LG washing machine errors: deciphering fault codes and breakdowns shown by an LG washing machine with a display (FE, PE, E1, AE and others), what do the signals mean?

LG washing machines are of high build quality. However, any household appliance can break down over time.

To facilitate diagnostics, prudent developers “taught” the device to independently recognize a malfunction and, using special sets of symbols and signs, signal this to its owner.

Read the article about how to decipher error codes in LG washing machines with and without a display.

What do the signals from an LG washing machine without a display mean?

If the washing machine is not equipped with a display, then errors appear on it in the form of a set of signals. The most common of them are described in the table:

What's happening	Causes	Set of signals
Water does not drain	The drain pump or pressure switch is broken, the drain hose or sewer is clogged	The spin 500, 800, No spin and rinse indicators flash simultaneously
The spin does not start, the water has drained, the wash has ended	Overloading or underloading of laundry, breakdown of the tachometer, overstretching of the belt	All spin indicators light up at the same time
The hatch door is not closed	The UBL has broken, a blockage has formed in the lock area, the hinges have sagged or the cuff has become deformed	All indicators flash and light: temperature, wash and rinse
The machine has stopped working, drains and fills with water again	The tank is full of water or there is too much foam	The pre- and main wash indicators flash simultaneously, the duvet, wool and synthetic indicators light up
The device does not draw water	There is no water or the pressure is too weak, the valve is closed, a blockage has formed in the inlet hose filter, the inlet valve, pressure switch or control board is broken	The main and pre-wash indicators are on and flashing.
The machine does not start	In 90% of cases the pressure switch is faulty	The spin, rinse and wash indicators light up and flash
The water does not heat up, the wash stops in the middle or at the beginning of the cycle	The heating element is broken (in 80% of cases), or the temperature sensor	All temperature indicators are on

What error codes mean for LG washing machines without a display, read here.

Basic error codes

Fault codes in LG are displayed on the dashboard screen, facilitating further diagnosis and repair. With their help, you can try to fix the problem yourself or at least consult with professionals and name the error code.

No. 1. Problems with the water supply or drainage system

The inscription AE indicates an error in the automatic shutdown of the device. Occurs when a special float sensor is triggered. If it appears, you should check the equipment for leaks. To do this, you need to inspect all parts of the device that come into contact with water.

Also, for diagnostics, you can turn off the machine’s power for 15-25 minutes, and then turn it on again.

Every user of a washing machine should have at least a schematic idea of its structure. The instructions with diagrams that come with the new equipment can help with this.

Possible causes of the error may be problems with the control unit, wear of the hatch cuff, or mechanical damage to the tank.

The letter combination FE is displayed if the tank is full of water. In this case, the pressure switch (sensor) blocks the operation of the system.

Reasons for exceeding the water limit:

electrical controller defect;
disturbances in the operation of the level relay;
water inlet valve problems;
a large amount of foam in the tank (if the wrong detergent is used).

To diagnose the problem, you need to check the sensor itself, the pipe and the wiring to make sure that the pressure switch is working properly. The valve should then be inspected for the presence of a foreign object.

Code E1 means that water has leaked into the washing machine tray due to depressurization of the tank.

When diagnosing a problem, you should check hoses, pipes, calipers, etc. If all the mechanical elements of the device are working properly, it is worth checking the pump and leakage sensor for possible malfunctions

IE combination signals a lack of pressure. In this case, water enters the tank extremely slowly, but never reaches the required level within the allotted time (usually 4 minutes).

Possible causes of the problem:

damage to the water inlet valve (it is worth checking the electromagnetic coils to make sure that voltage is supplied to them);
pressostat defect;
clogging of the water intake valve filter (usually with lime deposits);
holes and kinks in the hose;
wear of the wiring at the intake valve;
poor valve resistance (below 3 kOhm);
failure of the general control board;
the water supply hose is not installed correctly and partially blocks the water hole;
insufficient pressure in water pipes.

PE pressure switch error is similar to IE, but it occurs not only due to the long time it takes to fill the tank with water. It also lights up if water enters the machine too quickly (in 1-2 minutes).

In this case, you also need to check the water pressure. If water is supplied as usual, it is necessary to diagnose the pressure switch. Another cause of the problem could be a short circuit or a network break on the line.

If the PE code appears on the display during the first wash of the machine, then the problem may lie in the incorrect connection of the device to the sewer

OE malfunction is associated with exceeding the permitted water level in the drum. Often the code is displayed in case of unsuccessful draining, when some of the water has drained, but some of it remains inside the washing machine.

The code automatically lights up if the draining procedure lasts longer than 5 minutes. The problem occurs due to a blockage in the drainage tract, namely: in the pipe, pump, filter, hose.

After cleaning the drain system filter, the washing machine begins to function in operating mode. The pump (drain pump) may refuse to work due to breakdown, then it will need to be completely replaced

The drain hose may be kinked or pinched. Drainage problems sometimes occur due to punctures in the air chamber and a faulty pressure sensor.

In some cases, problems are not caused by the washing machine itself, but by blockages in the pipeline. To prevent this error from occurring, you should periodically clean the drain pipes.

UE - code for water imbalance in the tank.

The error often occurs when crumpled laundry is placed in the machine, which disrupts the functioning of the device. The machine cannot spin the drum without risk of breakage, and therefore stops operation due to an unbalanced load

To fix the problem, open the door and straighten out some items, and then start the wash again.

In some cases, a similar problem occurs due to a small number of items in the drum, since the washing machine simply does not feel their weight. Then you should add more laundry. If these steps do not help, you need to test the electric motor wire, drive belt, controller and Hall sensor for damage.

The cause of the error may also be incorrect installation of the washing machine, or rather its misalignment. Due to the unstable position of the legs, the device begins to vibrate and rattle.

No. 2. Engine problem codes

CE error code appears when the motor (electric motor) is overloaded and the drum is overcrowded. For further operation, you need to remove some of the laundry from the machine. If, after releasing the drum, the device still does not work, and the display shows the same combination, you need to check the serviceability of the motor and electronic controller.

For models of washing machines that have a direct drive motor (DD mark), diagnostics should be carried out for drum vibration. If it begins to jerk, this will indicate a malfunction of the drive motor.

To prevent this problem, do not overload the machine. Each device has its own load limit in kilograms. Typically, information about it is located on the dashboard next to the display.

No. 3. Loading hatch and door errors

LE - hatch locking device error. Occurs as a result of low voltage in the main power supply or due to faulty motor and controller.

To restore operating functions, you can turn off the power to the device for 15 minutes and then turn it on again. Such a reboot often helps to return the machine to working order.

As a diagnostic, you should check that the machine door is closed, that the door handle is not chipped, that the door fuse is working, the lock wiring. At the same time, you need to make sure that the rotor is intact (there are no cracks or breaks) and that there are no foreign objects that prevent the drum from rotating.

Error code DE indicates that the loading hatch is not fully closed.

Door locks on LG cars often fail, but sometimes this combination only signals that the door is not tightly closed

To eliminate technical problems, you should check that the door is closed correctly and push it tightly.

In some cases, the door handle will need to be replaced due to damage, wear, or misalignment of the locking hook. If this does not solve the problem, you need to check the operation of two mechanisms: the electrical controller or the hatch locking device.

No. 4. Problems with the heating element and power supply

Error code HE indicates a malfunction of the heating element (heater). If the water heating element is completely broken, you will have to replace it with a new one.

Also, the letter combination can indicate:

incompleteness of power circuits;
breakdown of the temperature sensor;
malfunction of the sockets to which the washing machine is connected.

The TE combination indicates problems with the temperature sensor (thermistor), when the actual temperature inside the tank does not correspond to the readings on the display, as well as when the machine is unable to heat the water to the required levels. This error indicates problems with the heating circuit (including the heating element).

If breaks or short circuits are detected during diagnostics, the sensor must be replaced. In some cases, the cause of a temperature failure is a problem with the controller, so it should also be inspected

PF error indicates a power failure in the washing machine. This could occur due to:

improper fastening of the power cord;
loose connection of the plug;
problems with the connectors on the main control board;
connecting the machine not to a power outlet, but to a multifunctional connector;
heating element failure;
violation of the wiring and connection of the protective filter.

SE is a private error code that is unique to direct drive washing machines. It is also called a malfunction of the Hall sensor or tachon generator (needed to control the rotor speed of the washing machine).

If the device breaks down, it should be replaced with a new one. Externally, the malfunction is characterized by problems with the drum (the shaft does not rotate).

The letter code CL is not an error indicator, but is displayed on the display if the child lock function is set. The machine does not respond to pressing the buttons on the display and does not open.

The code combination for unlocking depends on the type of washing machine itself; it is always indicated in the operating instructions

EE and E3 - These rare LG washing machine error codes most often appear on the display during the first use during a test or when the device is unable to detect a load.

Call the master

It is not always possible to handle washing machine repairs on your own. If difficulties arise, you should seek help from a specialist. Finding a master is not difficult. There are advertisements on the Internet and in newspapers.

List of estimated costs of work:

Pump replacement – from 2100 rubles.
Replacement of the pressure switch - from 2100 rubles.
Clearing a blockage in a drain pipe, pump or hose – from 1,400 rubles.
Replacement of a temperature sensor – from 1,700 rubles.
Repair of the control unit – from 2600 rubles.
Replacement of bearings and oil seal - from 4,300 rubles.
Replacement of tachometer – from 2600 rubles.
Belt replacement – from 1200 rubles.
Repair of UBL – from 1700 rubles.
Replacing the hatch handle – from 1,700 rubles.
Adjustment of hatch hinges – from 1600 rubles.
Repair of the Aquastop system - from 2600 rubles.
Tank replacement – from 4600 rubles.
Replacement of pipes - from 1400 rubles.
Cuff replacement – from 2100 rubles
Replacement of wiring – from 2000 rubles.
Replacement of the inlet valve - from 2000 rubles.

You need to pay for repairs only after they have been completed and the functionality of the household appliances has been checked. Under no circumstances should you transfer money to the card as an advance payment.

Read about self-repair of an LG washing machine in this section.

Causes and solutions to simple problems

Rattling, knocking in the drum and vibrations often occur due to the unstable position of the legs. If you rearrange the machine, the problem will go away on its own.

Also, periodic knocking noises during washing may indicate wear of the bearings and the seal that seals the drum. You can replace them yourself.

To be sure of the cause of the noise, you should independently turn the drum of the machine left and right with your hands. If noise, crackling or rumble appears, then the reason is definitely faulty bearings.

A properly installed washing machine will not “snort”! Over time, the balance adjusted during installation may be disrupted due to body movement during spinning.

If the machine jumps or jumps, then this malfunction is explained by violations in the structure of the counterweight fastening.

Water leaks occur due to worn hoses or improper connection. In this case, you can simply tighten the couplings in problem areas.

It often happens that even after cleaning the drain pump filter, the machine “refuses” to drain water. It is possible that the reason is a clogged drain hose, which just needs to be cleaned

If water does not drain from the washing machine drum, you need to repair the drain system: clean the filter, check the drainage hose and pump.

Decoding the fault codes shown by the LG washing machine with display

If the washing machine is equipped with an electronic display, then if it breaks down or malfunctions, a code will appear on it. After deciphering it and determining the cause, in most cases the malfunction can be eliminated on your own.

Errors related to water

If the water in the washing machine tank rises above the permissible level, the code F E . In machines that are not equipped with an information display, in this case, the indicators opposite the pre- and main wash modes, as well as synthetics, wool and duvet, will flash or light up.

The reasons for such a malfunction may be: breakdown of the level sensor, water inlet valve, malfunction of the electronic controller. If, when such a code appears on the display in the drum of the washing machine, an excessive amount of foam is observed, the reason for the tank overflow is poor-quality powder or its dosage has been exceeded.

FE
error may be the use of low-quality powder that forms too much foam.
To “remove” the error yourself, you need to unload the laundry and dry the washing machine. If the unit door does not open and there is water left inside the tank, you need to use the emergency drain hose located behind the door on the front panel.

Troubleshooting the sensor, valve and controller is best left to professionals.

IE error occurs if the machine cannot draw the required amount of water for washing within the set time (approximately 5 minutes). This malfunction will be indicated by the lighting of the main and prewash indicators in models that are not equipped with a display.

The reasons that the washing machine does not fill with water or cannot determine its level as sufficient for washing are most often:

low pressure or lack of water in the water supply network;
clogged water supply hose or filter, kinked hose;
water supply valve failure;
malfunction of the level sensor (pressure switch);
malfunctions in the operation of the control module.

IE
error occurs, you can clean the filter yourself, located at the point where the water supply hose is connected to the washing machine.
What should you do if the machine displays an IE ? First of all, you need to check whether there is water in the water supply network and whether the tap supplying it to the washing machine is open. Then inspect the water supply hose for kinks, remove the hose and check it and the filter for blockages. Malfunctions that require replacement of the sensor or valve must be repaired by specialists.

Error OE (03) appears on the screen when the unit cannot drain water. The same problem will be indicated by the glowing rinse and spin indicators (800, 500, Nospin).

The cause of the malfunction may be a broken drain pump or a clogged drain filter, hose or sewer. Before you begin troubleshooting, you need to drain the water remaining in the tank. You can independently check the permeability of the filter, hose and sewer. It is better to call a specialist to inspect the drain pump.

Repairing or replacing the drain pump is best left to professionals.

Error 1E appears when there is a water leak. First of all, the machine is disconnected from the network, and then the tightness of the connections, the integrity of the tank and the body of the washing machine are checked.

The machine issues an information code PE when the water pressure in the drum is not detected. Most often, the cause of the error is a faulty water level sensor (pressure switch). To restore the operation of the installation, you need to check the sensor contacts and blow out its tube if it is clogged.

An error that occurs when the machine fills and immediately drains water may be due to an incorrect connection to the sewer. The place where the drain hose connects to the pipe must be above the level of the tank, otherwise spontaneous draining will occur.

TCL

This is an informational note, not an error, relevant for the latest generations of washing machines. The message indicates that the centrifuge needs to be cleaned (Tub Clean). The corresponding tools should be on the control panel.

In most solutions, the function is called “Drum Cleaning”. After pressing the button, the machine will start the centrifuge maintenance procedure. In some series, the message appears regardless of the state of the drum. For example, models in the FHxx line require maintenance after every 30 full washes. Otherwise, the modes simply do not turn on.

T.E.

The error stands for “Heating Failure” (Temperature Error). The first thing you need to check is the heating element. Open the compartment with the heating element and check it with a multimeter. Sometimes the error occurs due to the appearance of scale. We clean it from the heating element and try to start the car again. It would also be a good idea to inspect the contact group for physical damage.

When dialing does not produce results, and everything is in order with the wiring, you can try to reboot the equipment by turning it off for 10-15 minutes. Sometimes the processor memory contains information about the end of the wash, where the command was given to turn off the heating element.

The cause of the error may also be a faulty control board. In this case, solving the problem on your own is quite difficult: you need a specific tool and a decent amount of knowledge in this area. If we are talking about premium-level models, then it is more advisable to contact a service center for help.

AE

The error indicates an automatic shutdown of the equipment as a result of a failure in the water supply system, or a malfunction of the main board. The first thing to do is to reboot the equipment, completely disconnecting it from power for 10-15 minutes.

Then check the water drain pan. This problem is especially relevant for washing machines that have Aquastop leak protection installed on board.

Important! In rare cases, the system produces an error not AE, but AOE, which is the same fault code.

It is necessary to check all hoses for physical damage, and also tighten the clamps if they are loose. Then get rid of the water in the pan. If the leak remains, then after the first wash the container will fill with liquid.

RE

An error with the PE code indicates problems with the pressure switch. The device is a sophisticated analogue of a liquid level sensor and determines whether there is water in the tank and in what volume. Due to the lack of information from the pressure switch, the equipment will refuse to start the selected modes.

In addition to the membrane and chamber, the design includes a relay. This is what most often fails. You can find out whether the relay is really at fault using a multimeter by ringing it. Many manufacturers of washing equipment allow replacement of the element, and besides, it is inexpensive.

If the problem occurs for the first time, then sometimes a simple reboot of the equipment helps. It is quite possible that the control module is faulty. To do this, you will need to completely de-energize the equipment for 10-15 minutes, and then start any mode that involves filling the tank.

When, during a standard wash, the equipment takes in water and immediately drains it, signaling a PE error, then, most likely, the pressure switch is installed incorrectly, or the terminal has come off the contact group. We open the compartment with the device, check the circuits and fix the problem.

How to prevent breakdowns in the future?

Several recommendations will help prevent breakdowns and malfunctions of your LG washing machine

Before each wash we check the pockets. Even a small button or pin can damage the drum of a washing machine.
We adhere to the norms for loading the drum (insufficient, as well as excessive amounts of laundry can cause serious damage).
Regular cleaning of the drain filter will prolong the operation of the drain pump.
We never use hand washing powder (excessive foaming is harmful to the washing machine).
We install the washing machine only on a flat, non-slip surface.

Sudden voltage surges are the main reason for the failure of the control module (the “brains” of the washing machine). Connecting the device through a voltage stabilizer will help extend the life of one of the main elements of the internal structure of the washing machine.

C.L.

This is more likely not an error, but an information signal. The letters CL on the display indicate that the Child Lock mode is activated. The function completely blocks the operation of all buttons on the control panel, except for the power key. It is possible that the mode was turned on in a previous wash or by accident.

To deactivate the protection, you must press a certain key combination. For example, on models of the latest generations there are a pair of buttons with a pacifier and a picture of a baby. But on other lines, the shutdown methods may be different.

Combinations for disabling the “Child Lock” mode:

temperature selection button and one of the optional keys;
“Intensive Rinse” and “Gentle Wash” modes;
“Re-rinse” and “Super wash” button;
“Spin” mode and power key.

In the case of equipment equipped with a touch screen, you need to hold down on the display the icon with the image of a child or the name of the mode (“Child Lock”) for 5-7 seconds. With rare exceptions, a reboot of the equipment with a complete blackout will be required.

Read more about troubleshooting this error here.