LG Washer Error Code Displayed — Complete Code Reference

LG washers communicate problems through alphanumeric error codes on the display panel. Unlike generic appliance error systems, LG's codes are remarkably specific — each code points to a narrow set of components, making diagnosis faster than on competing brands. Combined with LG's Smart Diagnosis system (available via the ThinQ app or phone-based audio transmission), most error codes can be resolved without a service call.

This guide provides the complete LG washer error code reference with LG-specific repair procedures for each, based on thousands of repairs across our Sacramento service area.

How to Read LG Error Codes

LG error codes appear on the display and remain until cleared. Some important conventions:

• Lowercase first letter (e.g., uE) — the machine is actively attempting to resolve the issue. Wait before intervening.
• Uppercase letters (e.g., UE) — the machine gave up attempting resolution. Manual intervention required.
• Flashing code — active error preventing cycle progress.
• Stored code (visible in ThinQ app history) — past error that has since cleared.

Complete LG Washer Error Code Table

OE — Drain Error

Meaning: The drain pump ran for its maximum allowed time (approximately 10 minutes) but the pressure switch still detects water in the tub.

Most Common Causes:

1. Drain pump filter clogged (42% — open front service panel, clear debris)
2. Drain hose kinked or positioned incorrectly (22%)
3. Drain pump motor failed (15% — LG part 4681EA2001T)
4. Standpipe/house plumbing backup (12%)
5. Pressure switch error (9%)

Quick Fix: Open the bottom-left service panel, pull the emergency drain hose, drain water into a bucket, then clean the main filter cap. This resolves OE in most cases.

Parts Cost: $0–$55 | Professional Cost: $80–$250

UE / uE — Unbalanced Load

Meaning: uE (lowercase) = machine is attempting to rebalance by adding water and tumbling. UE (uppercase) = rebalancing failed after 3-4 attempts, spin aborted.

Most Common Causes:

1. Genuinely unbalanced load (redistribute clothes) — 50%
2. Worn shock absorbers allowing excess tub movement (4901ER2003A) — 25%
3. Broken suspension spring (WT series) — 12%
4. Failed vibration sensor / accelerometer (main board) — 8%
5. Worn tub bearings causing wobble (4280FR4048L) — 5%

Quick Fix: Open door, redistribute clothes evenly. If UE persists with properly distributed loads, replace shock absorbers.

Parts Cost: $0–$80 | Professional Cost: $80–$320

LE / LE1 — Motor Locked

Meaning: The Direct Drive motor rotor cannot turn, or the control board detected an overcurrent condition.

Most Common Causes:

1. Hall sensor failure (6501KW2002A) — 35%
2. Stator winding short (4417EA1002Y) — 20%
3. Foreign object jamming drum — 15%
4. Rotor magnet damage (4413ER1001C) — 12%
5. Control board MOSFET failure — 10%
6. Motor thermal overload (temporary — resets after 30 min cooling) — 8%

Quick Fix: Unplug 30 minutes (thermal reset). If LE returns, check for items caught between drum and tub. If clear, hall sensor is most likely cause ($8-25 part).

Parts Cost: $8–$350 | Professional Cost: $100–$550

dE / dE1 / dE2 — Door Lock Error

Meaning: The electronic door lock (6601ER1004C) did not confirm engagement within the timeout period.

dE = lock never confirmed. dE1 = lock confirmed then lost confirmation mid-cycle. dE2 = contradictory switch signals.

Most Common Causes:

1. Wax motor actuator worn — 35%
2. Door strike/hook worn — 22%
3. Boot seal blocking full closure — 16%
4. Wire harness break — 12%
5. Door hinge sagging — 8%
6. Control board relay failure — 5%

Quick Fix: Push door firmly closed and retry. If dE persists, the door lock assembly needs replacement.

Parts Cost: $15–$350 | Professional Cost: $80–$550

PE — Pressure Sensor Error

Meaning: The pressure switch (water level sensor) is sending invalid or no data to the control board.

Most Common Causes:

1. Air hose disconnected from pressure switch — 40%
2. Air hose cracked or pinched — 25%
3. Pressure switch failed — 20%
4. Control board input circuit failure — 15%

Quick Fix: Remove top panel, find the thin rubber hose running from the round pressure switch to the tub. Ensure both ends are firmly connected and hose is not cracked.

Parts Cost: $5–$300 | Professional Cost: $80–$500

IE — Inlet Error

Meaning: The washer did not detect water entering the tub within the fill timeout period.

Most Common Causes:

1. Supply valves not fully open — 30%
2. Water supply hose kinked — 20%
3. Inlet screen clogged (mineral deposits) — 20%
4. Inlet valve solenoid failed (5220FR2006H) — 18%
5. Low house water pressure (below 20 PSI minimum) — 12%

Quick Fix: Verify both hot and cold supply valves are fully open. Check inlet screens (fine mesh at the hose connection point on the back of the washer) for mineral buildup. Sacramento hard water clogs these screens every 2-3 years.

Parts Cost: $0–$60 | Professional Cost: $80–$240

SE — Motor Sensor Error

Meaning: The hall sensor (6501KW2002A) on the stator is not providing a valid rotor position signal.

Most Common Causes:

1. Hall sensor failed — 60%
2. Hall sensor connector loose or corroded — 25%
3. Wiring harness damage between sensor and board — 10%
4. Control board input circuit — 5%

Quick Fix: Remove rear panel, reseat the 3-pin white connector on the stator. If SE persists, replace the hall sensor ($8-25).

Parts Cost: $8–$300 | Professional Cost: $100–$500

tE — Thermistor Error

Meaning: The water temperature sensor (thermistor) is reading out of range.

Most Common Causes:

1. Thermistor failed (NTC sensor in the tub) — 45%
2. Thermistor wire harness damaged — 30%
3. Control board ADC input failure — 25%

Quick Fix: Check thermistor resistance — should read approximately 10K ohms at room temperature. Significantly higher or lower = failed sensor.

Parts Cost: $10–$300 | Professional Cost: $80–$500

Sd / 5d — Excessive Suds

Meaning: The washer detected too many suds and is pausing to allow them to dissipate.

Most Common Causes:

1. Non-HE detergent used — 50%
2. Too much HE detergent — 35%
3. Pressure switch reading suds as water level (rare) — 15%

Quick Fix: Let the cycle complete (extra rinses will be added). Switch to HE detergent at manufacturer-recommended amounts. Run 2 empty Tub Clean cycles to clear residual buildup.

Parts Cost: $0 | Professional Cost: $80 (diagnosis only)

CL — Child Lock (Not an Error)

Meaning: Child Lock is active. All buttons except Power are disabled.

Fix: Hold Child Lock button (or Temp + Option combination depending on model) for 3 seconds. CL disappears, buttons become responsive.

PF — Power Failure

Meaning: Power was interrupted during a cycle.

Fix: Press Start to resume the interrupted cycle or Power to cancel and start fresh.

Using LG Smart Diagnosis

Smart Diagnosis provides more detail than the display code alone:

Wi-Fi models (SmartThinQ):

1. Open ThinQ app → select your washer → Smart Diagnosis.
2. The app communicates directly with the washer and retrieves detailed diagnostic data including error history, motor current readings, and sensor values.

Non-Wi-Fi models (audio method):

1. Call LG at 1-800-243-0000.
2. When prompted, hold the Temp button on the washer.
3. Place your phone speaker near the Power button area.
4. The washer transmits an audio data tone (3-5 seconds).
5. LG decodes the signal and provides specific diagnosis.

Diagnostic Mode (Service Test)

Access LG's built-in service test mode:

1. Power on the washer.
2. Press and hold Spin Speed + Soil Level simultaneously for 3 seconds.
3. The washer enters test mode, sequentially testing: motor, fill valve, drain pump, door lock, and spin.
4. Each test phase is indicated on the display. Press Start/Pause to advance to the next test.

When Error Codes Require Professional Service

FAQ

Q: How do I clear an error code on my LG washer?

Unplug the washer for 60 seconds and replug. Most codes clear automatically once the underlying issue is resolved. If the code returns after power cycling, the root cause has not been fixed.

Q: Why does my LG washer show different error codes at different times?

Multiple codes suggest either a control board issue (sending erratic signals) or a shared root cause affecting multiple systems. For example, worn bearings can trigger UE (imbalance), LE (motor overload), and eventually SE (hall sensor) as the bearing wear progresses.

Q: Can I use my LG washer if it shows an error code?

Depends on the code. CL and PF are safe to clear and continue. OE should be resolved (clear filter) before next use. LE, SE, and tE indicate component failure that worsens with continued use. dE prevents operation entirely.

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LG washer showing an error code you cannot clear? Our technicians carry the most common LG replacement parts (hall sensors, drain pumps, door locks, inlet valves) on every truck for single-visit resolution. Serving Sacramento and surrounding areas. Schedule a repair →