Modern LG washers flash a short code when something’s wrong — and the good news is that many of these are quick, do-it-yourself fixes, not a reason to replace the machine. Here’s what each LG washing-machine error code means, what to try first, and when it’s time to call a technician.

LG washer error codes at a glance

Code What it means What to try
OE Water won’t drain Straighten the drain hose; clean the drain pump filter
IE Not enough water coming in Open both taps fully; unkink fill hoses; clean inlet screens
UE / Ub Unbalanced load Redistribute the laundry; make sure the washer is level
dE / dE1 / dE2 Door won’t lock Close the door firmly; unplug 10 sec to reset
LE Motor overloaded / locked Reduce the load; rest 30 min, then restart
tE Heating fault Reset; if it returns, needs service
PE Water-level sensor fault Reset; usually needs service
FE Overfilling Turn off taps, drain, restart; may need a valve/sensor
CE Electrical circuit fault Unplug 10 sec; if it returns, needs service
PF Power failure during a cycle Restore power; hold Start 5 sec and retry
tCL Tub-clean reminder Run the Tub Clean cycle (not a fault)
SUD Too many suds Use less — and HE detergent only
CL Child lock is on Hold the Child Lock button ~3 sec to turn off
CD Cool-down (dryer combo) Not a fault — remove clothes or press Start

Codes vary slightly by model — check your owner’s manual if yours isn’t listed.

The most common codes — and how to fix them

OE — won’t drain

Water can’t drain out. Try first: straighten the drain hose and clean the drain-pump filter (behind the small panel at the bottom front). Still stuck? The drain pump may be failing — see washer won’t drain, or have us take a look.

IE — won’t fill

The washer isn’t getting enough water. Try first: make sure both water taps are fully open and the fill hoses aren’t kinked, then clean the inlet screens. Still stuck? The inlet valve may need replacing — see washer won’t fill.

UE — unbalanced load

The drum can’t balance the load enough to spin. Try first: open the door, redistribute the laundry, and confirm the machine is level. Recurring? Worn suspension or a bad sensor can cause it — see washer won’t spin.

dE — door won’t lock

The door latch didn’t engage. Try first: close the door firmly and unplug the washer for 10 seconds to reset. Still stuck? The door-lock assembly may need replacing.

LE — motor overloaded or locked

The motor is overloaded or the rotor is jammed. Try first: reduce the load and let the washer rest 30 minutes, then restart. Recurring? This can point to a Hall-sensor or motor issue that needs service.

Codes that usually need a technician

A few codes point to electrical or sensor faults rather than something you can clear at home — tE (heating), PE (water-level sensor), CE (circuit fault), and FE (overfilling). If one of these keeps coming back after a reset, it’s worth a professional diagnosis before it does more damage.

The bottom line

Most LG washer error codes come down to an inexpensive part or a simple blockage — repairing is almost always cheaper than replacing the machine. If a code won’t clear, our technicians fix LG washers (and every major brand) across the DFW area, usually same-day. Not sure yours is worth fixing? See our washer repair-or-replace guide.

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Washer showing an error? · Appliance repair FAQ