Error Code IE
The IE error code means your LG washer is not receiving enough water. The machine expects the tub to reach a set water level within a specific time. If it does not, the washer halts the cycle and displays IE. No water enters the drum, or it trickles in too slowly to register.
Common Causes
Water supply valves turned off: The hot and cold shut-off valves behind the washer are partially or fully closed. This is the most common cause after someone moves the washer or does plumbing work.
Kinked or frozen inlet hoses: The braided stainless steel or rubber fill hoses running from the wall valves to the washer are kinked, pinched, or (in cold garages) frozen. Water cannot flow through.
Clogged inlet valve screens: Small mesh screens sit inside the water inlet valve ports where the hoses connect. Sediment and mineral deposits clog these screens over time, especially in hard water areas.
Faulty water inlet valve: The dual solenoid water inlet valve on the back of the washer opens and closes electrically. If one or both solenoids fail, water stops flowing even with full supply pressure.
Low household water pressure: LG washers need a minimum of 20 psi at the inlet. If you are running multiple fixtures at once or your home pressure regulator is set too low, the washer cannot fill fast enough.
DIY Troubleshooting
Check the water supply valves: Pull the washer out from the wall. Locate the two shut-off valves (hot and cold) on the wall or supply line. Turn both valves fully counterclockwise to open them all the way. Try starting the washer again.
Inspect the fill hoses for kinks: Trace each fill hose from the wall valve to the back of the washer. Straighten any bends or kinks. Replace rubber hoses older than five years — they crack internally and restrict flow even when they look fine from outside. Use braided stainless steel hoses as replacements.
Clean the inlet valve screens: Turn off both supply valves. Disconnect the fill hoses from the back of the washer using pliers. Inside each inlet port, you will see a small mesh screen. Pull the screens out with needle-nose pliers. Rinse them under running water and use an old toothbrush to scrub off mineral buildup. Reinstall the screens and reconnect the hoses. Turn the valves back on and check for leaks.
Test water pressure: Disconnect one fill hose from the washer and hold the end over a bucket. Turn on the supply valve. Water should flow forcefully. If it trickles, the problem is your household pressure or a partially closed main valve. Test the other hose the same way.
Test the water inlet valve: If supply pressure is strong and screens are clean, the inlet valve solenoid is likely failed. You can test it with a multimeter set to ohms. Disconnect the wire harness from the valve and measure resistance across each solenoid coil. You should read between 500 and 1,500 ohms. An open reading (OL) means the solenoid is burned out and the valve needs replacement.
Professional Repair
Call a technician if the inlet valve tests bad on a multimeter, if you have cleaned the screens and the error persists, or if you are not comfortable disconnecting water lines. TruePro's $59 diagnostic fee goes toward the repair cost. All repairs come with a 90-day warranty on parts and labor. Same-day service is often available across LA County, Orange County, and Ventura County. Call 877-378-3111 or use code NEW15 for 15% off labor if it is your first service with us.
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FAQ
What does LG error code IE mean?
The IE error code means your LG washer is not receiving enough water. The machine expects the tub to reach a set water level within a specific time. If it does not, the washer halts the cycle and displays IE. No water enters the drum, or it trickles in too slowly to register.
Can I fix error code IE myself?
1. Check the water supply valves: Pull the washer out from the wall. Locate the two shut-off valves (hot and cold) on the wall or supply line. Turn both valves fully counterclockwise to open them all the way. Try starting the washer again. 2. Inspect the fill hoses for kinks: Trace each fill hose from the wall valve to the back of the washer. Straighten any bends or kinks. Replace rubber hoses older than five years — they crack internally and restrict flow even when they look fine from outside. Use braided stainless steel hoses as replacements. 3. Clean the inlet valve screens: Turn off both supply valves. Disconnect the fill hoses from the back of the washer using pliers. Inside each inlet port, you will see a small mesh screen. Pull the screens out with needle-nose pliers. Rinse them under running water and use an old toothbrush to scrub off mineral buildup. Reinstall the screens and reconnect the hoses. Turn the valves back on and check for leaks. 4. Test water pressure: Disconnect one fill hose from the washer and hold the end over a bucket. Turn on the supply valve. Water should flow forcefully. If it trickles, the problem is your household pressure or a partially closed main valve. Test the other hose the same way. 5. Test the water inlet valve: If supply pressure is strong and screens are clean, the inlet valve solenoid is likely failed. You can test it with a multimeter set to ohms. Disconnect the wire harness from the valve and measure resistance across each solenoid coil. You should read between 500 and 1,500 ohms. An open reading (OL) means the solenoid is burned out and the valve needs replacement.
How much does it cost to fix error IE?
Typical repair costs: DIY: $0 - $30 | Pro: $130 - $280. Free diagnostic with approved repair.
Estimated Cost
DIY: $0 - $30 | Pro: $130 - $280
Free diagnostic with approved repair
Need Help With This Error?
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