LG Washer dE Error Code: Meaning, Causes & DIY Fix Guide

Is your LG washer door not locking? Follow our quick troubleshooting guide to clear the dE error code, test your lid lock, and get your laundry cycle started again. Your door lock may have failed mechanically, or something might be stuck and preventing the door from locking completely.

Quick Fix Checklist: Clear the dE Code in Seconds

Before you start disassembling your washer, try these four common solutions that resolve the dE error for most users:

• The Firm Push: LG front-loaders are sensitive. Sometimes the door is “closed” but not “latched.” Give the door a firm push directly over the lock assembly until you hear a distinct click.
• Clear the Gap: Check the rubber gasket (bellows) and the door latch for small items like socks, loose threads, or hair. Even a tiny obstruction can prevent the sensor from registering a secure lock.
• Wipe the Latches: Soap scum or hard water buildup on the door striker or inside the lock hole can cause friction. Wipe both with a damp cloth to ensure the mechanical parts can slide freely.
• The 5-Second Power Reset: Unplug the washer from the wall. While it is unplugged, press and hold the Start/Pause button for 5 seconds. Plug the machine back in and try to start a “Spin Only” cycle.

What the LG Washer dE code means

If your LG washer shows you a dE error code, that means the machine is experiencing a door error.  Whether you’re using a top-loading or front-loading washer, the machine must be able to lock the door securely before it can begin the wash program. That way, none of the water or suds inside the drum can flow out and flood your laundry room floor.

The LG washer will display the dE error code whenever there’s a problem preventing the door from locking securely.

Wait, is it dE1 or dE2?

If your display allows for more detail, pay attention to the number following the code:

• dE1: Usually means the door is closed but not locked (often a mechanical latch issue).
• dE2: Usually means the door is locked but the board can’t verify it (often an electrical or wiring issue).

Accompanying Symptoms

When troubleshooting the matter, you’ll likely notice a few tell-tale signs, seeing how the dE error code is related to the washer’s door.

For example, on a front-loading washer, you’ll notice that the door doesn’t latch or lock as it should when you close it. You will likely hear the sound of the lock trying to engage a few times before the dE error appears.

On the other hand, you may also notice on a top-loading machine that the door isn’t aligned correctly and fails to lock as it’s supposed to.

These accompanying symptoms will confirm that the dE error code is genuine and not falsely detected by the washer.

Possible Causes and Solutions

Here are the most likely reasons you’re experiencing the dE error code on your LG washer:

Faulty Door Lock (Front-Loading Models)

What it is: A door lock keeps the door shut during the wash program on front-loading LG washer models. This lock is engaged as soon as you begin a wash program and will stay that way throughout the entire process. 

Image source: CNET

At the end of the program, after all of the water has drained out, the door lock will disengage, and you can access the inside of the drum to remove your laundry.

How it fails: The door lock on your LG washer is engaged electrically. So, after a long time of repeated use, the door lock will likely fail. This problem mostly happens while the lock is in the ‘open’ position, which means you can open and close the door, though it will not lock.

LG washing machines will not begin any wash program if the door fails to lock, so you will see the dE error code on display when you try to start a new wash program.

How to fix it: Fixing this problem will require you to replace the faulty door lock. This component is located behind the washer’s door catch. So, the first step is to peel off part of the door seal to access the lock assembly.

Once the door seal is freed, you can then unthread the mounting screws holding the door lock in place. Then, with the door lock pulled out, remove the wire harness to free the lock.

Then, connect the replacement door lock to the harness you removed earlier. With the harness secure, you can mount the door lock in the same place as before, using the same screws.

Lastly, secure the part of the door seal you peeled off earlier.

Replacement door lock assemblies can be purchased online through retailers like Amazon. Most run less than $20 and are surprisingly easy to install. Double check your model number for the correct part.

Note: we might receive a small commission off your purchases, at no additional cost to you.

Related post: Why LG washer isn’t spinning properly?

Failed Lid Lock (Top-Loading Models)

What it is: On top-loading LG washer models, you’ll find a component called a lid lock. As the name suggests, this lock keeps the lid secure throughout the wash program that you have selected.

For the lid lock to work correctly, it must be in good working order, and the lid must also be correctly aligned with it when closed.

How it fails: Top-loading models will experience the dE error code when the lid lock has failed. The machine will not begin any wash program until the lid is secure. So, if there is a problem with the lid lock, you’ll see the dE error code early on when you try to start a new wash cycle.

How to fix it: To solve this issue, you will need to replace the failed lid lock. Start by unscrewing the rear control panel. Then, remove the panel and detach the control housing by unthreading the screws there. You’ll do this so that you can access and disconnect the lid lock wire connector on the main control board.

Once that’s done, you can then lift the main top of the washer. You’ll find the lid lock underneath it. Remove its mounting screws and gently remove its wires from the washer.

Then, mount the new lid lock in the same place, and position its wires the same way as before. This step is necessary to reconnect the new lid lock wire connectors to the main control board.

Failed Main Control Board

What it is: The main control board is like the brain of your entire LG washing machine. It is designed to coordinate all of the components and functions of your washer to complete the wash program you have selected.

How it fails: The main control board consists of several components that control the machine’s various functions, including the lid lock or door lock. Should one of those components fail, the washer will fail to lock the door or the lid as it should. As a result, the dE error code will appear.

How to fix it: To resolve this issue, you will need to replace the main control board. Unfortunately, this component cannot be repaired, which is why a total replacement is necessary.

To do that, you’ll need to access the existing control board. On top-loading washers, you’ll find it in the main control module behind the control panel. Front-loading machines will have it behind the control panel, accessible by removing the machine’s top.

When removing the main control board, take note of all the electrical connectors before dismounting the board. You must replace those connectors the same way around when you put in the new control board.

How To Clear The dE Error Code On Your LG Washer

The first step to clearing the dE error code on your LG washing machine is to resolve the issue that’s triggering it. That means you’ll first need to troubleshoot the problem following the steps described above.

Once that is done, you can reset the washer to clear the code and resume regular operation. You can do that by following the steps described below.

How To Reset An LG Washer

To reset your LG washer, follow these steps:

• First, turn the washing machine off. That includes removing the plug from the wall socket and shutting off its dedicated circuit breaker.
• Next, press and hold the START/PAUSE button for 5 seconds.
• After that, reconnect the power supply or turn on the dedicated circuit breaker.

Image source: servicecare.net

Once you’ve completed those steps, your LG washer has been reset.

Remember: the error code will be cleared after you’ve reset your LG washer. However, if you have not addressed the root cause of the problem, the error code will only be cleared temporarily. The error code will continue to reappear until the problem is solved.

How To Test Your LG Washer After Fixing It

Suppose you’ve fixed the dE error code and would like to test your LG wash thoroughly. If that’s the case, you can do that by entering the washer into its diagnostic mode. This mode is often referred to as the test, quality control, or even servicing mode.

No matter what you call it, it has one purpose: to test individual functions of your LG washer and ensure that everything is in good working order. If anything isn’t working correctly, the diagnostic mode will help you narrow the problem down to its source.

Related Post: Why LG Washer is not turning On?

How To Enter Diagnostics Mode On Your LG Washer

Here’s how you can enter the diagnostics mode on your LG washer:

• Firstly, make sure that your LG washer is on standby (i.e. turned off at the machine but not at the power source).
• Then, press and hold the Spin Speed and Soil Level buttons together.
• As you’re doing that, press the Power button. If done correctly, you’ll hear the washer ding twice.
• At this point, the machine has entered the diagnostic mode. You can cycle through the individual tests by pressing the Start/Pause button.
• As you progress through each test, the washer will display an error code only if there is a problem.
• Once you reach the end, the machine will turn off. That marks the end of the diagnostics mode.

LG Washing Machine Error Codes

The table below has common codes. Be sure to click on the links for more detailed repairs.

• IE + OE are the most common (water supply or drainage issues).
• UE often resolves by redistributing laundry.
• CL simply means Child Lock is on — hold the Child Lock button for 3 seconds to turn it off.