LG Error Codes — What They Mean Right Now
LG appliances display error codes when a fault is detected. This guide covers all major LG error codes for washing machines, refrigerators, dryers, and dishwashers — what each code means, what you can safely try at home, and when to call for same day repair in Berkeley.
LG reset procedure
Unplug the appliance or turn off its circuit breaker for 60 full seconds, then restore power. Many temporary LG error codes will clear with a reset. If the code returns on the next cycle, the component has genuinely failed.
LG Washing Machine Error Codes
LG front-load washers (WM series) and top-load washers display these codes. The most common calls we receive from Berkeley LG washer owners are OE, UE, and LE.
| Code | Meaning | Try at home | When to call |
|---|---|---|---|
| OE | Drain fault. The washer is not draining within the programmed time. | Clean the drain pump filter (bottom front access panel). Check the drain hose for kinks. Run a Spin/Drain cycle. | Call if water remains after clearing filter |
| UE | Unbalanced error. The drum sensors detect uneven distribution during spin. | Redistribute laundry and retry spin. Avoid washing single heavy items alone. | Call if UE recurs on balanced loads — shock absorber fault |
| LE | Motor error. Abnormal current detected or motor not rotating correctly. | Reduce load size and retry. Reset by unplugging for 60 seconds. | Call if LE recurs on normal loads |
| DE | Door error. The door is not fully closed or the door latch sensor is failing. | Open and firmly close the door. Check for clothing caught in the door seal. | Call if door latches but DE remains |
| IE | Water inlet error. The washer is not filling with water. | Check that both water supply valves are fully open. Check inlet hose screens. | Call if valves are open and washer won't fill |
| tE | Water temperature sensor (thermistor) fault. Temperature is not being read correctly. | Reset. This typically requires thermistor replacement by a technician. | Call for thermistor replacement |
| AE | Communication error between the main control board and motor control board. | Reset. If AE returns, the control board requires diagnosis and replacement. | Call for diagnosis |
| PF | Power failure. The appliance detected a power interruption mid-cycle. | This is informational — it clears automatically and the cycle restarts. No action needed unless it recurs. | Call only if PF recurs on stable power |
OE, UE, LE — we carry LG parts and repair all error codes same day. Open 24 hours.
LG Refrigerator Error Codes
LG French door and side-by-side refrigerators display "Er" codes followed by two letters. These are the most common in East Bay homes.
| Code | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Er IF | Ice maker fan fault. The ice maker fan motor is not operating correctly. | Reset the refrigerator. If Er IF returns, the ice maker fan motor requires replacement — call for repair. |
| Er FF | Freezer fan fault. The fan that circulates cold air in the freezer has stopped or slowed below normal. | Reset. If Er FF returns, the freezer fan motor has failed. Cooling will degrade. Call same day. |
| Er CF | Condenser fan fault. The fan cooling the compressor and condenser coils is not running. | Reset. Check that the area behind the refrigerator is clear of debris. If code returns, call for repair. |
| Er dH | Defrost heater fault. The heater that melts frost from the evaporator coils has failed. | Reset. Frost will accumulate rapidly on evaporator coils, eventually blocking airflow. Call same day. |
| Er FS | Freezer sensor fault. The temperature sensor in the freezer is reading incorrectly. | Reset. If code returns, the sensor or its wiring requires replacement. |
| Er rS | Refrigerator sensor fault. The temperature sensor in the fresh food section is reading incorrectly. | Reset. If code returns, call for diagnosis. |
| Er Co | Communication error. The control board cannot communicate with another board or sensor. | Reset. If Er Co returns, this usually indicates a main control board fault. |
| CL | Child Lock. This is not an error — it is a feature indicating the control panel is locked. | Press and hold the Child Lock button (usually labeled or shown in the manual) for 3 seconds to unlock. |
LG Linear Compressor Refrigerators — A Note
Many LG refrigerators sold between 2014 and 2021 use the Linear Compressor technology. Some of these compressors had reliability issues in the field, particularly the ones sold in the 2017-2019 range. If your LG refrigerator is not cooling and shows no error code but the compressor makes unusual clicking sounds when starting, the Linear Compressor itself may have failed.
A Linear Compressor fault is a more significant repair than most. Call us at (510) 947-6664 and describe what the compressor sounds like. We will give you an honest assessment before you spend anything. Sometimes what appears to be a compressor fault is actually the start relay — an inexpensive same-day repair.
LG refrigerator not cooling with no code?
Not all LG refrigerator faults display an error code. If your LG is running — you can hear the compressor — but not cooling, this is often a defrost system blockage, a failed evaporator fan, or a start relay fault. All are diagnosable same day. Call {PHD}.
LG Dryer Error Codes
| Code | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| tO | Temperature sensor open circuit. The thermistor is not reading correctly. | Reset. If tO returns, the thermistor requires replacement — same day repair. |
| tS | Temperature sensor short circuit. Same sensor as tO, different failure mode. | Reset first. Call for thermistor replacement if code persists. |
| nP | No power. The dryer is not receiving adequate power (usually on electric dryers). | Check the circuit breaker. Electric dryers require a dedicated 240V circuit. If breaker is fine, call for wiring diagnosis. |
| dE | Door error. Door not fully closed or door switch failing. | Check the door latch. If door appears closed, the door switch requires replacement. |
LG Dishwasher Error Codes
| Code | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| IE | Water inlet error. The dishwasher is not filling with water in the expected time. | Check water supply valve is open. Check inlet hose. If water supply is fine, call for inlet valve replacement. |
| OE | Drain error. The dishwasher is not draining. Water remaining after cycle. | Clean the dishwasher filter. Check the drain hose. Call if drainage doesn't clear. |
| AE | Leak detected. Water has reached the base pan under the dishwasher. | Stop the dishwasher immediately. Do not run until a technician inspects for the leak source. |
| HE | Heater error. The water heating element or heater circuit has a fault. | Call for heating element or control board diagnosis. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- LG OE on a washing machine means a drain fault. The washer is not draining within the expected time. First clean the drain pump filter located behind the small access panel at the bottom front of the machine. If OE persists after cleaning the filter, the drain pump motor or drain hose has likely failed. Call Fast Help at (510) 947-6664 for same day LG washer repair in Berkeley.
- LG LE is a motor error. The motor control board has detected an unusual current draw or the motor is not rotating correctly. LE can sometimes be caused by overloading — try reducing the load size. If LE recurs on normal loads, the motor hall sensor or motor itself requires replacement. We repair LG LE faults same day in Berkeley.
- LG UE means unbalanced error. The drum sensors detected an uneven load during spin. Redistribute the laundry and run spin again. If UE appears repeatedly on balanced loads, the shock absorbers or suspension springs have worn and cannot dampen drum movement. We replace LG shock absorbers same day.
- LG Er CF indicates a condenser fan fault. The fan that cools the compressor and condenser coils is not running at the correct speed. This fault causes the refrigerator to gradually lose cooling capacity as heat builds up. Call Fast Help for same day LG refrigerator repair in Berkeley — (510) 947-6664.
- Yes. Fast Help repairs all LG appliances in Berkeley and the East Bay same day, open 24 hours. LG washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers. All error codes diagnosed. Free estimate. Call (510) 947-6664.