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The LE error code signifies that your washing machine’s motor has become locked, typically due to issues such as overloading the drum, causing an imbalance, a malfunctioning hall sensor, or wear and tear on the drum rotor.
When any of these problems occur, the motor can’t function properly, triggering the LE error and requiring troubleshooting and potential repairs to resolve the issue and get your washing machine back in working order.
In this article, we shall look at the causes and solutions for fixing this error so you can get back to washing your clothes into being squeaky clean without any inconvenience:
What Causes LE Error Code On LG Washer?
The four primary reasons that trigger this error are: a heavy load, an unbalanced load, a faulty hall sensor, or a worn rotor. Below we have explained everything in detail, make sure you read the complete article.
How To Fix LE Error Code Mean On LG Washer?
If you own an LG washer and it’s displaying the dreaded LE error code, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to help you resolve this issue and get your laundry back on track.
In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to fix the LE error code on your LG washer, ensuring that you can wash your clothes without any hiccups. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!
1) Adjust the Load
Your washing machine is designed to handle a certain amount of laundry, and when this limit is exceeded or when the clothes inside are not distributed evenly, it can trigger an error. Here’s a more detailed look at how to adjust the load effectively:
Balance the Load
- Start by opening the washer’s door or lid and take a good look at the contents inside. Is the laundry evenly distributed, or do you see a heavy clump of clothes on one side?
- An unbalanced load can cause excessive vibration during the spin cycle, potentially damaging the washer and leading to the LE error code. If you notice an imbalance, proceed to the next step.
Remove Heavy Items
- Carefully reach into the washer and remove any heavy or bulky items. These could include items like large towels, bedding, or jeans.
- By redistributing these items more evenly throughout the load, you can help the washer distribute the weight more effectively.
Reorganize the Load
- Take a moment to rearrange the clothes inside the drum, ensuring that they are spread out evenly. This can often resolve the imbalance issue.
- Pay special attention to items that tend to absorb a lot of water, like towels, as they can become very heavy when wet.
Check for Foreign Objects
- Occasionally, foreign objects such as coins or small toys can get stuck in the drum or between the inner and outer tubs. These obstructions can also disrupt the balance of the load.
- Inspect the drum and remove any foreign objects if you find them.
Restart the Washer
- After making these adjustments, close the washer’s door or lid securely.
- Restart the washing machine and select the appropriate cycle.
- If you’ve successfully balanced the load, the washing machine should now operate without triggering the LE error code.
By following these steps, you can often address the LE error code without the need for any technical expertise. It’s essential to practice good laundry loading habits to prevent this issue from recurring in the future.
2) Reset the Washer (Clear the Error Code)
If the load has been changed and the LE error code still appears, you should reset the washer. Doing so is like starting your washing machine over, as any lingering error codes are erased. More information on how to reset your LG washing machine can be found here.
- To activate the washing machine, first hit the “Power” button. The washer’s screen will go dark once you do this.
- Take the washer’s plug out of the wall. This is the most important step in making sure the washer has been completely cut off from the power source.
Hold the washer’s Start button down for about five seconds. To clear the error code and discharge any remaining electricity, press and hold this button for a few seconds.
- Remove your finger from the Start button and reconnect the washer’s power cord.
- Press the Power button again to start the washing machine. Choose the wash cycle you want, and the washing machine will begin.
The LE error code should be gone after a successful reset, and the washing machine should operate as normal.
3) Check the Rotor
The rotor in your LG washer plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the machine. When it becomes damaged or faulty, it can trigger the LE error code. Checking and potentially replacing the rotor is essential in resolving this issue.
Steps to Check the Rotor
- Disconnect Power and Water Supply: Begin by ensuring your safety. Disconnect the washer from the power source and turn off the water supply.
- Access the Rotor: Depending on whether you have a front-loader or top-loader LG washer, the approach differs slightly. For front-loader models, you’ll need to carefully lay the washer down on its front or back to access the rotor underneath. If you have a top-loader model, move the washer away from the wall and remove the rear access panel to access the rotor.
- Remove the Rotor Mounting Nut: The rotor is held in place by a large mounting nut in the center. To remove it, you can use either a 17-millimeter socket or an adjustable wrench along with a hammer. If you’re using a wrench, secure it to the nut and gently tap it with a hammer to loosen it.
- Inspect the Rotor: After removing the mounting nut, you can take the rotor off the shaft. Inspect the rotor closely for any visible signs of damage or wear. Look for cracks, chips, or any irregularities on its surface.
If you discover any damage to the rotor during this inspection, it’s essential to replace it. Damaged rotors can lead to unbalanced spinning, which can trigger the LE error code.
Replacing the Rotor
If you determine that the rotor is indeed damaged and needs replacement, here’s how you can proceed:
- Obtain a Replacement Rotor: Contact your LG washer manufacturer or an authorized dealer to purchase a replacement rotor. Make sure you have the correct model and serial number of your washer on hand to ensure you get the right part.
- Installation: To install the new rotor, simply reverse the removal steps. Place the new rotor onto the shaft, tighten the mounting nut securely, and ensure everything is properly aligned. Then, reassemble the washer, reconnect the power and water supply, and test it to see if the LE error code has been resolved.
4) Check the Rotor Position Sensor (Hall Sensor)
The rotor position sensor, also known as the hall sensor, is a critical component that monitors the direction and speed of the rotor in your LG washer. Checking and potentially replacing the rotor position sensor is a crucial step in resolving the issue.
Steps to Check and Replace the Rotor Position Sensor
- Locate the Sensor: The rotor position sensor is typically located next to or on the bottom of the stator. To access it, you’ll need to follow the steps outlined earlier to locate and access the washer’s rotor. Ensure that the power is disconnected before proceeding.
- Remove the Stator: After accessing the sensor, you’ll need to remove the bolts that secure the stator. Carefully lift the stator from the washer to gain access to the sensor.
- Inspect the Sensor Wiring: Examine the wiring of the rotor position sensor for any visible signs of damage, such as burn marks or frayed wires. These issues could be causing the LE error code.
- Disconnect Wiring Harness: To replace the rotor position sensor, start by removing the three-wire connector and any wiring harness mounting clips that are securing it.
- Unclip the Sensor: Use a flat-edge screwdriver to unclip the sensor from the stator. Be gentle to avoid damaging the sensor or its surroundings.
- Replace the Sensor: You can now replace the old rotor position sensor with a new one. It’s advisable to use an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) sensor to ensure compatibility and reliability.
- Test the Sensor: If you found damaged wires during the inspection, you may have the option to repair or replace the damaged wires. If the sensor itself is suspected to be faulty, it’s a good practice to test it with a multimeter.
Testing Voltage:
- Set the multimeter to test for voltage, which requires a 9-volt battery or a portable DC power supply.
- Place a multimeter probe into slots 1 and 4.
- Move a magnet over the sensor to activate and deactivate it.
- When you activate the sensor, the multimeter should show close to 10 volts. When the sensor is deactivated, the multimeter should read zero volts.
- Finally, put the multimeter probes into slots 2 and 4 and run the voltage test again. If the reading does not change with the magnet or is not close to 10 volts, the rotor position sensor is defective and requires replacement.
Replacing a faulty rotor position sensor or repairing damaged wiring can help resolve the LE error code and ensure your LG washer functions correctly.
5) Testing the Rotor Position Sensor with a Multimeter
Testing the rotor position sensor is a crucial step in diagnosing the issue. Here’s how you can do it:
- Find all five slots on the rotor position sensor, with the topmost curved slot being the first.
The ohms setting on your multimeter should be used. - It’s recommended that you insert one probe into slot 1 and the other into slot 5 (the slot furthest away from slot 1). The resistance reading on the multimeter should be around 10,000 ohms.
- Check jacks 2 and 5; the resistance should be between 9 and 10 thousand ohms. The sensor is broken and needs to be replaced if it does not pass either test.
- The sensor’s voltage should be checked after it has been subjected to the two ohms tests.
- A 9-volt battery or a portable DC power supply is needed to conduct voltage tests with the multimeter.
- Insert a multimeter probe into the first and fourth slots.
- To use or deactivate the sensor, simply move the magnet over it.
- The multimeter reading when activating the sensor should be close to 10 volts. The multimeter should show no voltage when the sensor is turned off.
- Finally, insert the probes into slots 2 and 4 on the multimeter, and repeat the voltage test. The rotor position sensor is faulty if the reading does not fluctuate with the magnet or is not close to 10 volts.
By following these steps, you can determine whether the rotor position sensor is the cause of the LE error code.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the LE error code on your LG washer can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can resolve it and have your washer working smoothly again.
Happy washing!
