What the LG washing machine codes mean
The meanings below are LG's own. The checks are the safe ones our technicians recommend. Switch the machine off at the wall for a few minutes after each check, then restart.
IE: Water inlet error
What it means: The machine is not getting enough water within the set time.
What you can check: Check that the tap is fully open, the inlet hose is not kinked or squashed behind the machine, and the filter screen at the hose connection is clean.
Read our guide: Why Is My Washing Machine Not Filling With Water?
OE: Water outlet (drain) error
What it means: Water is not draining out of the drum.
What you can check: Check the drain hose for kinks and clean the drain pump filter behind the small panel at the bottom front. Have a towel and a tray ready, as water will come out.
UE: Unbalance error
What it means: The load is bunched on one side, so the drum cannot spin safely.
What you can check: Spread the load evenly and run a spin again. A single heavy item, such as a towel or a bath mat, often causes it. Check that the machine stands level and does not rock.
Read our guide: Why Is My Washing Machine Making a Noise When Spinning?
dE, dE1, dE2, dE4: Door error
What it means: The door is not closed or the door lock is not working.
What you can check: Open the door, check that no clothing is caught in the seal and close it firmly until it clicks. If the code returns, the door lock or switch needs testing.
LE: Motor locked error
What it means: The motor cannot turn the drum.
What you can check: An overloaded drum can cause it. Remove some of the load, switch off for a few minutes and restart. If LE returns with a normal load, the motor or its wiring needs a technician.
FE: Overflow error
What it means: There is too much water in the drum.
What you can check: Switch the machine off and close the tap. This usually points to an inlet valve that does not close or a faulty water level sensor, which needs a technician.
PE: Pressure sensor error
What it means: The sensor that measures the water level is not working properly.
What you can check: Switch off at the wall for a few minutes and restart. If the code stays, the pressure sensor or its hose needs testing.
AE: Water leakage
What it means: The machine has detected a leak.
What you can check: Switch off at the wall, close the tap and check the hoses and the filter panel for leaks. Do not keep running the machine while it leaks.
Read our guide: Why Is My Washing Machine Leaking From Underneath?
tE: Control error
What it means: A fault in the control or heating circuit.
What you can check: Switch off at the wall for a few minutes and restart. If the code returns, a technician needs to test the heater, sensor and control board.
vS: Vibration sensor error
What it means: The sensor that detects vibration is not working properly.
What you can check: Check that the machine is level and nothing touches it during the spin. If the code stays, the sensor needs testing.
PF: Power failure
What it means: The power was cut during the cycle.
What you can check: This often shows after load shedding. Press Start to continue the cycle. If it shows without a power cut, check the plug and socket.
FF: Frozen failure
What it means: Water in the hoses or pump may be frozen.
What you can check: This is rare in Gauteng but can happen in an unheated outside room on a very cold night. Let the machine warm up before you restart.
When to stop and call a technician
The same code comes back after these checks, the machine shows LE, PE, FE or tE, it trips the power, you smell burning or water is leaking onto the floor. Switch off at the wall and close the tap before you open the filter panel.
Still having trouble with your lg error codes?
Our technician comes to your home, usually the same day. The R450 call-out falls away if you go ahead, and you get a fixed price in writing before any work starts.
How a technician deals with the code
- Check the code historyThe technician runs the machine's test mode to see which codes it has stored.
- Test the partThe part behind the code is tested, for example the inlet valve, drain pump, door lock, pressure sensor or motor.
- Fixed priceYou get a fixed price in writing before any part is replaced.
Code meanings on this page come from LG support: front load washing machine error messages. See also our LG washing machine repairs page.