LG Washer Error Codes: Full List with Meanings and Fixes

This guide lists the LG washer error codes that LG publishes for its US front-load, top-load and pedestal washers. A few codes, like AE and LE, mean different things on front-loaders and top-loaders, so we flag those. LG notes that codes can vary by model, so your owner’s manual has the final word.

LG washer error codes list

“FL” means front-load and “TL” means top-load. Codes with no note apply to both.

Why do LG washers show two codes for the same problem?

Newer LG front-loaders can show a numeric E-code in place of the familiar letters. For example, LG lists OE, E03 and E21 together as a drain failure, and IE, E02 and E10 together as a water inlet error. The fix is the same no matter which version your display shows.

Some codes also look different because of the display font. LG says the vibration sensor code can appear as “u5” or “uS,” and many people read IE as “1E.” When a code doesn’t match anything, try reading it with letters in place of look-alike numbers.

Water fill codes

What does IE mean on an LG washer?

IE means the washer couldn’t fill with water to the needed level. LG lists a closed or partly closed tap, a kinked or pinched hose, clogged inlet filters and frozen supply lines as the usual causes. LG also says water pressure must be between 14.5 and 116 psi.

Work through these checks:

• Open both taps all the way.
• Straighten kinked hoses and replace damaged ones.
• Turn off the water and clean the mesh inlet filters at the hose connections.
• Make sure hot and cold hoses go to the matching valves.
• On top-loaders, LG says a drain hose more than 4 inches deep in the drainpipe can siphon water out and cause IE.

If IE still returns, LG says the water inlet valve may be faulty and needs service. See our LG washer IE code guide, or the 1E code guide if your display shows a “1.”

What does FE mean on an LG washer?

FE means the washer detected an overfilled tub. LG says it’s usually the result of a faulty water valve. On front-loaders, also check whether water is coming in through the detergent dispenser.

Unplug the washer for 60 seconds, restart it and run a short cycle to test draining. If the tub keeps overfilling, request service. Our LG washer FE code guide explains the checks.

What does PE mean on an LG washer?

PE means the washer is having trouble reading the water level, usually from a faulty pressure (water level) sensor. Unplug it for 10 seconds, plug it back in and restart. LG notes that a washer in a humid room may need a longer 5-minute unplug. If PE returns, it needs repair. See the LG washer PE code guide.

Drain codes

What does OE mean on an LG washer?

OE means the washer can’t drain. LG lists a kinked, clogged or frozen drain hose and a clogged drain pump filter as the main causes. On front-loaders, the pump filter is the first thing to clean.

Steps LG recommends:

• Straighten the drain hose and clear any clog.
• Clean the drain pump filter (front-load).
• Thaw a frozen hose with warm water.
• Run Tub Clean and use less detergent if suds may be slowing the drain.

Read the full LG washer OE code guide for filter cleaning steps.

What does E3 mean on an LG top-loader?

On LG top-loaders, E3 is a drain motor error. LG says freezing can also cause it. Unplug the washer, plug it back in and try again; if it’s cold, thaw the tub and drain hose with warm water first. If E3 repeats in normal temperatures, request service.

Door and lid codes

What does dE mean on an LG washer?

dE means the door or lid is open or not securely closed. LG splits it into versions on many front-loaders:

• dE or dE1 (E01): the door isn’t closed. Check for laundry caught in the gasket and close it again.
• dE2 (E30): the door is closed but won’t lock. Look for anything blocking it, an overloaded drum or a bent latch.
• dE3: on pedestal washers, the lid isn’t latched. Clear clothing from the latch and close the lid and drawer.

If dE keeps showing, power off, unplug, press and hold Start/Pause for 5 seconds, then restore power. See the LG washer dE code guide.

What does dL mean?

On LG top-loaders, dL means the door lock isn’t working. Check the lock on the lid area for foreign objects and avoid running the washer in a very humid space. If the lock is damaged or the code continues, request service.

Balance and spin codes

What does UE mean on an LG washer?

UE means the laundry is bunched to one side or the washer isn’t level. LG says the washer tries to rebalance up to three times on its own. If it can’t, it stops and you need to rearrange the load by hand.

To prevent it, load the drum about two-thirds full, wash bulky items on the Duvet or Bedding cycle, and add a few similar items to very small loads. See the LG washer UE code guide.

What does LE mean on an LG washer?

LE means the motor can’t turn properly, usually because the washer is overloaded or something is stuck. On front-loaders, LG says to unplug for 5 minutes, reduce the load and remove coins or other objects. LG’s general list says to let an overloaded motor rest 30 minutes before restarting.

On top-loaders, LE or LE1 can mean the motor is stuck, often from a coin or object between the wash plate and tub. If no object is found and the code continues, request service. Read the LG washer LE code guide.

What does E6 mean on an LG top-loader?

E6 is a clutch error, often caused by a foreign object between the pulsator and the tub. Empty the tub, check the seam and remove any coin, zipper or clip with pliers. If E6 continues, the washer needs repair. See the LG washer E6 code guide.

What do CE, AE and vS mean?

• CE: motor over-current. Unplug for 10 seconds and retry. If it continues, close the tap, unplug and arrange repair.
• AE (front-load): internal leak; the safety switch tripped. Check the inlet hose for cuts or loose fittings, unplug for 60 seconds and restart.
• AE (top-load): the gears that turn the drum can’t operate, often from a trapped object.
• vS or uS (u5): vibration sensor issue. Press Start/Pause; if it repeats, restart the washer, then contact LG.

Temperature and heating codes

What does tE mean on an LG washer?

tE is a heating or temperature sensor error, usually from a faulty thermistor. On top-loaders, LG says pouring very hot water straight into the tub can also trigger it. Unplug for 10 seconds, restart with no spin and let it drain, then run the cycle again. If tE persists, close the taps, unplug and request repair. See the LG washer tE code guide.

What does FF mean?

FF means the washer is frozen, usually after long cold weather. Thaw the tub and drain hose with warm water and a warm cloth, then thaw the inlet hoses and taps. Run a Spin cycle, then a Rinse and Spin to test.

Status messages that aren’t errors

What does CL mean on an LG washer?

CL means the Child Lock (Control Lock) is on, not that something is broken. The control panel is locked so settings can’t be changed. Press and hold the Child Lock button for 3 seconds to turn it off; on some models it’s a two-button combination. See the LG washer CL code guide.

What does tCL mean on an LG washer?

tCL is a reminder to run the Tub Clean cycle. Run Tub Clean with a recommended washer cleaner. LG suggests doing it about monthly. Choosing another cycle dismisses the reminder. Read the LG washer tCL code guide.

What does PF mean on an LG washer?

PF means the washer lost power during a cycle. On many top-loaders, LG says it’s not an error and the washer will resume. On front-loaders, turn the power off, hold Start/Pause for 5 seconds, restore power and run a cycle. See the LG washer PF code guide.

What do Sud, Cd and OPn mean?

• Sud: too many suds. The washer adds a suds-reducing routine of about 2 hours. Use less HE detergent and only one pod per load.
• Cd: cool down after drying on washer-dryer models. Remove the clothes or press Start/Pause.
• OPn: the detergent drawer wasn’t fully inserted or was opened during the cycle.

Is it different on top-load vs front-load LG washers?

Yes. Most letters match, but a few codes change meaning or appear on only one style. AE is an internal leak on front-loaders and a drum gear problem on top-loaders. E3, E6 and dL are top-load codes, while dE2, OPn and the Ed dispenser codes are front-load codes.

Kenmore washers with a model number starting in 796 use the same code set. Our Kenmore Elite washer error codes guide covers those models.

How do you reset an LG washer?

Turn the washer off, unplug it, press and hold Start/Pause for 5 seconds, then restore power. LG uses this reset for dE and PF codes, and a shorter 10 to 60 second unplug for many sensor codes. Always fix the cause first.

When should you call a pro?

Call for service when a code comes back after you’ve fixed the obvious cause and reset the washer. LG recommends service for repeat FE, PE, tE, CE, dE2 and LE codes.

• FE returns and the tub keeps overfilling.
• PE, tE, CE, dHE, HE or SE comes back after a reset.
• LE or E6 continues with no trapped object found.
• The door or lid stays locked with water inside.
• AE appears with water leaking inside the cabinet.
• OE continues after the hose and pump filter are clear.

Frequently asked questions

Related LG washer error code guides

• LG washer OE code
• LG washer IE code
• LG washer 1E code
• LG washer UE code
• LG washer LE code
• LG washer dE code
• LG washer FE code
• LG washer PE code
• LG washer tE code
• LG washer E6 code
• LG washer PF code
• LG washer CL code
• LG washer tCL code
• All washer error codes