LG Washer UE, OE, IE or LE Error? What Each Code Means & Fixes

UE: the load is unbalanced

LG's wording: the UE error occurs when the laundry is stuck to one side and becomes unbalanced even after the washer has tried to spin it loose. It's usually not a fault at all. Check:

1. Spread the load. Pause, take the laundry out, and put it back evenly.
2. Load size. LG says the washer balances best at about two-thirds full. LG also lists a load that's too small as a cause — add a few similar items.
3. What's in the drum. LG warns against bath mats, rugs, rubber mats and pillows; wash the covers only. Use the Duvet cycle for comforters.
4. Level the washer. Rock it front to back and side to side; adjust the feet until it sits firmly. Old NYC floors are rarely flat.

On LG top-loaders, a small uE on the display isn't an error yet: LG says the washer is rebalancing on its own and will try up to three times. A capital UE with the cycle paused means it gave up and wants you to rearrange the load.

When UE keeps showing up with normal, level loads, we usually find worn shock absorbers or tub dampers — the drum can no longer hold steady. That's a repair.

OE: the washer won't drain

LG: an OE (or E03/E21) error means the washing machine is unable to drain the water used during the wash cycle. A kinked drain hose or a clogged drain pump filter are LG's first two suspects.

1. Drain hose. Behind the washer — kinked after the machine was pushed back, or clogged.
2. Spin-only test. Select spin only at high speed and start. For the first 15 seconds you should hear the drain pump hum and, usually, water moving.
3. Drain pump filter. It sits behind the small cover at the bottom front. Lay towels and a shallow pan down first and empty the short drain tube before unscrewing the filter — a lot of water comes out. Screw the cap back on tightly.
4. Suds. If the filter is clean, LG says excess suds can make the pump suck air and throw OE. Run Tub Clean and cut the detergent.

No hum at all, or a hum with no water moving after the filter is clean, points to the drain pump or a blockage further in. More on drain problems in our washer won't drain guide.

IE: not enough water coming in

LG calls IE (or E02/E10) the water inlet error: the tub does not fill to an adequate level within a specified period. In NYC buildings this often follows a water shut-off for plumbing work.

1. Taps fully open and both hoses connected.
2. Hoses not bent. LG notes that vibration during spin can walk the washer back and pinch a hose.
3. Inlet filter screens. Turn the taps off, unscrew the hose at the washer, and clean the small screen inside the connection — rust and sand collect there.
4. Cold weather. The tap or the hose can freeze. LG suggests a towel soaked in hot water around the tap and warm (not boiling) water for the hose.

For top-loaders LG gives a water pressure range of 14.5 to 116 psi. If pressure is fine and IE stays, LG says the water supply valve may have failed — the part inside the washer that opens to let water in.

LE: the tub won't spin

LG: an LE error is displayed when the tub fails to spin — the motor can't operate properly because the washer is overloaded or a foreign object is stuck in the tub. LG's general error list puts it as the motor being overloaded and locked.

1. Reset. Unplug the washer for 5 minutes and try again. LG also suggests letting it rest 30 minutes to cool down.
2. Lighten the load. Use the bedding cycle for heavy blankets.
3. Look for objects. With the power off and the drum empty, check for a coin or other object stuck in the tub; LG suggests pliers or tweezers to remove it.

If LE returns on normal loads, LG's advice is to unplug and call service. In our work it's usually the motor's rotor position sensor, the motor wiring, or the motor itself. See also washer not spinning — what to check first.

dE: the door won't lock

LG: a dE error on a front-loader means the door was unable to lock; on a top-loader LG says the lid isn't closed properly. Free any laundry caught between the door and the rubber gasket, open and close the door firmly, then reset: unplug, hold START/PAUSE for 5 seconds, plug back in. If dE keeps coming back, the door lock assembly or the latch has usually failed.

Newer LG models also show dE1 and dE2. LG describes these differently depending on the model, so check your owner's manual rather than a generic chart.

From our repairs in NYC

Photos from our own jobs. Each caption says what the call was and what we did.

When it's a repair, and what it costs

Call a technician when the code comes back after the checks above, when water stays in the drum, or when the washer hums or clicks but nothing moves. In NYC, with parts and labor: a drain repair (OE) is $290, a water inlet valve (IE) $290, a motor or drive repair (LE) $325, a door lock (dE) $290, and shock absorbers or dampers for a persistent UE $360. The diagnostic is $100, credited in full if you go ahead.

We're an independent repair service, not LG-authorized. If your washer is still under LG's warranty, use LG's service so you keep it. Out of warranty, details are on LG washer repair.

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