LG washer error codes use two-letter combinations to identify specific problems. The most common codes—OE (drain error), UE/uE (unbalanced load), and IE (water inlet)—can usually be resolved by cleaning filters, redistributing loads, or checking water supply. Critical: lowercase uE means wait, uppercase UE means intervene.
LG washing machines display error codes when the control system detects a problem. This guide covers all error codes across LG’s front load (WM series) and top load (WT series) washers, with critical distinctions for codes that mean different things depending on your washer type.
How to Identify Your LG Washer Model
Your model number indicates the washer type:
| Prefix | Washer Type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| WM | Front Load | WM3400CW, WM4000HBA, WM5500HVA |
| WT | Top Load | WT7000CW, WT7150CW, WT8400CW |
Find your model number inside the door frame (front load) or under the lid (top load).
Display Types
- LCD Digital Display: Shows alphanumeric codes (WT8400CW, WashTower)
- LED Display: Standard error codes on most models
- LED Indicator Lights: Blinking patterns on basic top loaders
- ThinQ App: App notifications on Wi-Fi connected models (2020+)
Error Code Reference Table
| Code | Meaning | Severity | Quick Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| OE | Drain error | Medium | Clean filter, check drain hose |
| IE | Water inlet error | Medium | Check water supply, clean inlet screens |
| FE | Water overflow | High | Turn off water supply immediately |
| Sud/Sd | Excess suds | Low | Wait for auto-clear, use HE detergent |
| uE | Balancing in progress | Info | Wait—washer is self-correcting |
| UE | Unbalanced—stopped | Medium | Redistribute load manually |
| dE | Door not locked | Medium | Close door firmly, check gasket |
| dE1 | Door not closed | Medium | Check for items in gasket |
| dE2 | Door closed but won’t lock | Medium | Check for overloading |
| LE/LE1 | Motor locked | Medium-High | Check for foreign objects, reduce load |
| CE | Overcurrent error | High | Power surge—reset, may need service |
| tE | Temperature sensor error | Medium | Thermistor issue—call tech |
| PE | Pressure sensor error | High | Call technician |
| AE | Leak OR gear error | High | Depends on washer type—see below |
| PF | Power failure | Low | Press START to resume |
| EE | EEPROM error | High | Control board issue—call tech |
| CL | Child Lock active | Info | Not an error—hold button 3 sec to disable |
| tCL | Tub Clean reminder | Info | Not an error—run Tub Clean cycle |
Water and Drainage Errors
OE — Drain Error (Most Common)
What it means: The washer cannot drain water within 13 minutes.
Common causes:
- Clogged drain pump filter (60% of cases on front loaders)
- Kinked or obstructed drain hose
- Drain hose height exceeds maximum (96” front load, 53” SideKick)
- Excessive suds creating air pockets
- Faulty drain pump motor
Critical difference: Front load washers have an accessible filter (bottom-left, behind access panel). Most top load washers have NO user-accessible filter.
Full OE troubleshooting guide →
IE — Water Inlet Error
What it means: Water supply is inadequate—tub doesn’t fill within the expected time.
Common causes:
- Water faucets not fully open
- Kinked water supply hose
- Clogged inlet filter screens (sediment, rust)
- Frozen supply lines (cold climates)
- FloodSafe® hoses (incompatible with LG—can cause false shutoffs)
Water pressure requirement: 14.5-116 psi
Full IE troubleshooting guide →
FE — Water Overflow Error
What it means: The washer is overfilling—water level exceeds safe limits.
Immediate action: Turn off water supply valves immediately to prevent flooding.
Common causes: Faulty water inlet valve (won’t close), water level sensor malfunction.
When to call tech: Required—inlet valve typically needs professional replacement.
Sud/Sd — Excess Suds
What it means: The washer detects too many suds, which can damage the pump and affect cleaning.
What happens: The washer adds approximately 2 hours to the cycle for automatic suds reduction.
Resolution: Wait for automatic clearing. Going forward, use only HE (High Efficiency) detergent and reduce the amount used. Run a Tub Clean cycle afterward.
Unbalanced Load Errors — CRITICAL DISTINCTION
uE vs UE — The Case Matters Completely
This is the most important distinction in LG washer error codes. The lowercase and uppercase versions mean completely different things.
| Feature | uE (lowercase) | UE (UPPERCASE) |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Detecting imbalance, attempting to fix | Failed to balance after 3 attempts |
| Action Required | WAIT | IMMEDIATE intervention |
| Cycle Status | Continuing automatically | PAUSED/STOPPED |
uE (lowercase): The washer detected an unbalanced load and is automatically trying to fix it. It will add water, redistribute clothes, drain, and retry spinning—up to 3 attempts taking 10-15 minutes total. Do nothing—let it work.
UE (UPPERCASE): The washer tried to balance the load 3 times and failed. The cycle has stopped. You must open the door and manually redistribute the laundry.
Common causes:
- Single heavy item (jeans, blanket, towel)
- Too few items in the drum
- Too many items (overloaded)
- Washer not level
- Shipping bolts still installed (new machines—causes severe damage)
Optimal loading: Fill drum to 2/3 capacity. Don’t wash single heavy items alone.
For new LG front load installations, always verify that all 4 shipping bolts have been removed from the rear panel. Leaving them in causes severe vibration and can permanently damage the washer.
Door and Lock Errors
dE / dE1 / dE2 — Door Errors
| Code | Meaning | Common Cause |
|---|---|---|
| dE | Door unable to lock | Door not pushed firmly, control glitch |
| dE1 | Door not closed properly | Laundry caught in gasket, damaged gasket |
| dE2 | Door closed but not locked | Overloaded drum, bent latch |
DIY fix: Open door, check gasket folds for trapped items, clean gasket with mild soap, close door firmly until you hear a click.
Door reset procedure: Unplug washer, wait 1 minute, plug back in, open and close door 6 times within 12 seconds, run rinse and spin cycle to test.
dL — Door Lock Switch Failure (Top Load)
Applies to: Top load washers only
Common causes: Item caught in locking mechanism, humidity damage to lock assembly.
Motor and Drive Errors
LE / LE1 — Motor Locked Error
Critical: This error has DIFFERENT causes depending on washer type.
| Washer Type | Primary Cause | Typical Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Front Load | Motor overloaded, hall sensor failure | Reduce load, check for foreign objects in drum |
| Top Load | Foreign object stuck between pulsator and tub | Remove coins, underwires, paper clips from pulsator gap |
DIY fix: Unplug washer, wait 5 minutes, check drum for foreign objects, reduce load size, restart.
CE — Overcurrent Error
What it means: Over-current detected in the motor’s electrical circuit.
Common causes: Power surge, short circuit in motor, loose electrical connection.
When to call tech: Required if error persists after reset—indicates potential motor, wiring, or control board failure.
E6 — Clutch Error (Top Load Only)
What it means: Problem with the clutch mechanism that controls drum rotation.
Common causes: Coin or foreign object stuck between pulsator and tub, clutch motor malfunction.
Sensor and Communication Errors
tE — Temperature Sensor Error
What it means: Heating error caused by a faulty thermistor (temperature sensor).
Technical reference:
- Top load thermistor: 80,000-90,000 ohms at room temperature
- Front load thermistor: 10-20kΩ at room temperature
When to call tech: Required if error persists—thermistor replacement needed.
PE — Pressure Sensor Error
What it means: The water level sensor is malfunctioning.
When to call tech: Required—professional service needed for pressure sensor issues.
AE — DIFFERENT MEANING BY WASHER TYPE
This code means completely different things depending on your washer:
| Washer Type | AE Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Front Load | Leak detected (AquaProtect system) | Check for water under machine, inspect door seal |
| Top Load | Gear/rotation error | Check for foreign objects in pulsator, may indicate gear mechanism failure |
This distinction is critical—troubleshooting the wrong issue wastes time and could cause further damage.
Power and Control Errors
PF — Power Failure
What it means: Power was interrupted during a wash cycle.
DIY fix: Press START/PAUSE to resume the cycle, or perform a power reset if the cycle won’t continue.
EE — EEPROM/Control Board Error
What it means: Corrupted memory on the main control board.
When to call tech: Required if error persists—main control board likely needs replacement.
PS — Power Supply Voltage Error (Top Load)
What it means: Power supply voltage is outside acceptable range.
Requirement: LG washers need 120VAC (+/- 5%) with correct polarity.
Environmental Errors
FF — Freeze Failure
What it means: Temperature inside the washer dropped below 1°C (34°F), causing water to freeze.
Safe thawing procedure:
- Pour warm water (50-60°C / 122-140°F) into the drum—NEVER use boiling water
- Close door, wait 1-2 hours
- Thaw drain hose with warm, wet cloth
- Run RINSE+SPIN cycle to test
Prevention: Drain all water from hoses if storing or not using the washer during winter.
Status Indicators (NOT Errors)
These codes indicate normal status, not problems:
CL — Child Lock Active
Not an error—the control lock is engaged.
To disable: Press and hold the CHILD LOCK button (or designated button combination) for 3 seconds. Common combinations vary by model: Temp + Rinse, Spin button alone, or Pre-wash + Delay Wash.
tCL — Tub Clean Reminder
Not an error—this maintenance reminder appears every 30 wash cycles.
Resolution: Run the TUB CLEAN cycle with washing machine cleaner (powder recommended). LG recommends monthly tub cleaning. Do NOT use chlorine bleach for regular washing.
Cd — Cool Down
Not an error—on combo washer/dryer units, indicates the drying cycle is complete and the unit is cooling to prevent wrinkles.
DR — Draining
Not an error—on top load washers, indicates automatic drain function is active. Triggers after 8 minutes idle during a cycle or 4 minutes idle after power-on.
Reset Procedures
Standard Reset (Official LG Procedure)
- Press POWER button to turn off the washer
- Unplug from power supply (or turn off circuit breaker)
- Press and hold POWER button for 5 seconds, then press and hold START button for 5 seconds (while still unplugged)
- Wait 5 minutes minimum
- Restore power and retry cycle
Hard Reset (Persistent Issues)
- Power off the machine
- Unplug from wall outlet
- While unplugged, press and hold START/PAUSE for 5 seconds to discharge the control board
- Wait 1-5 minutes
- Plug back in and test
Door Reset (Door Lock Issues)
- Unplug washing machine
- Leave unplugged for 1 minute
- Plug back in
- Open and close door 6 times within 12 seconds
- Run rinse and spin cycle to test
Complete reset procedures guide →
ThinQ Smart Diagnosis
Via App (Wi-Fi connected):
- Open ThinQ app → Select menu icon → Select “Smart Diagnosis”
- Select “Washer” → “Start” → Follow on-screen instructions
Via Phone (No Wi-Fi):
- Call LG Customer Information Center or open ThinQ app
- Hold phone microphone near Power button (within 1 inch, not touching)
- Press and hold Temp button for 3 seconds
- Washer emits tones transmitting diagnostic data
- Agent/app analyzes and reports issues
Filter Cleaning
Front Load Washers
LG front load washers have a drain pump filter located at the bottom-left front, behind an access panel.
Monthly cleaning procedure:
- Place towels and shallow pan under the filter area
- Open access panel
- Pull out small emergency drain hose, remove cap, drain water
- Turn filter counter-clockwise and remove
- Clean debris (coins, lint, small items)
- Reinstall filter, replace cap on drain hose, close panel
Top Load Washers
Most LG top load washers have NO user-accessible drain pump filter. Troubleshooting drain issues focuses on the external drain hose and pump functionality.
Drain Hose Requirements
| Configuration | Maximum Height |
|---|---|
| Front Load | 96 inches (8 feet) from washer bottom |
| Top Load SideKick | 53 inches from floor |
| Anti-siphon loop minimum | 34-40 inches from floor |
When to Call a Professional
Contact LG support or a qualified technician if:
- Error codes persist after reset and troubleshooting
- You see CE, EE, PE, or AE errors (motor/electrical/sensor issues)
- There’s a burning smell or visible sparking
- The washer leaks water during operation
- You hear grinding metal sounds
- The drum doesn’t turn freely by hand
- Your washer is under warranty
LG Customer Support: 1-800-243-0000
Sources
For official LG support and error code verification:
- LG Washer Error Code List
- LG Front Load Washer Error Codes
- LG Top Load Washer Error Codes
- LG Washer Reset Guide
- LG US Support
Other LG Appliances
- LG Dryer Error Codes: Complete Guide
- LG Refrigerator Error Codes: Complete Guide
- LG Dishwasher Error Codes Explained