How to Fix FE Error in LG Washing Machine

What’s the FE Error Anyway?

Picture this: your LG washing machine shows the mysterious FE error, and suddenly your laundry day turns into a detective mission. FE stands for Fill Error, which means your washer is overfilling with water beyond what’s expected for its current cycle. Overfilled? Yep. Like that extra scoop of ice cream your diet warned you against—but with water.

This usually happens because the machine’s water level sensor is confused or getting tricked by wayward water entering the tub, or sometimes due to clogged drainage. So before you swear off laundry forever, here’s how you put your LG washer back on track, one step at a time.

Step 1: Check Your Detergent Usage

First off, if you’re dumping detergent like it’s magic fairy dust, pause. Overuse or using the wrong detergent type can cause excessive suds. These suds fool the washer’s water level sensor into thinking the tub is fuller than it actually is. The solution? Use High-Efficiency (HE) detergent and stick to the manufacturer’s recommended amount.

Think of it like seasoning your food: too much and things get messy fast.

Step 2: Drain Excess Water

If your washer’s tub is literally filled to the brim, it’s time to evacuate that pool party inside. Run a drain/spin cycle to push out excess water. If that doesn’t work or the machine won’t start, manually drain the tub. You can do this by unplugging the machine, locating the drain filter access panel (usually at the bottom front), and slowly opening the filter to drain the water into a shallow pan.

Remember to have towels handy because laundry flood is less fun than it sounds.

Step 3: Clean the Drain Pump Filter

A clogged drain pump filter is a classic culprit behind the FE code. Debris like lint, coins, or stray socks can clog the filter preventing proper drainage, which leads to overfilling.

Locate the filter access panel, remove the filter, clean it out thoroughly, then reinstall it. This simple step often solves the error without the need for fancy tools or plumbing expertise.

Step 4: Inspect the Air Tube and Pressure Sensor

This one sounds fancy, but hang with me: your LG washer uses a pressure sensor connected to an air tube to measure water levels. If this tube is kinked, clogged, or faulty, it gives false readings—causing the washer to freak out and overfill. Inspect the air tube behind the control panel for any blockages or damage.

If you spot a clog, carefully clean it out. If damaged, you might need to replace it or the pressure sensor for the problem to disappear.

Step 5: Check the Water Inlet Valves

Water inlet valves control the flow of cold and hot water into your machine. When these valves malfunction—say, they get stuck open—they keep letting water flood in, which results in the FE error.

Inspect these valves for damage or leaks. If you notice water trickling in when the machine should be off, it’s time for a replacement. You can find quality replacement inlet valves on Amazon India or Amazon Global.

Step 6: Reset the Washing Machine

Sometimes, the genie just needs a little rest. Unplug your LG washing machine from the power source, wait about 10 minutes, then plug it back in. This reset can clear any hiccups in the control board that might be falsely triggering the FE error.

Give this a try before diving into more complex troubleshooting.

Step 7: Consider Advanced Component Checks

If all else fails, the problem might be deeper in the electronics: a faulty pressure sensor or control board can keep your washer thinking it’s drowning in water when it’s not.

If you’re comfortable with technical repairs, test these components using a multimeter, or better yet, call in a professional. LG’s official support page also offers useful diagnostics info.

Bonus Tips & Weather Warnings

In cold climates, water supply or drain hoses can freeze causing weird water level readings. Thaw hoses gently if frozen.
Always unplug your machine before doing any inspections or replacements to avoid electric shock (pretty important!).
If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to LG customer support or a qualified technician – better safe than soggy.

When Laundry Goes Wrong: Real-World Examples

Jake from Ohio shared his experience where excessive detergent caused his LG washer to throw an FE error every time. Switching to HE detergent and lessened scoops fixed it like magic and stopped his laundry room from turning into a suds ocean.

Meanwhile, Maria from New York fixed her FE error by simply cleaning a severely clogged drain pump filter—because turns out, rogue socks do more damage than disappearing into the laundry void.