LG Washer Error Codes: Complete List with Fixes

LG washing machines are known for their reliability, but like any appliance, they can encounter problems. When something goes wrong, your LG washer communicates through error codes displayed on the control panel. Understanding these codes is the first step toward a quick fix — and in many cases, you can resolve the issue without calling a technician. This comprehensive guide covers every LG washer error code, what causes it, and step-by-step instructions to fix it.

How LG Washer Error Codes Work

LG washers use a combination of sensors and control logic to monitor every phase of the wash cycle. When a sensor reading falls outside expected parameters, the control board halts the cycle and displays an alphanumeric code on the LED or LCD panel. On models without a digital display (like some budget top-loaders), error codes are indicated by a specific pattern of flashing LED lights.

Important: Always write down the exact error code before attempting any fix, as some codes disappear after a power cycle. Taking a photo of the display is even better.

To reset most LG washer error codes, try this basic procedure first:

1. Press the Power button to turn off the washer.
2. Unplug from the wall outlet (or flip the breaker) for 60 seconds.
3. Plug back in and run a Rinse & Spin cycle to test.

If the error returns, use the detailed troubleshooting below for your specific code.

OE — Drain Error

The OE code is the most frequently reported LG washer error. It means the washer cannot drain water within the allotted time (typically 10 minutes).

Common causes:

• Clogged drain pump filter (the #1 cause — coins, hair ties, lint accumulation)
• Kinked or clogged drain hose
• Faulty drain pump motor (part 4681EA2001T)
• Standpipe or house drain blockage
• Drain hose inserted too far into standpipe (should be 6–8 inches)

How to fix:

1. Clean the drain pump filter: On front-load LG models (WM3900HWA, WM4500HBA, etc.), locate the small access panel at the bottom-left of the front panel. Place towels and a shallow pan underneath. Turn the filter cap counterclockwise slowly — water will drain out. Remove any debris from the filter and the pump cavity behind it.
2. Check the drain hose: Disconnect the drain hose from the standpipe or laundry tub. Run water through it to check for blockage. Straighten any kinks.
3. Test the drain pump: With the washer unplugged, remove the back panel. Locate the drain pump (bottom-left, connected to the tub with a rubber hose). Check that the impeller spins freely. If it's jammed or the motor doesn't activate when power is supplied (test with a multimeter for 120V AC during a drain cycle), replace the pump.

Part cost: Drain pump assembly (4681EA2001T) costs $25–$50. Professional repair runs $150–$250 total.

UE / UB — Unbalanced Load

This code appears when the washer detects an unbalanced drum during the spin cycle. LG washers have a built-in vibration sensor that prevents high-speed spinning with an unbalanced load to protect the bearings and suspension.

Common causes:

• Single heavy item (like a comforter or jeans) bunched on one side
• Washing a single item alone
• Washer not level (check with a bubble level on top)
• Worn shock absorbers or suspension springs
• Loose drum counterweight bolts

How to fix:

1. Open the door and redistribute the load evenly around the drum.
2. Add a few towels if washing a single large item to help balance.
3. Check that all four leveling feet are firmly on the floor and the washer doesn't rock. Adjust feet and tighten the lock nuts.
4. If the code appears frequently with normal loads, inspect the shock absorbers (front-loaders) or suspension rods (top-loaders). Worn shocks cost $20–$40 each and there are typically 2–4 per unit.

DE / DE1 / DE2 — Door Lock Error

The washer cannot confirm that the door is properly locked. The cycle will not start or will stop mid-cycle.

Common causes:

• Door not fully closed (clothing caught in the gasket)
• Faulty door lock assembly (part EBF49827803 or EBF61315802)
• Broken door strike or latch
• Control board not sending the lock signal
• Wiring harness issue between the board and door lock

How to fix:

1. Open the door fully and check that nothing is preventing it from closing. Inspect the rubber boot gasket for foreign objects.
2. Close the door firmly until you hear a distinct click.
3. Inspect the door lock mechanism: open the door, peel back the rubber boot gasket along the right side to access the door lock assembly. Look for burn marks, broken plastic tabs, or disconnected wires.
4. Test the door lock with a multimeter. The solenoid should read between 600–900 ohms.
5. If the lock is damaged, replacement (EBF49827803) costs $30–$60.

IE — Water Inlet Error

The washer isn't filling with water or isn't filling fast enough (should reach the required level within 8 minutes).

Common causes:

• Water supply valves not fully open
• Kinked inlet hoses
• Clogged inlet screens (mesh filters inside the hose connections)
• Faulty water inlet valve (part 5220FR2075L)
• Low household water pressure (below 20 PSI)

How to fix:

1. Verify both hot and cold water valves behind the washer are fully open.
2. Turn off water, disconnect the inlet hoses, and inspect the mesh screens at both the valve and hose ends. Clean any sediment buildup with an old toothbrush and vinegar.
3. Check water pressure — LG requires 14.5–116 PSI. If you have low water pressure throughout the house, the issue is plumbing-related.
4. If screens are clear and water pressure is adequate, the inlet valve may need replacement. Part 5220FR2075L costs $30–$55.

LE / LE1 — Motor Lock Error

The motor is overloaded or locked and cannot rotate the drum.

Common causes:

• Overloaded drum (too many clothes)
• Foreign object lodged between the drum and tub (coins, underwire from bras)
• Faulty hall sensor/rotor position sensor (part 6501KW2002A)
• Failed stator or rotor assembly
• Wiring issue between the motor and control board

How to fix:

1. Reduce the load size. LG front-loaders should be filled to about 75% capacity.
2. Turn the drum by hand with the washer off. It should rotate freely. If you feel grinding or resistance, a foreign object may be caught.
3. Run a diagnostic test: press Spin Speed + Soil Level simultaneously for 3 seconds (on some models, hold the Temp + Rinse buttons). This runs the motor at low speed for testing.
4. If the drum turns freely but LE persists, the hall sensor (6501KW2002A, about $10–$20) is the most likely culprit. It's mounted on the stator at the rear of the drum and is a relatively easy replacement.

FE — Water Overflow Error

The washer detects water level above the expected threshold. It will attempt to drain immediately for safety.

Common causes:

• Faulty water inlet valve (stuck open, allowing water in continuously)
• Malfunctioning pressure switch/water level sensor
• Control board error sending continuous fill signal
• Excessive suds creating false water level reading

How to fix:

1. Check if you used too much detergent or the wrong type. HE (High Efficiency) detergent is required for all LG front-loaders. Using regular detergent causes excessive suds.
2. Run a Tub Clean cycle (or a hot cycle with no clothes and 1 cup of white vinegar) to clear residual suds.
3. If FE appears with correct detergent, the water inlet valve is likely stuck open. Unplug the washer — if water continues to flow in, the valve is failed and must be replaced.

tE — Thermistor / Temperature Sensor Error

The washer's temperature sensor (thermistor) is reading an abnormal value, indicating it may be shorted, open, or disconnected.

Common causes:

• Failed thermistor (part 6322FR2046G)
• Disconnected wire harness to the thermistor
• Control board failure (unable to read sensor)

How to fix:

1. The thermistor is a small sensor mounted on the tub, accessible from the rear panel. Measure resistance at room temperature — it should read approximately 40,000 ohms (40kΩ) at 77°F. If the reading is 0 (shorted) or infinite (open), replace it.
2. Check the wiring connections to the thermistor. Reseat the connector firmly.
3. The part costs about $10–$20 and takes 15 minutes to replace.

PE — Water Level Sensor Error

The water level pressure sensor is sending incorrect or no signal to the control board.

Common causes:

• Clogged or disconnected pressure hose (connects the tub to the pressure switch)
• Failed pressure switch/frequency sensor
• Control board issue

How to fix:

1. Locate the pressure hose — a small-diameter rubber hose running from the outer tub to the pressure switch on the control board housing. Check for kinks, holes, or disconnections.
2. Blow gently into the hose to check for blockage. You should hear a click from the pressure switch.
3. If the hose is clear, the pressure switch may need replacement ($15–$30).

CE — Current Error

The control board detects abnormal current draw from the motor, indicating an electrical issue.

Common causes:

• Failed motor stator or rotor
• Short circuit in motor wiring
• Overloaded circuit (other appliances on the same circuit)
• Faulty control board (MOSFET failure on the inverter board)

How to fix:

1. Ensure the washer is on a dedicated 20-amp circuit. Unplug any other appliances sharing the circuit.
2. Reset the washer: unplug for 60 seconds and restart.
3. If CE persists, this typically requires professional diagnosis to determine whether the motor, wiring, or control board is at fault.

PF — Power Failure

The washer experienced a power interruption during a cycle.

How to fix:

1. Simply press the Start/Pause button to resume the cycle.
2. If PF appears without an actual power outage, check the outlet connection, power cord, and circuit breaker. A loose outlet can cause intermittent power loss during high-draw operations like the spin cycle.

CL — Child Lock Active

This isn't an error — it indicates the child lock feature is engaged, preventing button presses.

How to fix: Press and hold the Child Lock button (or the designated button pair shown in your manual) for 3–5 seconds until CL disappears from the display.

Additional Error Codes Quick Reference

• dHE / HE — Heater circuit error. Check the heating element and thermistor. Professional repair recommended.
• AE — Leak sensor activated. Check the tub-to-pump hose connections and boot gasket for leaks.
• EE — EEPROM error on the control board. Requires board replacement or reprogramming.
• Cd — Not an error — indicates the dryer cycle is complete (on combo washer-dryer units).
• tCL — Tub Clean reminder. Run a Tub Clean cycle to clear.

LG Washer Diagnostic Mode

LG washers have a built-in diagnostic mode that can help identify problems:

1. Smart Diagnosis (via phone): Press the Power button to turn on the washer. Call LG support (1-800-243-0000) and when instructed, press and hold the Temp button while holding your phone's speaker to the Power button area. The washer sends an audio signal that LG's system decodes.

2. LG ThinQ App Diagnosis: If your washer has Wi-Fi (models with ThinQ), open the LG ThinQ app, select your washer, and tap Smart Diagnosis. The app communicates with the washer to pull error logs.

3. Manual Test Mode: Power on the washer. Press and hold Spin Speed + Soil Level for 3 seconds. The washer enters test mode, cycling through motor, fill, drain, and spin tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I reset my LG washer after an error code? A: The standard reset is: Power off → Unplug for 60 seconds → Plug back in → Run a short cycle. For persistent errors, try holding the Start/Pause button for 5 seconds, then powering off and unplugging. Most error codes clear after the underlying issue is resolved and a successful cycle completes.

Q: Why does my LG washer keep showing OE even after I cleaned the filter? A: If the OE code persists after cleaning the drain pump filter, the issue is likely a clogged drain hose, a blockage in the house drain, or a failing drain pump motor. Disconnect the drain hose and run water through it to verify it's clear. If the hose is fine, the pump motor (4681EA2001T) probably needs replacement — they typically last 5–8 years.

Q: What does it mean when my LG washer flashes all lights? A: Simultaneously flashing lights usually indicate a control board error or a power surge event. Unplug the washer for 5 minutes and try again. If all lights continue flashing, the main control board may need replacement. Check for visible burn marks or swollen capacitors on the board.

Q: Are LG washer parts covered by warranty? A: LG provides a 1-year full parts and labor warranty, a 3-year parts warranty on the control board, and a 10-year limited warranty on the direct drive motor (parts only, labor not included). Keep your purchase receipt as proof of warranty coverage.

Q: Can I use regular detergent in my LG front-load washer? A: No. LG front-load washers require HE (High Efficiency) detergent, which produces fewer suds. Regular detergent causes excessive foaming, which triggers the SUD or FE error codes, reduces cleaning performance, and can damage the pressure sensor over time. Use only HE-rated detergent and measure carefully — most people use 2–3 times more than needed.

When to Call a Professional

Some LG washer error codes indicate issues that require specialized knowledge or tools:

• LE/CE with a seized drum — May indicate bearing failure, which requires special tools and significant disassembly.
• Main board errors (EE, AE, persistent multiple codes) — Control board diagnosis and replacement requires electronic expertise.
• Repeated codes after DIY fix — If an error returns after you've addressed the obvious cause, there may be a secondary failure that needs professional diagnosis.
• Any burning smell or visible sparking — Turn off and unplug immediately. Do not attempt DIY repair on electrical faults.
• Drum bearing replacement — One of the most labor-intensive washer repairs, often costing $250–$450 for professional service.

A professional technician with LG-specific training can access advanced diagnostic modes, read error history logs, and identify intermittent failures that aren't obvious from a single error code.

Tired of dealing with LG washer error codes? EasyBear's certified technicians specialize in LG washer repair and arrive with the most common LG parts in stock. We offer free diagnostic visits — our tech will identify the exact cause, explain your options, and complete the repair on the spot in most cases. Every repair is backed by our 90-day parts and labor warranty. Schedule your free diagnosis today.