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LG·washerhigh severity
LG Error Code tE
Thermistor / control error
Common Causes
- 1Thermistor failure
- 2Control board issue
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
- 1
Locate the water temperature thermistor — on LG front-loaders it is mounted in the outer tub near the heater element (if equipped) or at the water inlet
- 2
Disconnect the thermistor and measure resistance — at room temperature (77F/25C) it should read approximately 10k ohms (NTC type)
- 3
Check if the washer has a heating element (TrueSteam or AllergyCare models) — the thermistor monitors heater temperature and will fault if the heater circuit is open
- 4
Inspect the thermistor wire harness for damage from vibration — front-load washers vibrate significantly during spin cycles
- 5
If the thermistor tests within specification, the issue may be on the main control board analog-to-digital converter circuit
Pro Diagnostic Tip
On LG TrueSteam washers, tE is commonly caused by lime scale buildup on the heater element from hard water, which causes it to overheat locally. Sacramento hard water (16-20 grains) accelerates this — recommend descaling the heater or replacing it every 3-4 years.
You Might Also Notice
- •Water not heating during warm/hot cycles
- •Steam function not activating
- •Cycle running longer than expected
- •Error appears only on heated cycles
Parts, Cost & Difficulty
Repair Difficulty
Hard — Advanced Skills RequiredEstimated Repair Cost
$150–$320
Parts + labor. Free diagnosis with repair.
Parts That May Need Replacement
EBG61285804 (Thermistor)AEG73089901 (Heater Element — TrueSteam models)EBR84433503 (Main Control Board)
Do You Have the Right Tools?
Bearing puller set ($120), drum spider wrench ($85), multimeter ($85), and diagnostic software. Our technician arrives with $15K+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
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Error code tE is a high-severity issue that can cause further damage to your washer if left unresolved. A licensed technician can diagnose and fix it the same day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does LG error code tE mean?
LG error code tE indicates: Thermistor / control error. This is a high-severity issue affecting your washer.
How do I fix LG error code tE?
Locate the water temperature thermistor — on LG front-loaders it is mounted in the outer tub near the heater element (if equipped) or at the water inlet Then, Disconnect the thermistor and measure resistance — at room temperature (77F/25C) it should read approximately 10k ohms (NTC type) Then, Check if the washer has a heating element (TrueSteam or AllergyCare models) — the thermistor monitors heater temperature and will fault if the heater circuit is open There are 2 more steps — see the full troubleshooting guide above. This repair typically requires professional tools and expertise.
How do I know if my washer has error tE?
Besides the error code on the display, common signs include: Water not heating during warm/hot cycles; Steam function not activating; Cycle running longer than expected. If you notice any of these symptoms, check your washer's display panel for error code tE.
How much does it cost to fix LG tE?
Repair costs for LG tE typically range from $150 to $320 depending on the specific cause and parts needed. EasyBear offers free diagnosis when you proceed with the repair. Call (415) 795-7300 for a same-day appointment.