LG Washer Error Codes Explained: UE, LE, OE and More

LG washer codes are short messages that tell you which part of the cycle failed. The three you will see most are UE (the load is unbalanced), OE (water isn't draining) and LE (the motor is overloaded or locked). Most can be cleared at home by fixing the load, the drain hose or the drain pump filter, while codes like CE, PE or tE that return after a reset usually need a technician.

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LG washer error codes at a glance

The meanings below come from LG's U.S. error code list and its WashTower error code guide. Not every model shows every code, so match yours against your owner's manual.

Before you check anything yourself

Unplug the washer before you reach into the pump filter, pull the washer out or open any panel. GE's washer manual makes the point that pressing the power button does not disconnect a washer from the electrical supply. Also turn off both the hot and cold supply valves, so a loose hose can't spray while you work.

UE: unbalanced load

UE means the drum can't spin evenly. LG's fix depends on the washer type:

• Front load: if the load is small, add a few similar items. If UE shows up near the end of a cycle, the clothes are heavy with water, so rearrange them and spin again.
• Top load: the washer tries to rebalance itself up to three times. If the cycle pauses, spread the items around the basket by hand.

LG also says to make sure the washer sits level and to remove coins or other small objects from the drum. If UE keeps coming back with normal loads, worn suspension or shock parts are a likely cause. Our guide to a washer not spinning walks through the brand-neutral checks.

OE: water isn't draining

LG's first two checks for OE are the drain hose and the drain pump filter. Look behind the washer for a kinked or crushed hose, and in winter make sure it isn't frozen.

Front loaders have a drain pump filter behind a small service panel at the lower left corner. With the washer unplugged and the valves off, set a shallow pan and towels underneath, drain the water through the small hose, then unscrew the filter and clear lint, hair and coins. LG recommends cleaning it at least monthly, more often with heavy use.

Top loaders don't follow those filter steps. Check the drain hose and the house drain, and leave the pump inside the cabinet to a technician. If OE returns with a clean filter and a clear hose, the drain pump itself is the next suspect. See washer not draining for more drain checks.

LE: motor overloaded or locked

LE means the motor tried to turn the drum and couldn't. LG lists overloading, running cycles back to back and an object trapped between the drum and the tub as common causes. Remove part of the load, check the drum for anything wedged in place, and let the washer rest about 30 minutes before trying again. LG top loaders use a direct drive motor rather than a belt, so a repeat LE with a light load points to the motor, its wiring or the motor control, which a technician tests.

IE, FE and PE: water level codes

IE means the washer isn't getting enough water. LG says to open both taps fully, straighten any kinked inlet hoses and clean the inlet filters, which clog faster in hard-water areas. For LG top loaders, LG lists a water pressure range of 14.5 to 116 psi. If the taps and filters are fine, a technician checks the water inlet valve. Our guide to a washer not filling with water covers the rest.

FE (too much water) and PE (level sensor can't read) both involve the water level sensor, which LG connects with a small hose. Oversudsing and a clogged drain filter can trigger FE, so try less detergent first. A clogged or loose sensor hose or a failed sensor needs a technician.

dE: door or lid lock

An LG washer won't run until the door or lid locks. LG says to close it fully and check that no laundry is caught in the door or gasket. On top loaders, the washer won't spin until the lid is locked. A bent latch, a torn gasket or a failed door lock sensor needs service.

CE, tE and other codes that need a technician

CE points to motor over-current or a damaged motor control part. LG's advice is to unplug the washer for about 10 seconds, plug it back in and try a cycle. If CE comes back, close the water taps, leave it unplugged and arrange a repair. tE (temperature sensor) and a PE that returns after a reset also need a technician's meter. LG's Smart Diagnosis feature, run through the LG ThinQ app, can report what the washer detects before the visit.

Codes that aren't faults

tCL is a reminder to run TubClean, which LG suggests about monthly. CL is the control lock. Sud means too many suds and can add a long rinse to the cycle. PF just means the power went out mid-cycle. Regular tub cleaning also helps if your washer smells like mildew.

When to stop DIY

Call a pro if a code comes back after a power reset and the basic checks, if the drum won't turn with a small balanced load, if the pump hums without moving water, if you smell burning, or if water is on the floor. Front-load and top-load LG washers fail in different places, as our guide to front-load vs top-load washer problems explains.

What an LG code repair might cost

Fixr puts a typical service call at $50 to $100, often waived if you go ahead with the repair. Its typical repair prices include a door lock at $110 to $200, a water inlet valve at $95 to $190, a water level switch at $100 to $225, a drain pump at $300 to $400, a control board at $250 to $400 and a motor at $300 to $500. Fixr suggests replacing the washer when a repair would cost more than half the price of a comparable new one. See our washing machine repair cost guide for more.

Find an LG washer technician

Browse our LG washer repair directory, or start in a city such as LG washer repair in New York or LG washer repair in Los Angeles. If you also own a Samsung, compare with our Samsung washer error codes guide.