This site is not affiliated with LG; this is an independent explanation.
This LG washing machine error code list explains the two letter codes that appear on the display when a front load or top load LG washer stops mid cycle. The letters stand for the stage that failed: IE for water inlet, OE for drain, UE for unbalance, DE for door, PE for the water level sensor, LE for the motor and so on.
These are the usual meanings, but small differences exist between older and newer series, so confirm in the manual or with LG authorised service. Fixes that involve water taps, filters and the load are fine for you to do. Work on the motor, heater or board is left to a qualified technician.
Common causes
1Low water supply or blocked inlet
How to tellIE shown, with an empty drum or a very slow fill
What fixes itTurn the tap fully on, unkink the hose and wash the small screen at the inlet
2Blocked drain filter or bent hose
How to tellOE shows, the drum keeps its water once the wash is over
What fixes itClean the drain filter and fix the hose height and kinks
3Uneven load inside the drum
How to tellUE shows, thumping noise, spin stops again and again
What fixes itSpread clothes out or take heavy items out
4Door or lid not locked
How to tellDE or a door code shows and the cycle will not run
What fixes itClose the door firmly and keep the seal free of clothes
5Water level sensor problem
How to tellPE shows, or water level looks wrong with a normal tap
What fixes itTechnician checks the sensor, the tube and the wiring
6Motor lock or motor wiring
How to tellLE shows, the drum will not turn though water is present
What fixes itReduce the load once; if it returns, call a technician
7Overfilling or inlet valve fault
How to tellFE (lg washing machine fe error code) shows with too much water in the drum
What fixes itTurn off the tap, drain and call service
How to fix it, step by step
Read the letters carefully
LG codes use upper and lower case letters on seven segment screens, so dE may be the same as DE and tE the same as TE. Look at the display twice before you decide what it says.
Stop the cycle and power off
Press the power button, then pull the plug for a good ten minutes. Many one time codes clear on power up.
Fix the water side if you see IE or FE
For IE, open the tap, make sure the hose is not squashed behind the machine, and rinse the mesh at the inlet. For FE, close the tap, let the machine drain, and ask service to look at the inlet valve.
Clear the drain for OE
On a front load LG, lift the small cover at the bottom front, set a tray below and turn the drain filter slowly. Remove lint, coins and hair pins. On a top load, check the outlet hose is not bent or placed too high.
Re-balance for UE
Open the door after the drum stops and spread the wet clothes evenly. Add a lighter item if the load is only one heavy piece. Start Spin only again.
Check the door or lid for DE
Make sure no cloth is caught in the seal, close the door until it clicks, and look at the latch for a bent or broken part. Never tape or jam the lock; a spinning drum with an open door is dangerous.
Run a short empty cycle and test
After the fix, run a quick rinse. If the same code returns, note it and call authorised service. Our washing machine not working page covers faults with no code, and the other washer code page shows a symptom based way to read codes.
LG washing machine error code list and meanings
| Code | Usual meaning | Can you fix it? |
|---|---|---|
| IE | Water inlet problem | Often yes |
| OE | Drain problem | Often yes |
| UE | Unbalanced load | Yes |
| DE or dE | Door or lid open or not latched | Often yes |
| PE | Water level sensor problem | Technician |
| FE | Too much water or overfill | Technician |
| LE | Motor locked or motor fault | Technician if it returns |
| TE or tE | Heater or temperature sensor problem | Technician |
| CL | Child lock is on | Yes, see the manual |
Some models also add a number after the letters, as in a door code followed by a digit. That digit usually narrows the fault, so quote it fully to service.
Why LG washing machine spin is not working
If the drum fills and washes but will not spin, the machine usually has a drain, balance or door lock issue. Check OE and UE first, then the door latch. A spin that starts and stops with a thump is a load problem, while a spin that never begins with a motor related code needs a technician.
The drum fills, washes well, then the screen shows UE and the spin never reaches full speed. A single wet bedsheet has wrapped into a ball. Redistribute it, add two towels and the spin completes.
Front load and top load differences
Front load LGs depend on a door latch and a pump filter at the front. Top load models rely on a lid switch and a pulsator, with a lint filter inside. The same letters can appear on both but the parts that fail differ. The lg front load washing machine le error code, the lg top load washing machine le error code and the lg top load washing machine de error code are both common searches, and each one leads you back to the motor and lid respectively.
Safety and repair cost notes
Unplug before touching hoses or filters, and wipe spilled water so no one slips. Do not pull at a locked door.
Heater, motor, inlet valve and board faults involve mains power. Leave them to a trained technician. Costs go up with the part, the age of the machine and warranty status, and a cheap drain clean is worth trying before any part is replaced.
Prevent the codes from returning
Clean the drain filter regularly, use only the recommended amount of detergent, and wash big items in smaller batches. Keep the hoses tidy behind the machine. If your AC shows a code too, the LG AC error code list is a separate table.
Frequently asked questions
What does the lg washing machine ue error code mean?
UE says the drum is lopsided. Stop the cycle, even out the wet clothes or take one heavy piece out, then spin again.
What is the PE error in an LG washing machine?
PE usually points to the water level or pressure sensor. Switch off and restart once. If it returns, a technician should check the sensor and its tube.
How do I fix the LE error code on an LG washer?
LE normally refers to the motor. Reduce the load, restart, and if it comes back, stop using the machine and call service, since the motor and wiring need testing.
What does the TE error code mean on an LG washing machine?
On most models TE is a heater or temperature sensor fault. The wash may stay cold. This needs a technician.
What does the DE error mean on an LG top load machine?
DE means the lid or door is open or not latching. Close it fully, clear anything trapped, and check the lid latch if the code stays.
How do I fix the lg washing machine error code ie?
Open the tap, check the hose and clean the inlet mesh. IE means water is not entering properly, so also check household water pressure.