optionalA flashlight shows the rating plate at the back of the dehumidifier.

Specifications

Fault code meaning by brand
Unverified — do not rely on this value
READ THE CODE TABLE IN THE DOCUMENTATION FOR YOUR OWN BRAND AND MODEL

No tier-1 source was found for this value. Take it from the documentation supplied with your equipment.

Dehumidifier codes are not a standard, and the four manufacturers read for this page assign the same characters to different faults and prescribe different responses. GE (ge-dehumidifier-fault-codes, accessed 2026-07-29) uses P1 for a drain-pump fault, and only on 50-pint models with a built-in pump: the 70-pint models use E01 for the same fault. Frigidaire (frigidaire-dehumidifier-error-code-guide, accessed 2026-07-29) uses PU for its pump fault instead. Danby (danby-ddr-bjwdb-owners-manual, accessed 2026-07-29) uses P2 for a full or misplaced bucket. The same two manufacturers also disagree about what the owner should do with a sensor code: Frigidaire groups AS and ES with F1, F2, L1 and F5 as one sensor failure and sends the owner straight to service, while Danby lists AS as a humidity sensor error and ES as a temperature sensor error and tells the owner to reset the machine first and call only if the code persists. No general table can be correct for all of them, so this page publishes none.

Find your code

Estimated 4 min to 13 min

NOTEDo these steps before you use a code table. The same code has a different meaning on a different brand.
Power-off reset duration
Unverified — do not rely on this value
CONSULT THE MANUFACTURER DOCUMENTATION FOR THE RESET TIME

No tier-1 source was found for this value. Take it from the documentation supplied with your equipment.

Four manufacturers publish four different reset times and none of them is a general figure. GE (ge-dehumidifier-fault-codes, accessed 2026-07-29) says to disconnect power for 30 seconds when a fault code appears. Danby (danby-ddr-bjwdb-owners-manual, accessed 2026-07-29) says to unplug the appliance and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes. LG (lg-dehumidifier-error-code-list, accessed 2026-07-29) gives 20 seconds for CH 01, CH 02 and CH 03 but 3 minutes for CH 24 and CH 67, so it does not even give one figure for its own machines. Frigidaire (frigidaire-dehumidifier-error-code-guide, accessed 2026-07-29) tells the owner to unplug and reconnect for the PU code without naming a duration at all. Waiting longer than your own manual says costs nothing; waiting less can leave a control board still powered and make a working reset look like a failed one.
  1. Write the code that the display shows.
    • Write the code exactly.
    • A letter and a number are both part of the code.
    1m
  2. Find the brand and the model number on the rating plate.
    • The rating plate is usually on the back or the side of the dehumidifier.
    2m
WARNING

DISCONNECT THE DEHUMIDIFIER FROM THE POWER SUPPLY BEFORE YOU REMOVE THE AIR FILTER OR THE BUCKET.
The fan can start and injure your hand.

  1. Disconnect the dehumidifier from the power supply.
    • GE gives 30 seconds.
    • LG gives 20 seconds for some codes and 3 minutes for other codes.
    • Danby gives 5 to 10 minutes.
    • Use the time that your own documentation gives.
    <1m
  2. Connect the dehumidifier to the power supply again.
    • A code that stays after this reset shows a problem.
    • GE says that a code stays only when the dehumidifier has a problem.
    <1m
NOTICE

DO NOT USE A CODE TABLE FROM A DIFFERENT BRAND.
The same letters have a different meaning on a different brand.

  1. Find the table for your own brand.
    • This page gives the tables that four manufacturers publish.
    • Read your own documentation if your brand is not here.
    <1m

Frigidaire codes

Estimated 10 min to 20 min

Operating temperature limit
Unverified — do not rely on this value
CONSULT THE MANUFACTURER DOCUMENTATION FOR THE OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE OF YOUR DEHUMIDIFIER

No tier-1 source was found for this value. Take it from the documentation supplied with your equipment.

  1. If the display shows the code AS, ES, F1, F2, L1 or F5, speak to Frigidaire.
    • Frigidaire says that a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor is defective.
    • Frigidaire gives no owner procedure for these codes.
    <1m
  2. If the display shows the code EC or F0, speak to Frigidaire.
    • Frigidaire says that this code shows a failure in the sealed system.
    <1m
  3. If the display shows the code H3 or E5, do a check of the clearance around the dehumidifier.
    • Frigidaire says that this code shows the compressor overload protection.
    • Clean the air filter.
    • Frigidaire gives an operating temperature between 41F and 89F for its own dehumidifiers.
    • Disconnect the dehumidifier from the power supply.
    • Let the dehumidifier become cool.
    5m
  4. If the display shows the code E4 or C5, speak to Frigidaire.
    • Frigidaire says that this code shows an electronic control failure.
    <1m
NOTICE

EMPTY THE BUCKET BEFORE YOU MOVE THE DEHUMIDIFIER.
Water from a full bucket goes onto the floor.

  1. If the display shows the code PU, do a check of the pump drain hose.
    • Frigidaire says that the dehumidifier did not empty the bucket in the time given.
    • Look for a blockage, a kink or ice in the hose.
    • Look for debris at the pump inlet in the bucket.
    • Disconnect the dehumidifier from the power supply.
    • Connect the dehumidifier again.
    4m

GE Appliances codes

Estimated 3 min

  1. If the display shows the code E01 or P1, do a check of the pump hose.
    • GE says that E01 shows on 70-pint models with a built-in pump.
    • GE says that P1 shows on 50-pint models with a built-in pump.
    • Install the pump hose correctly.
    • Install the bucket in the correct position.
    • Disconnect the dehumidifier for 30 seconds.
    • Connect the dehumidifier again.
    3m

LG codes

Estimated 8 min

  1. If the display shows the code CH 01, CH 02 or CH 03, disconnect the dehumidifier for 20 seconds.
    • LG says that these codes show an electronic fault.
    • LG names the humidistat or the main board.
    • Connect the dehumidifier again.
    <1m
  2. If the display shows the code CH 24, clean the air filter.
    • LG says that this code shows a pressure switch error.
    • Remove the obstruction from the air flow.
    • Disconnect the dehumidifier for 3 minutes.
    4m
  3. If the display shows the code CH 67, disconnect the dehumidifier for 3 minutes.
    • LG says that this code shows a fan lock error.
    • Connect the dehumidifier again.
    3m
WARNING

DO NOT DO WORK IN THE SEALED SYSTEM OF A DEHUMIDIFIER, because the refrigerant can injure you.
Only a certified technician must do this work.

  1. If the display shows the code CH, speak to LG.
    • Do not do work on the unit, because LG says that CH shows a refrigerant leak.
    • LG gives no owner procedure for this code.
    <1m

Danby codes

Estimated 24 min

  1. If the display shows the code AS, disconnect the dehumidifier for 5 to 10 minutes.
    • Danby says that AS shows a humidity sensor error.
    • Connect the dehumidifier again.
    • Speak to Danby if the code stays.
    11m
  2. If the display shows the code ES, disconnect the dehumidifier for 5 to 10 minutes.
    • Danby says that ES shows a temperature sensor error.
    • Speak to Danby if the code stays.
    11m
  3. If the display shows the code P2, empty the bucket.
    • Danby says that P2 shows a full bucket or a bucket in the wrong position.
    • Install the bucket in the correct position.
    2m

Displays that are not faults

Estimated 2 min

  1. If the display shows the number 88 at the start, set the relative humidity.
    • GE says that this display is normal.
    • The display shows 88 until you set the relative humidity.
    <1m
  2. If the display shows the code CL, set the child lock to off.
    • LG says that CL is not an error code.
    • LG says that only the power button operates when the child lock is on.
    • For 2024 models and newer, hold the Humidity Up button for 3 seconds.
    • For 2020 to 2023 models, hold the Lock button for 3 seconds.
    • For 2017 to 2019 models, hold the Ionizer button for 3 seconds.
    • For 2013 to 2017 models, hold the Humidity Up button and the button for the high fan speed.
    1m
  3. If frost forms in a cold room, let the dehumidifier defrost itself.
    • Danby says that frost can form below 41F.
    • Danby says that the dehumidifier defrosts automatically.
    • The compressor stops and the fan continues during the defrost.
    <1m

Recall notice

NOTICE

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 23-262

On 16 August 2023 the CPSC announced the recall of about 1.56 million Gree-made dehumidifiers, sold under the Kenmore, GE, SoleusAir, Norpole and Seabreeze brands and manufactured between January 2011 and February 2014. The notice states that the dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, and catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards, and reports at least 23 fires, 688 overheating incidents and $168,000 in property damage. Consumers are told to immediately stop use, unplug the dehumidifiers, and contact Gree for a refund. This is one of several dehumidifier recalls on record; if your machine is old, check its model number against the CPSC list before you troubleshoot a code.

Read the recall notice

Recall feed checked 2026-07-29

Terminology

This page uses one term for each item and holds it throughout, as ASD-STE100 requires. Equipment sellers and other guides use the names below for the same parts.

error code
Also called: fault code, error message, the code on the display, the letters on my dehumidifier, what does E5 mean, what does P2 mean
dehumidifier
Also called: de-humidifier, dehumidifyer, damp machine, moisture remover, basement dryer, humidifier
bucket
Also called: tank, water tank, reservoir, collection bucket, water tray, the drawer at the front
rating plate
Also called: data plate, model sticker, serial number label, spec sticker, the label on the back
child lock
Also called: CL, keypad lock, control lock, buttons not working, buttons locked
sealed system
Also called: the cooling circuit, the gas, the refrigeration side, compressor circuit

When to use a professional

Speak to the manufacturer if a code stays after the reset that your own documentation gives.

Do not open the body of the dehumidifier. Do not do work in the sealed system, because refrigerant work needs a certified technician. Frigidaire and LG both send the owner to service for this fault.

Stop the dehumidifier if you see smoke near it. Stop the dehumidifier if you see water on the floor near it. Disconnect the dehumidifier from the power supply. Speak to the manufacturer.

Do a check of your model number against the CPSC recall list. Do this check before you do work on an old dehumidifier.

Common questions

What does P2 mean on my dehumidifier?

On a Danby, P2 means the bucket is full or is not sitting in the right position — empty it, seat it properly, and the code clears. That is Danby's published meaning for Danby machines and we are not going to extend it to yours if yours is a different brand. P1 on a GE, for instance, is not a bucket code at all; it is a drain-pump fault, and only on the 50-pint pump models. If your machine is not a Danby, the letters are a coincidence until your own manual says otherwise.

Why does my Frigidaire dehumidifier say EC?

Frigidaire lists EC and F0 together and calls it a sealed system failure, and its instruction for both is to contact Frigidaire rather than to try anything at home. That is the sealed refrigeration circuit, which is not owner-serviceable and is not something this site will publish a procedure for. There is no reset that fixes it and no filter to clean. Note the code, note the model number, and call.

What does H3 or E5 mean, and can I fix it myself?

Frigidaire says H3 and E5 both indicate compressor overload protection, which is the machine protecting itself rather than a component having failed. Frigidaire's own owner steps are to check the unit has proper clearance, clean the filter if it needs it, and unplug the unit and let it cool. It also gives an operating temperature of 41F to 89F for its dehumidifiers, so a machine running in a cold garage or a hot loft is a candidate. If it comes back after cooling and cleaning, Frigidaire routes it to service.

My dehumidifier shows CL and none of the buttons work.

On an LG that is not a fault. LG states plainly that CL is not an error code — it means the child lock is on, and while it is on only the power button responds. Which buttons release it depends on the year: LG gives Humidity Up held for three seconds on 2024 and newer, the Lock button on 2020 to 2023, the Ionizer button on 2017 to 2019, and Humidity Up plus high fan speed together on 2013 to 2017. It is worth checking before you book a repair on a machine that is working perfectly.

It shows 88 when I plug it in. Is that a fault?

Not on a GE. GE says an 88 may appear in the display when power is connected and stays there until you set the relative humidity, and that this is normal and does not indicate a problem. Set a humidity target and it goes. If the 88 stays after you have set one, that is a different question and worth a call.

How long should I unplug it for to reset it?

Longer than you think, and the manufacturers do not agree. GE says 30 seconds. LG says 20 seconds for CH 01, CH 02 and CH 03 but three minutes for CH 24 and CH 67 — so LG does not even have one answer for its own machines. Danby says five to ten minutes. Frigidaire tells you to unplug and reconnect without saying how long. Use your own manual's figure, and if you do not have one, err long: waiting extra costs nothing, and cutting it short is how a reset that would have worked gets written off as a failure.

It stops collecting water when the room is cold. Is it broken?

Probably not. Danby notes that frost can form when the ambient temperature drops below 41F, and that the appliance defrosts itself automatically — the compressor cuts out for a while and the fan keeps running until it has cleared. That is why a dehumidifier in an unheated garage in winter can look like it has stopped working. Frigidaire's stated operating range for its machines starts at the same 41F, which is a hint that below that you are outside what a standard compressor dehumidifier is built for.

Could my dehumidifier be part of a recall?

It is worth checking, because dehumidifier recalls have been unusually large. In August 2023 the CPSC announced a recall of about 1.56 million Gree-made units sold under the Kenmore, GE, SoleusAir, Norpole and Seabreeze names, built between January 2011 and February 2014, after at least 23 fires and 688 overheating reports. The instruction there was to stop using them immediately, unplug them and contact Gree for a refund. If your machine is more than about ten years old, check the model number against the CPSC list before you spend an afternoon troubleshooting a code.

My brand is not on this page. What now?

Your own manual, and we would rather say that than invent a table. The codes on this page come from four manufacturers' published documentation and they contradict each other often enough that guessing a fifth brand's meanings from them would be actively harmful. If you cannot find the manual, the model number from the rating plate plus the manufacturer's support site is usually a two-minute search. Community forums can tell you a code is common; they cannot tell you what it means on your machine.

Sources

Every specification on this page is traced to one of these sources. Tier 1 is a manufacturer document, a published standard, or a government safety authority. See Standards for the full tiering rule.

  1. Tier 1Dehumidifiers Error Code GuideFrigidaire (Electrolux Home Products) · accessed 2026-07-29 · re-verification due 2027-01-25
  2. Tier 1Dehumidifier Error Code H3 or E5Frigidaire (Electrolux Home Products) · accessed 2026-07-29 · re-verification due 2027-01-25
  3. Tier 1Dehumidifier - Fault or Error CodesGE Appliances · accessed 2026-07-29 · re-verification due 2027-01-25
  4. Tier 1LG Dehumidifier - Error Code ListLG Electronics · accessed 2026-07-29 · re-verification due 2027-01-25
  5. Tier 1[LG Dehumidifier] What Does the "CL" Code Mean and How to Fix Unresponsive ButtonsLG Electronics · accessed 2026-07-29 · re-verification due 2027-01-25
  6. Tier 1Danby Dehumidifier Owner's Manual DDR020BJWDB-ME / DDR030BJWDB-ME / DDR040BJWDB-ME / DDR050BJWDB-MEDanby Products Limited · accessed 2026-07-29 · re-verification due 2027-01-25
  7. Tier 1Gree Recalls 1.56 Million Dehumidifiers Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Reports of At Least 23 FiresU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission · accessed 2026-07-29 · re-verification due 2027-01-25

Revision history

Current version 1 · updated 2026-07-29 · next review due 2027-07-29

  1. v1 · 2026-07-29First draft, as a reference document rather than a procedure. Code tables sourced to Frigidaire, GE Appliances, LG and Danby documentation read on 2026-07-29, each row attributed to the manufacturer that published it. No code meaning publishes as a general value. The reset duration, the code meanings and the operating temperature limit all publish as consult-the-manufacturer, and the first two carry documented disagreements between named manufacturers. Carries CPSC recall 23-262 because the recalled population overlaps the machines this page is about.

Corrections to this page are listed in the public corrections log. Reports that are credible and not yet verified are listed in the public errata register, and an open one renders above the step it concerns.

Comments and corrections

Found an error? A correction with a manufacturer source is applied and logged publicly. You can also write to corrections@fixchecklist.com.

Every step above carries its own report control, which tags the report with that step so a correction reaches the right place. For anything about the procedure as a whole — the order of the sections, a step that is missing, something that did not match your equipment — use this: report something about this whole procedure.

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