LG washing machines are known for their innovative technology and reliable performance. However, like any appliance, they may occasionally display error codes that indicate issues needing attention. This guide will walk you through all the possible error codes you may encounter, their meanings, causes, and possible fixes, making it a one-stop solution for troubleshooting LG washing machine issues.
LG Washing Machine Error Codes
| Error Code | Meaning | Cause | Possible Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| OE | Drainage Error | Blocked drain hose, clogged pump filter, or faulty drain pump | Check and clear blockages in the drain hose and pump filter. Inspect and replace the drain pump if necessary. |
| IE | Water Inlet Error | Water supply off, inlet hose kinked, or low water pressure | Ensure water supply is on, inlet hose isn’t kinked, and water pressure is adequate. |
| UE | Unbalanced Load Error | Laundry unevenly distributed or overloaded | Redistribute laundry evenly and avoid overloading the washer. |
| CL | Child Lock Activated | Child lock enabled, preventing control use | Press and hold the child lock buttons to disable. |
| LE | Motor Lock Error | Overloading or faulty motor | Reduce load and restart. If issue continues, inspect motor. |
| tCL | Tub Clean Reminder | Detergent or debris buildup inside the drum | Run the Tub Clean cycle using a washer cleaner. |
| DE | Door Error | Misaligned door or faulty door latch | Ensure door is fully closed and latched. Replace door latch if necessary. |
| uB | Unbalanced Load Error | Uneven laundry distribution or overload | Redistribute clothes and restart cycle. |
| ce | Current Error | Too much current in motor | Reduce load, reset machine, and replace motor if needed. |
| SUD | Excessive Suds Detected | Too much or non-HE detergent used | Run rinse cycle and use less HE detergent next time. |
| CD | Cooling Down Mode | Normal phase during drying cycle | Allow the cooling cycle to finish. |
| DE 1 | Door Open Error | Faulty door latch or sensor | Ensure door is closed and inspect latch and sensor. |
| DE 2 | Door Lock Error | Faulty door lock mechanism or misaligned door | Check and replace the door lock mechanism. |
| FE | Overflow Error | Stuck water inlet valve or faulty water level sensor | Inspect and replace the inlet valve or water level sensor. |
| PE | Pressure Sensor Error | Blocked air tube or malfunctioning sensor | Clear air tube blockages and replace sensor if necessary. |
| PF | Power Failure | Power outage or unstable electrical connection | Restart machine after restoring power. |
| TE | Heating Error | Faulty heating element or thermistor | Inspect and replace the heating element or thermistor. |
| DHE | Dry Heater Error | Issue with heater or wiring | Inspect and replace faulty heater components. |
| HE | Heater Error | Faulty heating element or thermistor | Replace heating element or thermistor. |
| SE | Motor Sensor Error | Faulty motor sensor or wiring issue | Replace motor sensor or repair wiring. |
| E6 | Motor Hall Sensor Fault | Faulty Hall sensor or damaged wiring | Replace Hall sensor and check wiring. |
| D3 | Door Switch Error | Faulty door switch mechanism | Replace door switch. |
| DR | Drain Error | Clogged drain hose or faulty drain pump | Clear drain hose and clean pump filter. |
| CE | Compressor Error | Faulty compressor | Replace compressor after contacting a technician. |
| DL | Door Lock Mechanism Failure | Faulty door lock mechanism | Replace door lock mechanism. |
| Ub | Unbalanced Load Detected | Uneven load distribution or overload | Redistribute laundry and avoid overloading. |
| PF | Power Interruption | Loose electrical connections or power outage | Secure connections and restart machine. |
Common LG Washing Machine Error Codes
OE – Drainage Error
Meaning: The washing machine is having trouble draining water.
Cause: Blocked drain hose, clogged pump filter, or a faulty drain pump.
Fix: Check and clear blockages in the drain hose and pump filter. If the issue persists, inspect and replace the drain pump if necessary.
IE – Water Inlet Error
Meaning: The machine isn’t receiving enough water.
Cause: The water supply is off, the inlet hose is kinked, or there is low water pressure.
Fix: Ensure the water supply is turned on, the inlet hose is not bent or kinked, and the water pressure is sufficient.
UE – Unbalanced Load Error
Meaning: The washing machine has detected an unbalanced load.
Cause: The laundry is unevenly distributed or there’s too much laundry in the drum.
Fix: Redistribute the laundry evenly inside the drum and avoid overloading the washer.
CL – Child Lock Activated
Meaning: Child lock is enabled, preventing the use of controls.
Cause: Child lock has been activated, possibly unintentionally.
Fix: Press and hold the child lock buttons (usually the “Prewash” and “Delay” buttons) to disable the lock.
LE – Motor Lock Error
Meaning: The motor is unable to run properly.
Cause: Overloading the washer or a faulty motor.
Fix: Reduce the laundry load and restart the machine. If the issue continues, inspect the motor for any malfunctions.
tCL – Tub Clean Reminder
Meaning: The washer is alerting you to clean the tub.
Cause: Detergent or debris buildup inside the drum.
Fix: Run the Tub Clean cycle using a washing machine cleaner.
DE – Door Error
Meaning: The washer detects the door is not closed properly.
Cause: Misaligned door or faulty door latch.
Fix: Ensure the door is fully closed and latched. Replace the door latch if necessary.
Advanced LG Washing Machine Error Codes
uB – Unbalanced Load Error
Meaning: The washer detects a serious imbalance in the load, causing excessive vibration.
Cause: Uneven distribution of laundry or overloading.
Fix: Pause the washer, redistribute the clothes, and restart the cycle.
ce – Current Error
Meaning: The washer is detecting too much current in the motor.
Cause: Overloading or a fault in the motor.
Fix: Reduce the load and reset the machine. If the error remains, you may need to replace the motor.
SUD – Suds Detection
Meaning: The washer has detected excessive suds.
Cause: Using too much or non-HE (High Efficiency) detergent.
Fix: Run a rinse cycle and use less detergent next time. Always use HE detergent.
CD – Cooling Down Mode
Meaning: The washer is in cooling down mode after drying.
Cause: This is a normal phase in the drying cycle.
Fix: Allow the cycle to finish and do not interrupt the cooling process.
DE 1 – Door Open Error
Meaning: The washer detects the door is open during the cycle.
Cause: Faulty door latch or sensor.
Fix: Ensure the door is properly closed. Inspect the door latch and sensor for malfunctions.
DE 2 – Door Lock Error
Meaning: The washer is unable to lock the door.
Cause: Faulty door lock mechanism or misaligned door.
Fix: Check and replace the door lock mechanism if needed.
FE – Overflow Error
Meaning: The washer has detected too much water in the drum.
Cause: The water inlet valve is stuck open or the water level sensor is malfunctioning.
Fix: Check and replace the inlet valve or water level sensor.
PE – Pressure Sensor Error
Meaning: The water level pressure sensor is faulty.
Cause: A blockage in the air tube or a malfunctioning sensor.
Fix: Clear any obstructions in the air tube and replace the sensor if necessary.
PF – Power Failure
Meaning: The washer experienced a power interruption during the cycle.
Cause: Power outage or unstable electrical connection.
Fix: Restart the machine after restoring power.
TE – Heating Error
Meaning: The washer is having trouble heating the water.
Cause: A malfunction in the heating element or thermistor.
Fix: Inspect and replace the heating element or thermistor.
DHE – Dry Heater Error
Meaning: The dry heater is malfunctioning.
Cause: Issues with the heater or wiring.
Fix: Inspect the heating system and wiring and replace any faulty components.
HE – Heater Error
Meaning: The washer has encountered a general heater malfunction.
Cause: Faulty heating element or thermistor.
Fix: Replace the heating element or thermistor.
SE – Motor Sensor Error
Meaning: The motor sensor is not functioning correctly.
Cause: A faulty motor sensor or wiring issue.
Fix: Replace the motor sensor or repair the wiring.
Less Common LG Washing Machine Error Codes
E6 – Motor Hall Sensor Fault
Meaning: The machine is unable to read the motor speed properly.
Cause: Faulty Hall sensor or damaged wiring.
Fix: Replace the Hall sensor and check the wiring for faults.
D3 – Door Switch Error
Meaning: The door switch is malfunctioning.
Cause: Faulty door switch mechanism.
Fix: Replace the door switch if it is not functioning properly.
DR – Drain Error
Meaning: The washer is unable to drain.
Cause: Clogged drain hose or faulty drain pump.
Fix: Clear the drain hose and clean the pump filter. Replace the pump if necessary.
CE – Compressor Error
Meaning: The compressor is malfunctioning.
Cause: Faulty compressor.
Fix: Contact a technician to replace the compressor.
DL – Door Lock Mechanism Failure
Meaning: The washer cannot lock or unlock the door.
Cause: Faulty door lock mechanism.
Fix: Replace the door lock mechanism.
Ub – Unbalanced Load Detected
Meaning: The washer cannot balance the load properly, causing the drum to vibrate excessively.
Cause: Uneven load distribution or overload.
Fix: Redistribute the laundry evenly and avoid overloading.
PF – Power Interruption
Meaning: The machine lost power during the cycle.
Cause: Power outage or loose electrical connections.
Fix: Secure electrical connections and restart the machine.
SUD – Excessive Suds
Meaning: The machine has detected an excess of detergent.
Cause: Using too much detergent or using non-HE detergent.
Fix: Use less detergent, and ensure you’re using HE detergent.
Conclusion
LG washing machines are equipped with a range of error codes that help users troubleshoot problems efficiently. From common issues like drainage errors (OE) and unbalanced loads (UE) to more complex errors involving motor faults (LE) or heating issues (TE), understanding these codes can save time and effort. By referring to this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to diagnose and address almost any error code your LG washing machine displays, ensuring that your appliance remains in top working condition.