LG Washing Machine Error Codes Explained
LG washing machines display two-letter error codes when they detect a fault. These codes are designed to help you diagnose problems before calling a technician — and in many cases, you can fix the issue yourself in minutes. This guide covers all LG washing machine error codes for both front-load and top-load models sold in India.
LG Error Code Complete Reference Table
| Error Code | Meaning | Fix Yourself? |
|---|---|---|
| IE | Water inlet error — machine not filling | Yes |
| OE | Outlet error — water not draining | Yes |
| UE | Unbalanced error — load not balanced | Yes |
| PE | Water pressure/level sensor error | No |
| TE | Thermistor (temperature sensor) error | No |
| FE | Water overflow error | Sometimes |
| LE | Locked rotor error — motor locked | No |
| DE / DE1 / DE2 | Door error — door not closed or locked | Yes |
| CL | Child lock is active (not an error) | Yes |
| tCL | Tub clean reminder (not an error) | Yes |
| PF | Power failure mid-cycle | Yes |
| dHE | Steam heater error (steam models only) | No |
| E6 | Motor error (older models) | No |
Step-by-Step Fixes
IE — Water Not Filling
- Confirm the water tap is fully open.
- Check the inlet hose for kinks.
- Turn off the tap, disconnect the inlet hose, and clean the small mesh filter in the hose fitting with a toothbrush under running water.
- Reconnect, turn on the tap, restart the wash.
If IE persists after 5 minutes of filling time, the inlet valve is faulty.
OE — Water Not Draining
- Access the drain pump filter at the bottom front of the machine (covered by a small panel).
- Place a tray to catch water. Slowly unscrew the filter cap — water will flow out.
- Remove and clean the filter thoroughly. Lint, hair, and small objects cause OE.
- Check the drain hose for kinks and that the drain outlet is not blocked.
- Reinstall the filter and test with a drain-only cycle.
UE — Unbalanced Load
- Open the door, redistribute clothing evenly in the drum.
- For duvets or bedsheets, add 2–3 smaller items to balance.
- Avoid washing single very heavy items alone.
- Press Start to resume.
CL — Child Lock Active
CL is not an error — it means the child lock is on and the buttons are disabled. To deactivate: press and hold the Child Lock button (or designated button combination — check your model’s manual) for 3–5 seconds. The CL display will disappear and buttons will respond normally.
tCL — Tub Clean Reminder
This is a maintenance reminder, not a fault. Run a Tub Clean cycle (usually with tub clean tablets or just hot water, no clothes). After completing, the tCL message will reset.
DE / DE1 / DE2 — Door Error
- Open the door fully, ensure no fabric is caught in the seal, then close firmly.
- For DE2 specifically (hinge area fault on some front-load models) — check the door hinge isn’t bent.
- Reset by unplugging for 5 minutes. If the error persists after restarting, the door lock module needs replacement.
PF — Power Failure
PF appears when power was interrupted mid-cycle. Press Start to continue the cycle from the current point, or press Cancel/Power to start fresh.
How to Reset an LG Washing Machine
Unplug the machine for 5–10 minutes, plug back in. Alternatively, on some LG models: press and hold the Start/Pause button for 5 seconds to perform a soft reset without unplugging.
LG Service Contact India
Call LG India customer care at 1800 315 9999 or 1800 180 9999 (toll-free). Book service online at lgservice.com. LG has one of the widest authorised service networks in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my LG show OE even after cleaning the drain filter?
If OE persists after cleaning the filter, the drain pump itself may be blocked with a foreign object (coin, button, sock) that didn’t come out with the filter. The pump may need to be removed and cleaned — call LG service.
My LG shows UE repeatedly even after redistributing clothes — why?
If UE keeps recurring, check that the machine is perfectly level on the floor. An unlevel machine will trigger UE repeatedly. Adjust the leg levellers at the bottom of the machine until it sits flat.
Does LG LE error mean the motor is burned?
Not always. LE can appear if the drum is overloaded or if a foreign object is jamming the motor. Reduce the load and restart. If LE appears on an empty drum, the motor or Hall sensor is likely faulty.