Errors and malfunctions of LG washing machines

One of the pluses of LG machines is called their simple self-diagnostic system. When something in this technique fails, the display of the machine shows a letter code that can serve as a clue to determine the fault and further action.
Error Codes
Code |
What it stands for |
Reasons for the error |
What to do |
CE |
Motor overload |
Too much laundry is loaded into the machine. The motor has failed. |
Remove the excess laundry from the drum and turn the machine back on. Check that the drum is not shaking. Check if the motor is working properly and how the electronic controller is working. |
IE |
There is a problem with the water supply to the tank |
There is no water in the water supply or water pressure is too low (water has not reached the first level within four minutes). The water inlet valve is defective. The pressostat has failed. |
Make sure the faucet is open and check the water pressure in the pipes. Check if the priming valve is working well and if the pressostat is damaged. |
FE |
The tank is overflowing with water |
The priming valve is defective. Water level sensor is broken. Electric controller is not working. |
Check water level sensor operation. Check the fill valve and evaluate its operation. Check condition of electrical controller. |
HE |
Problem with the heating element |
The heater has failed. |
Check the heating element by inspecting its power circuits. |
E1 |
Water leakage |
The tank is leaking and water is leaking into the sump. Hoses are damaged. Leakage sensor is damaged. |
Inspect all parts of the machine, trying to find the leak. |
E3 |
Problem with load detection |
Controller malfunction. |
Check if the controller is working properly. |
LE |
Lockout problem |
Drive or electronic controller malfunction. Line voltage is low. |
Check controller and motor for proper functioning. Make sure there is sufficient line voltage. |
PE |
Pressostat problem |
The water level sensor is defective. The water pressure in the water pipes is too high (the machine has filled in less than four minutes) or too low (the tank has not filled in 25 minutes). |
Make sure there are no problems with the water pressure in the water pipes. Check the condition of the pressostat. |
dE |
Door problem |
The door is not properly closed. The door locking device is broken. The electric controller does not work. |
Open and close the door again. If this does not clear the error, check the door locking device and the function of the electronic controller. |
tE |
Water temperature problem |
The temperature sensor has failed due to a short circuit or an open circuit. |
Check if the temperature sensor is working properly. Check the controller. |
SE |
Hall sensor problem |
Sensor has broken or damaged wires and connections. |
Evaluate the operation of the sensor as well as its connections. |
OE |
Trouble with water drainage |
Drainage path is clogged and water is still in the tank for 5 minutes after turning on the pump. Drain pump malfunction. Breakdown of water level sensor or electronic controller. |
Evaluate if the drainage system is passable. Verify that the controller is functioning properly. Check the operation of the pressostat. |
AE |
Problem with shutdown |
Float sensor has tripped. |
Check for leaks. Check condition of all connections and assemblies that come in contact with water. |
UE |
Balancing problem |
The laundry is crumpled inside the drum. Insufficient amount of laundry loaded in drum. Controller or motor malfunction. |
Open door and manually remove clumps so laundry is evenly distributed inside drum. If there is too little laundry in the drum, add items to the drum. Check if the drum drive and electronic controller are operating normally. |
The most common faults
LG washing machines are considered to be reliable, because their motor breaks down very rarely and in every second case it is a factory defect that is to blame. Having analyzed the most frequent malfunctions, the specialists in the service centers note that they mostly face such problems:
- Drain pump failure. This is one of the most frequent breakdowns in LG machines, related to the specific design of the drain path and its frequent clogging. The machine does not drain the water and shows error OE.
- Problems with wires and terminals (burning, short-circuiting, fraying and others). The consequence will be a restart or sudden disconnection of the control module.
- Failure of the heating element. Most often such faults are detected by an error message. In addition, if the heating element is defective, the washing process is disturbed, the laundry is washed poorly, the hatch cover is not heated. To confirm the problems with the heater should be measured with a multimeter voltage at its contacts.
- Failure of the pressostat. Most often with such a breakdown occurs self-drainage of water - it without stopping is collected in the tank and immediately drains.
- Wear of the bearings. Their damage is indicated by the appearance of creaking and rumbling, especially when wringing.
- Breakage of the filling valve. Most often it affects the collar and is manifested by a continuous flow of water inside the machine, even if the machine is turned off.
You can replace the bearings at home with your own hands. How to do it on the LG washing machine, see in the video of Vladimir Khatuntsev.
Tips and prevention of breakdowns
- Before carrying out preventive cleaning of the machine, do not forget to disconnect it from the power grid.
- Wipe the outside of the machine with a slightly damp cloth soaked in a neutral non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, wipe the machine dry. Do not use solvents, ethyl alcohol or chlorine for external cleaning.
- Be aware that over time, detergents will form deposits in the container in which they are loaded, so occasionally flush the reservoir with a jet of water, removing it from the machine before cleaning. Clean the drawer drawer with an unwanted toothbrush.
- If your area reports a significant amount of impurities in the water, consider installing a cleaning filter on the main pipe.
- Once every 6 months, clean the drum with the "drum cleaning" function.
- Do not use steel sponges to clean the drum.
- Make sure that no small metal parts (pins, paper clips, buttons) remain in the drum after washing.
- Regularly check the condition of the drainage filter, which will trap any small objects that may fall into the drum with the clothes. If you are going to clean the filter, remember to drain the remaining water by using the small drain hose.
- After each wash, it is recommended to leave the door ajar to air out the drum.
- The door glass on the inside and the rubber door seal should be wiped regularly with a soft dry cloth.
- Check the dosage and other manufacturer's recommendations before adding various descaling agents to the detergent container.
- If you will not use the machine for some time, be sure to close the valve so that water cannot enter the machine. Once the storage period is over, pour the powder into the machine and turn it on for a full cycle without loading any laundry into the machine.
Many methods of prevention are universal and suitable for all brands of washing machines. Watch the Ukrainian program "Everything Budebre" to be aware of how to avoid breakdowns.