LG Washer Sensor Replacement — Pressure, Temperature, and Hall Sensors
LG washers use three main sensor types that are often confused because they all produce error codes with vague descriptions. Each measures a different physical quantity and fails with different symptoms.
Three Sensor Types
Pressure sensor (water level): A transducer connected to the tub via an air tube. As water fills the tub, air pressure in the tube increases, and the sensor reports the water level to the board. When it fails, the washer overfills (FE error), underfills, or does not fill at all (IE error).
Temperature sensor (thermistor): An NTC thermistor mounted in the tub sump that measures water temperature. The board uses this to regulate the heater (on models with a built-in heater) and to verify the selected wash temperature. Failure causes the washer to use the wrong water temperature.
Hall sensor (motor position): Mounted on the Direct Drive motor stator. Reports rotor position to the inverter board. Failure causes UE and LE errors. Covered in detail in the motor replacement guide.
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Error Code Mapping
| Error | Sensor | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| FE | Pressure sensor | Overfill detected |
| IE | Pressure sensor or inlet valve | No fill detected |
| PE | Hall sensor | Motor position error |
| LE | Hall sensor or motor | Locked motor |
| tE | Temperature sensor | Temperature reading out of range |
Pressure Sensor Diagnosis
Before replacing the pressure sensor, check the air tube. The tube connects the sensor to the tub and can become kinked, disconnected, or clogged with detergent residue. Disconnect the tube from the sensor, blow through it gently — air should pass through with slight resistance. If blocked, clear or replace the tube ($5-$10).
Test the sensor itself by disconnecting the wire connector and applying gentle mouth pressure to the tube fitting while measuring continuity between the sensor terminals. The switch should toggle at a specific pressure. No toggle = failed sensor.
Safety First — Know the Risks
Appliances involve high voltage (120-240V), pressurized water, gas lines, and chemical refrigerants. Over 400 DIY repair injuries are reported yearly. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
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Part Numbers and Pricing
| Part | LG Number | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure sensor | 6501KW2001A | $15-$50 |
| Temperature thermistor | 6322FR2046C | $10-$30 |
| Hall sensor | 6501KW2001A | $10-$20 |
| Air tube (pressure sensor) | 5210FR3522A | $5-$10 |
| Professional diagnosis + replacement | — | $90-$160 |
Tools Required
- Phillips #2 — for panel access
- Multimeter — for sensor testing
- Pliers — for air tube clamps
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Average DIY attempt: $150-400 in tools you may use once, plus the risk of further damage. Our diagnostic visit costs $0 — we find the problem and give you an honest quote.
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Pressure Sensor Replacement
Disconnect power. Remove the top panel. The pressure sensor is usually mounted on the rear wall of the cabinet near the top. Disconnect the air tube and wire connector. Remove the mounting screw. Install the new sensor.
Temperature Sensor Replacement
Disconnect power. The thermistor is mounted in the tub sump, accessible from behind the front or rear panel depending on model. Disconnect the 2-wire connector, remove the retaining clip, pull the sensor out, install the new one.
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Opening your appliance yourself may void the manufacturer warranty. Our repair comes with a 90-day guarantee, and we document everything for warranty compliance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
My LG washer overfills with water. Is the pressure sensor bad?
Possibly. Check the air tube first — a disconnected or kinked tube prevents the sensor from reading water level. If the tube is intact, test the sensor. Also check the inlet valve — a stuck-open valve causes overfilling regardless of sensor function.
My LG washer shows PE error. Is that the pressure sensor?
No — PE = Position Error, which is the hall sensor on the Direct Drive motor, not the pressure sensor. Common confusion. The hall sensor costs $10-$20 and is on the motor stator behind the rear panel.
How do I test the LG washer pressure sensor?
Disconnect the wire connector and air tube. Apply gentle mouth pressure to the tube fitting while testing continuity between sensor terminals. The switch should toggle at a specific pressure. No toggle = replace.
LG washer water level or temperature problems? Our technicians test all sensors and the air tube system. Book a technician →
