LG Washer Error Codes — What They Mean and What to Do
LG washing machines display error codes when they detect a problem during the wash cycle. Some of these are things you can fix yourself in five minutes. Others point to a failed component that needs professional repair. Here is a straightforward guide to the most common LG washer error codes.
OE — Drain Error
The washer cannot drain the water within the expected time. This is one of the most common LG washer errors.
What to check: Clean the drain pump filter (located behind the small access panel on the lower front of the washer). Check the drain hose for kinks. Make sure the standpipe or drain connection is not clogged.
What it usually means: A clogged drain pump filter — coins, hair ties, small socks, and debris collect there. If the filter is clean and the hose is clear, the drain pump motor itself may have failed.
UE (or uE) — Unbalanced Load
The washer detected an unbalanced load during the spin cycle. Note the difference: lowercase uE means the washer is still trying to redistribute the load. Uppercase UE means it gave up.
What to check: Open the washer and redistribute the clothes evenly. Avoid washing single heavy items alone — add towels to balance the load. Make sure the washer is level on the floor.
What it usually means: Usually just a load distribution issue. If UE happens on every load, check the shock absorbers (front-load) or suspension rods (top-load) — worn suspension components cannot keep the drum stable during spin.
LE — Motor Lock Error
The motor is unable to turn the drum. The washer may have stopped mid-cycle.
What to check: Unplug the washer for 10 minutes and restart. Check if the drum turns freely by hand.
What it usually means: A failed hall sensor (rotor position sensor), a failed stator, or a worn motor coupling. On direct-drive LG washers, the hall sensor is the most common culprit. Overloading the washer repeatedly can also trigger LE.
PE — Water Level Sensor Error
The water level pressure switch is not reading correctly. The washer cannot determine how much water is in the tub.
What to check: Unplug and restart. There is not much you can do for this one at home.
What it usually means: The pressure switch or its air hose has failed. The pressure switch uses a small rubber tube connected to the bottom of the tub — if that tube is kinked, cracked, or disconnected, you will get PE.
DE — Door Lock Error
The washer door or lid is not locked or the lock mechanism is not engaging properly. The washer will not start or fill with water.
What to check: Make sure the door is fully closed and nothing is caught in the door seal. Try pressing the door firmly and restarting.
What it usually means: The door latch or lock assembly has failed. On front-load LG washers, the door lock mechanism wears out over time. On top-load models, the lid switch (older models) or lid lock assembly (newer models) can fail.
IE — Inlet Water Error
The washer is not filling with water or is filling too slowly.
What to check: Make sure both hot and cold water supply valves behind the washer are fully open. Check the inlet hose screens for sediment buildup — small mesh screens inside the hose connections at the back of the washer.
What it usually means: Clogged inlet screens (especially common in Lubbock with our hard water), a failed water inlet valve, or low water pressure. Cleaning the screens fixes this about half the time.
FE — Overflow Error
The washer has too much water in the tub. The drain pump will activate automatically as a safety measure.
What to check: Are you using too much detergent? Excessive suds can trigger this. Run a clean cycle with no detergent.
What it usually means: A stuck-open water inlet valve is letting water in continuously. Less commonly, the pressure switch is misreading the water level.
tCL — Tub Clean Reminder (Not an Error)
This is a maintenance reminder, not an error code. LG washers display tCL after approximately 30 wash cycles to remind you to run the tub clean cycle.
What to do: Run the Tub Clean cycle (empty drum, no clothes). You can use a washing machine cleaner tablet or a cup of white vinegar. The reminder clears after the cycle completes.
CL — Child Lock (Not an Error)
Child Lock is activated. The washer buttons are disabled.
What to do: Press and hold the Child Lock button (or the designated button combination for your model) for 3 seconds. The CL indicator will turn off and the buttons will work again.
When to Call a Technician
If OE returns after cleaning the drain filter, if LE appears on every cycle, if PE or DE codes keep coming back after a reset — the underlying component has failed and needs replacement. These are not codes that fix themselves over time.
We repair LG washers in Lubbock, including direct-drive motor systems, hall sensors, drain pumps, and door lock assemblies. Schedule a washer repair or request a repair online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I reset my LG washing machine?
A: Unplug the washer for 10 minutes and plug it back in. If the error code returns, the issue requires professional diagnosis.
Q: What does tCL mean on my LG washer?
A: tCL is a tub clean reminder, not an error. Run the Tub Clean cycle with an empty drum to clear it. LG recommends this every 30 washes.
Q: Where is the drain filter on an LG front-load washer?
A: Behind a small access panel on the lower front. Place a towel underneath before opening — residual water will come out. Turn the filter cap counterclockwise to remove and clean it.
LG washer giving you trouble? Request a repair or call (806) 730-6300.
If your washer is stuck with water in the tub, see our washer not draining guide.
