Quick Reference
- IE — Inlet error: not filling with water
- OE — Drain error: not draining water
- UE — Unbalanced load: redistribute clothes
- FE — Overfill error: shut off water immediately
- LE — Motor locked: overload or motor fault
- CL — Child lock active (not an error)
- Repair cost: $150–$350 | $89 diagnostic — waived with repair
LG washing machines are known for their reliability and advanced features, but when something goes wrong, the display shows an error code to help you diagnose the problem. This guide covers every LG washer error code for front-load (including WM and WD series) and top-load (WT series) models, explaining what each code means and what you can do about it.
LG Washer Error Codes — Full Table
| Error Code | Meaning | Common Cause | Fix | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IE | Inlet / fill error | Water taps closed, kinked hose, clogged inlet filter, low water pressure | Open taps fully, straighten hoses, clean mesh inlet filters | DIY |
| OE | Drain error | Clogged debris filter, kinked drain hose, failed drain pump | Clean debris filter, straighten drain hose, check standpipe height (min 18") | DIY |
| UE | Unbalanced load | Load too heavy on one side, single heavy item | Redistribute clothes; add towels when washing single heavy items | DIY |
| FE | Fill / overfill error | Water inlet valve stuck open, faulty pressure sensor | Shut off water supply immediately; inlet valve needs replacement | Pro |
| PE | Pressure sensor error | Faulty water level pressure sensor (pressure switch) | Reset washer; if code returns, pressure sensor needs replacement | Pro |
| LE | Motor locked / overload | Overloaded drum, foreign object jamming drum, failing motor | Remove items, check for objects between drum and tub; restart | Inspect First |
| DE / DE1 / DE2 | Door error | Door not fully closed, broken door latch, damaged door hook | Close door firmly; check for obstructions; replace door latch if needed | Inspect First |
| tE | Temperature sensor error | Faulty NTC thermistor (temperature sensor) | Reset washer; thermistor needs testing and likely replacement | Pro |
| CE | Current error (motor) | Motor drawing too much current, motor winding failure | Unplug for 10 min; if code returns, motor or control board service needed | Pro |
| PF | Power failure | Power outage interrupted cycle | Restart the cycle; no repair needed — informational code | DIY |
| dHE | Direct drive heater error (front-load) | Heating element or heater relay fault | Reset; if code returns, heating element needs professional service | Pro |
| CL | Child lock active | Child lock feature enabled (not a fault) | Hold Child Lock button 3–5 seconds to deactivate | DIY |
| E6 | Clutch error (top-load) | Clutch assembly worn or failed | Clutch assembly needs professional replacement | Pro |
| AE / E8 | Communication error | Control board to sub-board communication failure | Unplug 60 sec; check wire harness connections; may need board replacement | Pro |
Fixing the Most Common LG Washer Error Codes
IE — Inlet Error (Not Filling)
The IE code is one of the most common LG washer error codes. The washer started a fill cycle but did not detect enough water entering the tub within the allotted time.
- Check that both the hot and cold water supply taps behind the washer are fully open.
- Inspect the inlet hoses for kinks or tight bends.
- Turn off the water supply, disconnect the inlet hoses from the back of the washer, and remove the small mesh filter screens. Rinse them under running water to clear mineral deposits and debris.
- Reconnect everything and turn the water back on slowly before starting a cycle.
LG washers require a minimum dynamic water pressure of approximately 14 psi (100 kPa). If your building has low water pressure, this can trigger IE errors even when everything is clean and properly connected.
OE — Drain Error
The washer is unable to drain the water from the tub. This is almost always caused by a blocked debris filter or drain hose.
- Place a towel and shallow tray below the debris filter access cover at the bottom front of the machine.
- Open the cover, pull out the small drain hose, and drain the water into the tray.
- Unscrew the debris filter cap (turn counterclockwise) and remove any trapped lint, coins, buttons, or hair.
- Inspect the drain hose at the back of the washer for kinks or blockages.
- Ensure the end of the drain hose is no lower than 18 inches from the floor.
UE — Unbalanced Load
LG washers use automatic balance correction, but if the drum is too far out of balance, the machine pauses and shows UE to prevent damage.
- Open the door and manually distribute clothes around the entire drum perimeter.
- Never wash a single heavy item alone — always add a couple of towels of similar weight.
- If UE appears consistently even with balanced loads, check the shock absorbers and door gasket — worn suspension components are a common cause on older LG front-loaders.
FE — Overfill Error
The water inlet valve needs to be replaced. This is not a DIY repair for most homeowners — call a certified technician. Do not restart the washer until the valve is replaced.
LE — Motor Locked
The LE code means the motor has stalled or is drawing too much current. Common causes include:
- Overloading the drum — reduce the load size and restart
- A foreign object (coin, bra underwire, sock) stuck between the drum and the tub seal
- Motor hall sensor failure on older models
Try unplugging the washer for 10 minutes to allow the motor to cool down. If LE returns after restart, a technician needs to inspect the motor and hall sensor.
DE / DE1 / DE2 — Door Error
The washer cannot confirm the door is properly latched and locked before starting a cycle. Check for clothing caught in the door seal, inspect the door latch mechanism for damage, and make sure the door is closing fully. If the door handle or latch hook is broken, it needs to be replaced before the washer will operate.
tE — Temperature Sensor Error
The NTC thermistor is reporting an out-of-range temperature reading. A soft reset (unplug 60 seconds) sometimes clears a temporary fault. If the code returns, the thermistor needs to be tested with a multimeter and likely replaced — a straightforward repair for a technician.
PF — Power Failure
PF is not a malfunction — it simply means a power interruption occurred during a wash cycle. Press Start to resume the interrupted cycle from where it left off, or select a new cycle to start fresh.
CL — Child Lock
CL is not an error. It means the Child Lock feature is enabled, preventing buttons from working. Hold the Child Lock button (varies by model — check your manual) for 3 to 5 seconds until the CL indicator disappears.
LG Front-Load vs Top-Load Error Codes
Most LG error codes apply to both front-load (WM series) and top-load (WT/T series) washers, with a few exceptions:
- Front-load specific: DE (door lock), dHE (direct heater), FE (inlet valve overfill)
- Top-load specific: E6 (clutch), and some models show numeric codes (E1, E2) instead of letter codes on older LCD panels
- Both types: IE, OE, UE, PE, LE, tE, CE, PF, CL
When to Call a Certified Technician
These LG washer situations require professional service:
- FE (overfill) — valve replacement needed; safety risk
- LE (motor locked) — if it returns after a reset and clearing the drum
- CE (current error) — motor or control board fault
- dHE (heater error) — heating element replacement
- AE (communication error) — wiring harness or control board
- tE (thermistor) — sensor testing and replacement
Frequently Asked Questions — LG Washer Error Codes
IE stands for Inlet Error — the washer is not filling with water. Check that both water supply taps are fully open, inspect hoses for kinks, and clean the mesh inlet filters where the hoses connect to the machine. Low water pressure (below 14 psi) can also trigger this code.
OE means the washer cannot drain the water. Clean the debris filter at the bottom front of the machine, check the drain hose for kinks, and make sure the drain hose standpipe is not lower than 18 inches from the floor. If the pump is making unusual noise or no noise at all during drain, the pump may need replacement.
UE means unbalanced load. Open the washer and redistribute clothes evenly in the drum. Avoid washing single heavy items — add a couple of towels to balance the load. If UE appears on every cycle regardless of load, the spider arm, bearings, or shock absorbers may be worn.
LE indicates the motor is locked or not functioning correctly. It can be caused by overloading the drum, a foreign object jamming the drum, or a failing motor hall sensor. Unload some items and restart. If the code persists, a technician needs to inspect the motor and sensor.
Yes. FE means the tub is overfilling. Turn the washer off and shut off the water supply immediately. The water inlet valve is likely stuck open and needs to be replaced. Do not restart the washer until this is fixed — overfilling can cause flooding and electrical damage.
CL is not an error code — it means Child Lock is active. To deactivate it, press and hold the Child Lock button (usually labelled on the panel) for 3–5 seconds. Refer to your model's manual for the exact button combination, as it varies by model.
LG washer repairs in Toronto and the GTA typically range from $150–$350 depending on the fault. Nick's Appliance Repair offers an $89 diagnostic fee that is waived when you book a repair, plus $40 OFF any repair as a limited-time promotion.