Understanding LG Washing machine fault codes

AE – Flooding detected

If your LG washing machine has an anti-flood device this code will show when water is detected in the base of the machine, indicating a leak. Sometimes there may be no water present, but the float of the anti-flood device may be stuck closed. In either case you’ll need an expert to repair the problem, and probably replace the PCB as well.

CE – Possible motor current overload

Before you panic about this LG washing machine error code, check to ensure that you don’t have the drum packed with a too-heavy load. The sensors will be telling you the motor is not powerful enough to turn the drum, or turn it very slowly.

If overloading is not the problem then you are probably looking at a faulty motor, which has short-circuited due to a sudden current overload, or there could be a problem with the PCB (printed circuit board), which means you need professional help to diagnose and fix it.

CL – Child lock

As the initials suggest, this code means the Child Lock feature is activated, locking the control panel. It can be deactivated by pressing and holding the child lock button for several seconds until the CL code disappears.

DE – Problem with the door closure

This code (which can also show as dE1 or dE2) indicates that there is a problem with the LG washing machine’s door lock. It could be that you simply haven’t closed it properly, or it is misaligned because of an obstruction.

If you’ve checked and all is well, then it means there is a fault or malfunction with the door lock mechanism, and this will need replacing.

FE – Faulty water overflow

This code will be displayed during the filling part of the washing machine cycle, indicating there is too much water in the drum. This is probably down to a faulty water valve, or it could be due to low water pressure.

IE – Water supply error

You’ll see this LG washing machine fault code if there is not enough water entering the machine to start the cycle, meaning the water level in your machine is too low. This can often be resolved by checking that the taps are opened sufficiently, and examining the hose for blockages or kinks. If this doesn’t work then its likely there is a problem with the water inlet valve itself, and you’ll need an engineer to fix it.

LE – Overloading

This code is triggered when the machine detects an overload. The motor is unable to turn the drum because the laundry load is too heavy. Reduce the load and all should be well, but if the code doesn’t go away it’s a sign the motor may be faulty.

OE/UE – Unbalanced laundry load

When the wash cycle begins the machine will move the drum to make sure the wash load is evenly distributed. When the machine reaches the spin cycle and the load is unbalanced due to heavy or very large items being inside the code will be triggered and the machine will fail to spin. You can try redistributing the load, and check the machine is standing level on a flat, even surface. If the code persists there could be a problem with the tachometer on the motor.

PE – Water level pressure sensor faulty

This code indicates there is a problem with the sensor that regulates how much water the machine takes in. This can only be rectified by replacing the faulty pressure sensor, or even the printed circuit board itself.

TE – temperature sensor faulty

This code is triggered when the thermistor that regulates the water temperature in the washing machine is faulty, failing to activate the heating element. The machine will stop, and you’ll need to get the faulty thermistor replaced.