LG Washer tE Error Code: Temperature Sensor Malfunction
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What Error Code tE Means
The tE error code means the washer's temperature sensing circuit has a problem. The thermistor (temperature sensor) is sending out-of-range readings to the control board, or the heater circuit is open. The washer stops the cycle to prevent overheating or washing at the wrong temperature. The sub-codes indicate specific faults: tE1 is a thermistor reading error, tE2 is a heater circuit failure, tE3 is a sensor communication error, and tE4 relates to a secondary thermistor.
Common Causes
Failed thermistor (NTC sensor)
The thermistor is a small resistive sensor clipped to the outer tub or mounted in the sump. It changes resistance based on water temperature. A burned-out or shorted thermistor sends fixed or erratic readings.
Broken wiring to the thermistor
The thin wires running from the thermistor to the main control board are damaged, pinched, or have corroded connectors. Vibration during spin cycles is the usual cause.
Failed water heater element
Some LG front-load models have an internal heater. If the heater burns out, the tE2 sub-code appears because the heater circuit is open.
Main control board failure
The input circuit on the control board that reads the thermistor signal is damaged. The sensor is fine but the board cannot process the reading.
How to Fix It
- 1
Reset the washer
Unplug the washer for 60 seconds. Plug it back in and start a cycle. A momentary glitch in the sensor circuit sometimes causes a false tE code. If the code returns, continue to the next step.
Always unplug the washer before testing or replacing any electrical components.
- 2
Locate the thermistor
Unplug the washer. On front-load models, remove the rear panel. The thermistor is a small cylindrical sensor with two wires, usually clipped to the outer tub near the sump or heater. On top-load models, the sensor sits inside the outer tub and is accessed from underneath.
- 3
Test the thermistor with a multimeter
Disconnect the thermistor's two-pin connector. Set your multimeter to ohms (20K range). At room temperature (roughly 77 degrees F), the thermistor should read approximately 10,000 to 13,000 ohms. A reading of 0 ohms means it is shorted. An open reading (OL) means it is burned out. Either condition requires replacement.
- 4
Inspect the wiring
Trace the two wires from the thermistor connector back to the main control board. Look for cracked insulation, pinched wires near sharp edges, or corroded pins in the connector. Repair damaged wires with heat-shrink solder connectors.
- 5
Test the heater element (if tE2)
Locate the tubular heater element on the bottom of the outer tub. Disconnect its two-wire connector. Measure resistance with a multimeter. A working heater reads between 10 and 30 ohms. An open reading means the element is burned out. Replace the heater assembly.
When to Call a Professional
Call a technician if the thermistor reads out of spec, the heater element is open, or you are not comfortable working with electrical components inside the machine. TruePro's $59 diagnostic fee is credited toward the repair. All repairs are backed by a 90-day warranty on parts and labor. We hold CA License #51112 and serve LA County, Orange County, and Ventura County with same-day service often available. Call 877-378-3111. First-time customers save 15% on labor with code NEW15.
Estimated Repair Cost
| Option | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| DIY (parts only) | $10 - $35 |
| Professional repair | $130 - $300 |
A thermistor part costs $10-$25. A heater element runs $25-$65. Professional replacement including diagnostic runs $130-$300 total. TruePro credits the $59 diagnostic fee toward the repair.
See full washer repair cost breakdown βLG Washer tE β FAQ
Related LG Error Codes
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