An LG display that shows two letters instead of a time is telling you which part of the cycle it gave up on. Some of these codes are something you can sort out yourself; others mean a part needs testing. Below are the codes LG lists for its washers, dryers and dishwashers, what LG says each one means, and the checks LG itself suggests. Codes differ between models and generations, so check what your own manual says against the model number on the plate — here is where to find it.
LG washers
OE — the washer can’t drain
LG says the washer is unable to drain its water. The usual causes LG gives are a kinked drain hose or a clogged drain pump filter.
- Make sure the drain hose isn’t kinked or crushed behind the machine.
- Clean the drain pump filter, following the steps in your manual. Have towels and a shallow pan ready; there will be water.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
IE — water isn’t coming in
The tub didn’t fill to the right level in the time the washer allows.
- Check both taps behind the washer are fully open.
- Check the inlet hoses aren’t kinked.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
UE — unbalanced load
LG says the laundry has piled up on one side of the drum and the washer couldn’t spread it out. A washer that isn’t level can cause it too.
- Redistribute the load, especially one heavy item like a blanket, and restart.
- Check the washer sits level and doesn’t rock.
dE — the door won’t lock
The washer can’t lock its door.
- Make sure nothing — a sleeve, a sock — is caught in the door, and close it firmly.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
FE — overfilling
LG says the washer is overfilling, usually from a faulty water valve. That is a part, not a setting.
Turn the taps off and call for service.
tE — heating error
LG lists tE as a heating error. LG’s suggestion is to unplug the washer briefly, plug it back in and try again.
If the code comes back, the machine needs a technician.
What the common LG washer, dryer and dishwasher codes mean, in LG’s own words, and the checks LG says you can do before calling anyone.
LG dryers
d80, d90, d95 — Flow Sense: the vent is restricted
LG’s Flow Sense measures how freely air leaves the dryer. These codes mean the exhaust is restricted: about 80, 90 or 95 per cent. On a gas dryer, LG notes d80 can also mean the gas supply isn’t reaching it — that is a job for a professional.
- Clean the lint screen.
- Check the duct behind the dryer isn’t crushed or kinked.
- Check the vent hood outside opens when the dryer runs.
If the code stays, the vent run itself likely needs cleaning — see dryer duct cleaning.
tE1, tE2, tE3 — temperature sensor
LG ties these to the dryer’s temperature sensor (thermistor); LG notes tE2 often shows up in cold conditions. LG’s first step is a reset: unplug the dryer, then plug it back in.
If the code comes back, the machine needs a technician.
nP — no power at the heater
LG says no current is reaching the heater, pointing to the home’s wiring rather than the dryer.
- Reset the dryer’s breaker.
If it continues, LG recommends an electrician check the outlet.
PS — incorrect voltage at the power cord
LG describes PS as an improper voltage in the power cord, for example reversed wires at the dryer’s terminal block. That is electrical work: call a professional rather than opening the block yourself.
LG dishwashers
OE — not draining
LG says the dishwasher detected a drain problem, usually food debris or an installation issue.
- Clean the filter at the bottom of the tub.
- Check the drain hose under the sink isn’t kinked.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
IE — not enough water coming in
The water level didn’t rise high enough during the fill.
- Check the water supply valve under the sink is fully open.
If the code comes back after those checks, the machine needs a technician.
AE — too much water / leak
LG says more water than normal was supplied; it can happen after a move or a new installation.
If it persists, LG says a technician needs to inspect it.
LE — wash motor
LG ties LE to the cleaning motor and says it needs a technician.
HE — water not heating
LG says the water supplied isn’t being heated; it needs a technician.
tE — temperature
LG says the water is too hot or the temperature sensor has a problem. If it persists, the dishwasher needs service.
PF — power failure
LG points to the circuit: it may not support the dishwasher. LG asks for a dedicated, grounded circuit and no extension cord.
CL — not an error
CL is Child Lock. LG notes it isn’t an error code; turn Child Lock off as your manual describes.
Where this comes from
Every meaning above is the manufacturer’s own, from its support pages:
- LG Canada — washer error codes
- LG Canada — Flow Sense (dryer)
- LG — dryer error code list
- LG Canada — dishwasher guide to error codes
A code tells you where the machine gave up, not always why. If the simple checks don’t clear it, that’s what a diagnosis is for.
Not sure what you’re looking at?
Kodiak covers Edmonton and the Capital Region, and Calgary and area. Get in touch if you’d like a straight answer on what your repair is likely to involve.
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