LG Washing Machine: error codes

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your LG washing machine is displaying error codes, it indicates operational issues such as drainage failures, water inlet problems, or motor faults. These alphanumeric codes help diagnose the problem. Common codes include IE for water inlet issues, OE for drainage failures, and dE for door lock problems. Understanding these codes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for LG Models

  • Error codes such as CL represent Child Lock feature not fault; deactivate via designated buttons

Possible Causes

Drainage failure (OE)

How to Identify: OE or 0E code displayed; water remains in drum after cycle or slow draining

Part: Drain pump, drain hose, filter

Water inlet failure (IE)

How to Identify: IE or 1E code displayed; machine fails to fill with water within expected time

Part: Inlet valve, inlet hose, water supply filter

Unbalanced load (UE/UB)

How to Identify: UE or UB code appears and machine vibrates or stops during spin

Part: Drum load distribution

Door lock or latch failure (dE/dE1/dE2)

How to Identify: dE series code; washer may not start or indicates door not locked

Part: Door lock assembly

Motor lock or overload (LE)

How to Identify: LE code; drum won’t spin and may feel stuck or overloaded

Part: Motor assembly, wiring

Pressure sensor error (PE)

How to Identify: PE code; incorrect water level indications or failure to progress cycles

Part: Pressure sensor/air tube

Water overflow or level sensor error (FE)

How to Identify: FE code; machine detects too much water or overflow conditions

Part: Water inlet valve, level sensor

Thermistor/temperature error (tE)

How to Identify: tE code; issues with wash temperature regulation

Part: Thermistor/heating element

DIY Solutions

Clean drain filter and hose for OE error

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, towel, bucket
  1. Unplug washer from power.
  2. Open access panel at front bottom.
  3. Place towel and bucket to catch water.
  4. Unscrew and remove drain filter.
  5. Clean debris; check drain hose for kinks/blockages.
  6. Reassemble and test drain cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before working on machine

Redistribute laundry and level machine for UE error

Easy 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: level tool (optional)
  1. Open washer and redistribute clothes evenly.
  2. Ensure load is not overloaded.
  3. Check machine is level and adjust feet if needed.
  4. Restart wash cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not exceed drum capacity

Check and firmly close door for dE errors

Easy 2-5 minutes
  1. Open washer door.
  2. Ensure no fabric caught in seal.
  3. Close door firmly until you hear click.
  4. Restart cycle.

Open and clean inlet screens for IE code

Moderate 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: adjustable wrench, old toothbrush
  1. Turn off water supply.
  2. Unscrew inlet hoses from washer.
  3. Check and clean screens inside hose connections.
  4. Reconnect and tighten hoses.
  5. Turn water on and test.
⚠️ Safety First: Shut off water supply first

Next step

Choose the next step for error codes

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Check during diagnosis

Most relevant component to inspect

Drain Hose

Carries waste water from the drain pump to your home's standpipe or sink drain.

Typical part-only price
$15 - $30
DIY difficulty
Easy
Estimated time
15-30 mins
Where can I find the model number?

Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.

Find a part that fits my model

Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.

Other parts options

Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.

Possible related component

Drain Pump

Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.

$35 - $80 · Easy · 15-30 mins

Check fit & price
Possible related component

Door Lock Assembly

Secures the door shut during operation for safety and signals the control board to run.

$30 - $75 · Easy · 10-20 mins

Check fit & price
Possible related component

Water Inlet Valve

Controls the flow of hot and cold water into the appliance.

$25 - $60 · Easy · 15-30 mins

Check fit & price
Model number required

Model-compatible Washing Machine parts

Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.

Find a part that fits my model

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Optional routine care

Maintenance supplies

These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.

Maintenance supply

Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Braided Washer Inlet Hoses

A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Washer Drain Hose Holder

Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.

View maintenance supply

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump or pressure sensor

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

Replace door lock assembly or motor/hall sensor

Estimated Cost: $100 - $350

Control board repair/replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500

When to Call a Professional

Error codes persist after recommended DIY steps
Internal electrical component noise or burning smell
Water leakage from internal hoses or tub

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean drain filter: Drainage-related errors (OE)
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect inlet hoses and screens: Water inlet errors (IE)
    Frequency: annually
  • Level machine regularly: Unbalanced errors (UE)
    Frequency: every move or new load pattern

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine showing error codes?
Common causes include drainage failure (OE), water inlet issues (IE), unbalanced load (UE), and door lock problems (dE).
How do I fix LG Washing Machine error codes myself?
You can clean the drain filter for OE errors, redistribute laundry for UE, ensure the door is closed for dE, and clean inlet screens for IE.
How much does it cost to fix error codes?
Professional repairs can range from $80 for drain pumps to $500 for control board replacements.
When should I call a technician for error codes?
Call a technician if you encounter persistent issues or if DIY solutions do not resolve the error.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty control board causing incorrect error code display
  • Issues with water inlet valve leading to improper water flow
  • Malfunctioning sensors (water level or temperature) triggering false error codes

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Perform a hard reset by unplugging the machine for 10 minutes, then plugging it back in. Check if the error codes persist.

  2. Inspect and replace the water inlet valve if it appears damaged or clogged. Ensure proper water flow to the machine.

  3. Test and replace malfunctioning sensors, such as the water level or temperature sensors, if they are found defective.

Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Odd error on LG front load washing machine

Community Discussions

odd error codes IU:32, IH:07, SEt, II:HE

hard reset may work intermittently, potential board failure

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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