LG Washer Machine Error Code: SE/ LE

Is your LG washer displaying an LE error code? Then this guide is for you.

The LE error code means that the motor in your washing machine is locked. It’s usually due to a simple reason, like your washer is overloaded, but sometimes it can be a more serious issue that takes a lot more effort to fix.

Simply follow each step below to find the cause and fix it.

This guide covers most major models of LG washers, including:

Step One – Reset Your Washer

The first step is to reset your washer. Sometimes the LE error code is displayed simply because the washer is overloaded and the motor stops being able to operate.

Here’s how to reset your washer:

1. Press the “power” button to turn the washing machine off.
2. Turn the power off to the washing machine at the wall, or turn the circuit breaker off.
3. Press and hold the “start/pause” button for five seconds.
4. You can now turn the power back on at the wall or turn the circuit breaker back on.
5. Test if the LE error code has stopped showing. If so, this means the problem has been fixed, and if not, move on to step two.

Step Two – Check the Rotor

If your washing machine is still showing the LE error code, then the next step is to check the rotor. When the rotor becomes faulty, your washer won’t be able to work. Please note you should only attempt this step if you are experienced with working with appliances, as it can be quite difficult to do.

Here’s how to check the rotor unit:

1. Turn the power off to the washer.
2. Turn the water supply off, and then disconnect all hoses.
3. Pull the washer out from the wall or its cabinet so you can access the back of it.
4. Remove the back panel by removing the screws that attach it in place, and then unclip it from the rest of the washer cabinet.
5. Locate the rotor and then remove the bolt that attaches the rotor to the tub shaft. Make sure you are careful when you are doing this, as some of the edges can be sharp.
6. Once removed, check the teeth of the rotor to see if they are stripped or are missing.
7. If you find that the rotor is defective, it will need to be replaced with a new one.
8. Once replaced, you need to check if the error code has disappeared. If not, move on to step three.

Step Three – Check the Rotor Position Sensor

In your washing machine, you have what is called a rotor position sensor (RPS) or sometimes called a hall sensor. The purpose of this component is to help the control board determine if your washer is operating correctly. When the RPS fails, an LE error code will be displayed. Again, only attempt this repair if you have experience working with appliances.

The easiest way to check if the RPS is defective is to just replace it with a new one. Here’s how to do that:

1. Ensure that the power is still switched off.
2. If you haven’t already removed the back panel, remove it and then remove the bolt that holds the rotor to the tub shaft.
3. Remove the rotor unit.
4. Unhook the two power connectors that are connected to it (you may need to remove a couple of screws to be able to unhook them).
5. Remove the bolts that hold the stator in place.
6. Once the stator is loose enough, you can fold it down, and this will give you access to the rotor position sensor.
7. Unclip the two writing harnesses from the switches.
8. Check all of the wires for signs of damage. If damaged, they will need to be fixed or replaced.
9. Remove the RPS from the stator, and then place the new RPS back where the old one was.
10. You can now reattach all of the components that you took apart and put your washing machine back together (except for the back panel).
11. Once your washer is back together, you need to turn it back on and see if the LE error code has disappeared. If it has, you can put the back panel back on and reattach the hoses.

Those are the main causes of your LG washer displaying an LE error code. If the error code is still displaying, then you will need to call a qualified technician, or you might even consider purchasing a new washing machine, depending on how old your existing one is.