Lg Washing Machine: IE error

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your LG washing machine displays the IE error code, it indicates a failure to fill with water in a timely manner, halting its operation. This issue can stem from closed water supply valves, kinked hoses, clogged filters, or low water pressure. Addressing these problems promptly can restore normal washing functionality.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • IE stands for "Inlet Error," indicating the washer is not filling with water as expected — a code used across LG front and top-load washers.
  • Cold weather can freeze hoses or valves leading to IE; insulating hoses recommended in low-temperature locations.

Possible Causes

Water supply valves closed or insufficiently opened

How to Identify: Ensure both hot and cold water supply faucets connected to the washer are fully open; if partially closed, water flow is restricted triggering IE.

Part: Water supply valves

Kinked or blocked inlet hoses

How to Identify: Check hoses at the back of the washer for bends, kinks, or blockages hindering water flow; detaching hoses and testing into a bucket can confirm flow.

Part: Inlet hoses

Clogged inlet filter screens

How to Identify: Filters at hose connection points become clogged with debris or mineral build-up; cleaning restores water flow.

Part: Inlet filter screens (inside water inlet valve)

Low water pressure

How to Identify: Weak water flow when testing hoses into bucket indicates insufficient pressure causing slow fill triggering error.

Part: Household water supply/pressure

Faulty water inlet valve

How to Identify: Valve doesn’t open or remains blocked even with good supply and pressure; diagnostic tests detect valve failure.

Part: Water inlet valve

Water level sensor or pressure switch fault

How to Identify: Washer shows IE error despite good water flow; sensor not detecting water level correctly per some guides.

Part: Water level sensor/pressure switch

Incorrect drain hose installation causing siphoning

How to Identify: If drain hose sits too deep in standpipe, water may siphon out during fill, preventing proper rising water level.

Part: Drain hose

DIY Solutions

Ensure water supply is fully on

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Turn both hot and cold water supply faucets fully to the open position.
  2. Restart washer to see if IE error clears.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid working with wet hands near electrical components.

Inspect and straighten inlet hoses

Easy 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: None
  1. Unplug washer and turn off water supply.
  2. Pull washer out and inspect both inlet hoses for kinks, twists, or blockages.
  3. Straighten hoses or replace if damaged.
  4. Reconnect hoses, turn on water, and test washer.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure water is turned off before disconnecting hoses.

Clean inlet filter screens

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: Needle-nose pliers or tweezers, Small brush
  1. Turn off water supply and unplug washer.
  2. Unscrew inlet hoses at back of machine.
  3. Use pliers to remove small mesh filters from inlet valve.
  4. Rinse filters under running water and brush off debris.
  5. Reinsert filters, reconnect hoses, restore water and power.
  6. Run test cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Take care with small parts; do not damage filter mesh.

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $120 (part only)

Diagnose and replace water level sensor/pressure switch

Estimated Cost: $40 - $100 (part)

Check and adjust drain hose installation

Estimated Cost: $0 - $30

When to Call a Professional

IE error persists after cleaning filters, checking hoses, and verifying water supply
Suspected internal component failure like inlet valve or water level sensor
Electrical issues or unusual noises accompany the error

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean inlet filter screens: Debris buildup that can restrict water flow and trigger IE errors
    Frequency: every 3-6 months
  • Inspect hoses for kinks or damage: Blockages or restricted water flow leading to inlet error
    Frequency: every 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine IE error?
The IE error occurs due to closed water valves, kinked hoses, clogged inlet filters, or low water pressure.
How do I fix LG Washing Machine IE error myself?
Check water supply, straighten hoses, and clean inlet filter screens to resolve the issue.
How much does it cost to fix IE error?
Professional repair costs range from $40 to $120, depending on the part needed.
When should I call a technician for IE error?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue, or if you suspect a faulty inlet valve or sensor, call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty water inlet valve
  • Clogged or kinked water supply hose
  • Electrical issue with the control board

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the water inlet valve if faulty. Turn off the water supply, disconnect the hoses, and test the valve for continuity. Replace if necessary.

  2. Check the water supply hose for clogs or kinks. Ensure the hose is straight and free of debris. Replace if damaged.

  3. Inspect the control board for any visible damage or burnt components. If damaged, replace the control board. Consult a professional for this step.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. LG washer with IE error, repair man blames water pressure co...

Community Discussions

IE error code, constant water dumping into tub

The issue was caused by a drain that was constantly running, preventing the tub from filling. Resetting the solenoid fixed the problem.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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