LG Washer Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them
What the common LG front-load washer codes mean, including OE (won't drain), IE (no water) and UE (unbalanced load), plus what to check before you book a repair.
An LG washer shows a short code on its display when it detects something it cannot work around: water that will not drain, a door that will not lock, a load that is badly out of balance. The code is a pointer, not a diagnosis, and a lot of them clear with a simple check. This guide is based on LG's front-load washer code list, so if you have a top-load LG washer, some codes may be different.
Start by finding your model number. On a washer it is usually on a label inside the door opening, on the back panel or on the edge of the cabinet. Codes can vary by model and model year, and some older machines show an E number instead of a letter code, so we list the alternate display next to each code where LG gives one.
Unplug the washer before reaching for hoses or the drain pump filter, and keep a towel and shallow pan handy because water will come out.
Never open the cabinet or touch wiring. If a code points to a motor, heater, sensor or board, leave it for a technician.
Drain and water supply codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| OE (E03, E21) | The washer cannot drain the water. | Straighten the drain hose, clean the drain pump filter, use less detergent. | The code returns after the hose and filter are clear. |
| IE (E02, E10) | Not enough water is coming into the tub. | Open both taps, straighten the inlet hoses, clean the hose inlet filters. | Water reaches the hoses but the tub still will not fill. |
| FF (u51) | The washer is frozen or too cold to run. | Warm the room, then thaw the tub, drain hose and inlet hoses with warm water. | FF shows when the room is not cold. |
LG washer OE (E03, E21) error
OE means the washer could not pump its water out. The usual causes are a kinked or clogged drain hose, a blocked drain pump filter, or too much detergent making suds that the pump cannot move. Check behind the washer for a kink, then clean the pump filter through the small access door at the bottom front, with a towel and shallow pan ready. If both are clear, run a tub clean cycle with less detergent, and book a repair if OE comes back.
LG washer IE (E02, E10) error
IE means the tub did not fill to the right level in the time allowed. Make sure both water taps are fully open, the inlet hoses are not pinched behind the machine, and that water is actually running from the taps. In winter, a frozen tap or hose can cause it too. If the taps and hoses are fine and the filters on the hose ends are clean, the fill valve may be at fault and the washer needs a technician.
LG washer FF (u51) error
FF stands for freeze failure. It appears when the inside of the washer gets very cold and water in the hoses or drain may have frozen, and the controls stay locked out until the machine warms up. Thaw it with warm water only, never boiling water, and let the hoses and taps thaw fully before running a cycle. If FF shows up in a warm room, the washer needs service.
Model note: LG's page lists u51 together with the vS vibration sensor code, so check the page for your model if you see u51 and it is not cold.
Code keeps coming back? Book a washer repair and tell us the code and your model number.
Overfill and leak codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| FE (E04, E12) | Too much water has entered the tub. | Look for water coming in through the detergent drawer, then power the washer off for 60 seconds. | FE comes back after a power cycle. |
| AE | A water leak was detected inside the washer. | Check the inlet hoses for loose connections or cuts, then power off for 60 seconds. | AE returns, or water is on the floor. |
LG washer FE (E04, E12) error
FE is an overfill warning. The washer runs its drain pump to protect against leaks, and extra water can sneak into the drum through the detergent dispenser. Check whether water is running into the drum when the washer is idle, unplug it for a minute, then try a short cycle. If FE persists, the water inlet valve usually needs to be inspected by a technician.
LG washer AE error
AE means the washer has sensed water where it should not be. A built-in safety switch trips so the machine does not flood the floor. Look at the inlet hose connections for drips or cuts, and if you find a damaged hose, close the tap until it is replaced. If AE returns after a restart, book a service visit.
Load, door and spin codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| UE | The load is unbalanced in the drum. | Pause, redistribute the laundry, adjust the load size, and make sure the washer is level. | UE keeps appearing on a small, even load with a level washer. |
| dE (dE1, dE2, E01, E30) | The door is not closed or not locked. | Clear anything caught in the door seal, close the door firmly, then do the power reset below. | The door code returns after a reset. |
| LE | The drum cannot turn. | Unload the washer, remove anything stuck in the tub, unplug for 5 minutes and retry. | LE returns with an empty, clear tub. |
LG washer UE error
UE is the unbalanced load code: the drum could not spread the laundry evenly enough to spin safely. Pause the cycle and redistribute the load, and avoid washing a single heavy item such as a blanket or a bath mat on its own. A drum about two thirds full usually balances best. If UE keeps coming back, check that the washer sits level and does not rock when you push on its corners.
LG washer dE (dE1, dE2, E01, E30) error
dE means the washer could not confirm that its door is shut and locked. The most common cause is a sock or other item caught between the door and the rubber seal. Open the door, clear the seal, close it firmly and try again, and if that fails use the power reset described below. A bent or broken door latch needs a technician.
Model note: LG lists dE and dE1 (E01) as a door that is not closed properly, and dE2 (E30) as a door that is closed but not locked.
LG washer LE error
LE means the motor could not turn the drum. Overloading is a common cause, and so is a coin or other small object lodged in the tub. Reduce the load, remove any foreign object you can see, then unplug the washer for five minutes and try again. If LE keeps appearing, the motor or its control needs a technician.
Sensor, heating and electrical codes
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE | The water level sensor is not working properly. | Unplug for 10 seconds, plug back in and restart the cycle. | PE returns after the restart. |
| tE | A heating or temperature sensor error. | Unplug for 10 seconds, plug back in and drain the washer, then restart. | tE comes back after the restart. |
| CE | An over-current fault in the motor circuit. | Unplug the washer for 10 seconds and try a cycle. | CE shows again. |
| PF | Power was interrupted during a cycle. | Do the power reset below, then run a cycle. | PF returns after a reset. |
LG washer PE error
PE points to the water level sensor, which tells the washer how full the tub is. A brief power cycle clears a temporary glitch, so unplug the washer for ten seconds and restart the cycle. If PE appears again, the sensor or its connection needs to be inspected by a technician.
LG washer tE error
tE is a heating error, most often traced to a faulty thermistor (the temperature sensor). Unplug the washer for ten seconds, power it back on and let it drain before you restart a wash. If tE returns, close the water taps, unplug the washer and book a repair.
LG washer CE error
CE is an electrical over-current warning from the motor circuit, which can come from a short circuit, a loose connection, a ground fault or a power surge. Unplug the washer for ten seconds and run a cycle to see if it was a one-off. If CE persists, close the water tap, leave the washer unplugged and book a technician.
LG washer PF error
PF means the washer lost power mid-cycle, often from a power outage. It is usually cleared with the power reset described below. If PF keeps appearing without an outage, the washer needs a technician.
Messages that are not faults
| Code | What it means | What you can safely check | When to call a technician |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sud | Too many suds were detected. | Use less HE detergent next time and follow the dosing on the label. | Suds keep returning with the correct amount of HE detergent. |
| tCL | Time to run a tub clean cycle. | Empty the drum, add washing machine cleaner and run the Tub Clean cycle. | Nothing needed, it is a reminder. |
| CL | Child lock is on. | Hold the child lock button for 3 seconds. | Nothing needed, it is not a fault. |
LG washer Sud error
Sud means the washer found too much foam and has added a suds-reducing step, which makes the cycle noticeably longer. It is almost always too much detergent, or a detergent that is not high efficiency. Use the amount on the label, check that the detergent is marked HE, and never put powder in the liquid cup. Book a service if suds keep appearing with the right detergent.
LG washer tCL error
tCL is a maintenance reminder, not a fault. Empty the drum, add a washing machine cleaner and run the Tub Clean cycle. The message may show for a few cycles afterwards, and a monthly tub clean keeps it from coming back.
LG washer CL error
CL is not an error. It means the child lock is on, so the control panel ignores button presses. With the washer powered on, press and hold the child lock button for three seconds to turn it off. On some models the lock is a combination of two buttons.
How to reset your LG washer
For door codes and PF, LG documents a power reset. Cut power to the washer, hold the start button while it is off, then restore power and try again.
- Turn the washer off, then unplug it or switch off its breaker.
- With the power off, press and hold START/PAUSE for 5 seconds.
- Plug the washer back in or switch the breaker on, then try a cycle.
Frequently asked questions
What does OE mean on my LG washer?
OE means the washer could not drain its water. Check the drain hose for a kink and clean the drain pump filter, and use less detergent if suds were the cause. If OE returns, the drain pump may need replacing.
What does IE mean on my LG washer?
IE means the tub is not getting enough water. Open both taps, straighten the inlet hoses and clean the filters on the hose ends. If water is reaching the machine but IE stays, the fill valve probably needs a technician.
What does UE mean on my LG washer?
UE means the load is unbalanced in the drum. Pause the cycle, spread the laundry out evenly, and check that the washer is level. Washing one large item on its own is a common trigger.
What does dE mean on my LG washer?
dE means the washer could not confirm the door is closed and locked. Clear anything caught in the door seal, close the door firmly and try the power reset. If it keeps returning, the door latch may need repair.
Related
Codes and their meanings vary by model and model year, so keep your model number handy. If a code keeps returning after the safe checks above, book a repair and a technician will test your washer in your home.
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