How To Fix LE Error Code On LG Washing Machine?

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One moment your LG washing machine is operating fine, and the next minute you have a dreaded error code.

Is your washer displaying the LE error code?

There are several reasons this can occur.

While it is a pain, there are things you can do to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

Here’s a look at what may be going on.

What Is The LG Error Code LE?

The code LE means that the motor in your washer is locked.

Sometimes this may simply be due to a wash load that was too heavy.

However, in more severe cases it can indicate you have a failed rotor position sensor, a broken motor, or damaged sensor or motor wires.

First Steps To Take

To determine if the error code is being shown due to a heavy wash load you should first try to reset the machine.

Follow these steps to complete this process:

Press the POWER button to shut the washer off.

Unplug the washer from the wall or flip the circuit breaker.

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While the power is disengaged, press and hold the START/PAUSE button for at least 5 seconds.

Flip the breaker back to the “on” position or plug the washer back into the wall.

Did this do the trick? If the code is not cleared you will have to continue troubleshooting the other issues.

How To Troubleshoot & Fix A Locked Rotor

If the LE code on your LG washing machine is accompanied by loud “clanking” noises you’ll need to check the rotor on the unit.

Here’s how you go about this:

1. First unplug the power cord from the wall and turn the inlet water supplies off and disconnect all hoses.

2. Pull the washer far enough forward that you can easily gain access to the back of the machine.

3. Next, you’ll need to remove the screws on the back of the washer that hold the back panel in place.

Flex the panel enough to release the tabs found at the top or bottom (location depends on your model).

4. Remove the bolt that attaches the rotor to the tub shaft. You may need to hold the rotor still while you torque the bolt.

5. Since there may be sharp edges involved, it’s highly recommended that you wear gloves when doing this process.

6. Grasp the rotor firmly and pull it straight off the shaft.

Once you have the rotor off, you’ll want to check the teeth to see if any are missing or if they are stripped.

If so, you’ll simply buy the new part and replace it.

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How To Troubleshoot & Repair A Failed Rotor Position Sensor

The rotor position sensor (RPS), or hall sensor, is an important part of your washer’s automated system.

It assists the control board with determining everything is working normally.

The hall sensor monitors the motor in your washer and makes sure it runs properly.

If this sensor fails it can cause the LE error code. Here’s how to replace it:

1. For this fix you will disconnect all power from the machine.

2. Pull it far enough forward so you can access the back panel.

3. Next, you’ll remove the screws on the back of the washer that hold the rear panel in place. Pull up on the panel to release it.

4. Remove the bolt that holds the rotor to the tub shaft.

You may need to hold the rotor while you loosen the bolt.

It also works well to have someone open the washer door and hold the tub inside so it doesn’t move.

Again, wearing gloves is a great idea as you may encounter some sharp edges.

5. Grasp the rotor and pull it off.

The rotor position sensor is located at the bottom of the stator.

6. You’ll need to unscrew a couple screws to allow you to unhook two connectors.

7. After the screws are removed you’ll need to remove all bolts holding the stator in place.

Just be sure to hold the stator as you remove the last bolt so it doesn’t fall off.

8. Once the stator is loose you’ll simply fold it down and you’ll clearly see the RPS.

9. Now remove the two wiring harnesses from the switches.

10. Remove the RPS from the stator and snap the new one in place. .

Reassemble your washer and the issue should be gone.

If this repair didn’t fix your issue you’ll need to check the motor and see if the sensor wires are damaged.

How to Troubleshoot & Repair Damaged Motor Or Sensor Wires

While you have the back off of your LG washing machine and you’re looking at the RPS and rotor, it’s a great idea to check for any damaged wires in this area.

The LE code can be caused by an issue such as this.

So, before you buy any replacement parts you may want to check the wires.

To do so you need to follow steps 1 through 6 to disassemble the washer.

1. Once you have the stator off and you can visibly see the wiring harnesses that connect to the motor and the rotor position sensor, check for wires that are burned or damaged in some way.

You’ll see wire colors red, yellow, and blue.

2. If you find any wires that have sustained damage it’s important to fix them.

To do so you can use heat shrink to reconnect the wires.

3. If they are too damaged to hold with this repair you will need to remove and replace the wires with new ones.

If you’ve tried all repairs we’ve suggested above and your LG washing machine is still displaying the LE error code you will more than likely need to contact LG’s support center or a local appliance repairman.

The issues we’ve discussed are the most common reasons the LE error code will display, however, from time to time there may be other issues.

Did your LG washer begin displaying this code?

Did you make any of our suggested repairs above and did it work for you?

Comment below and let us know what you encountered, or any other tips you can offer.

Read: How To Fix LG Washing Machine?

Reader Comments (38)

  1. I have a LG WM80000HVA. It is about 7 years old.
    I did have a pretty heavy load in it with lots of towels when it threw the LE code. I did all the things suggested power cycling. I took everything out and continue to try to get the spin cycle to work.
    The drum spins with no odd noise or issues as far as I can tell.
    I took all the towels out and drained the water. I tried to run the spin cycle. The motor isn’t locked up. But when it starts trying to spin I get a noise like the stator and rotor are slightly rubbing each other. It is right when it started to engage the motor and you hear the rubbing sound. Then the motor stops trying to spin almost immediately.
    If I try to spin the rotor by hand from the back of the machine I can turn it. It is hard to turn but I don’t hear any odd noises that way either, It is just when the motor starts to engage that I get the noise.
    Any suggestions?

  2. I keep running into this issue regarding the LE code. It does seem to be triggered by the load size. Here are some helpful tips:

    1) To drain the tub on the LG wm0532 use the spin speed selector then hit start. This helped get the water out and confirm my machine wasnt spinning for some reason.

    2) The issue for me seemed to be wobbly loads, and the age of the machine and wobble emergency stop sensor. The sensor was my problem. Take the 4 screws off the floppy tin back panel and bend that panel to get it off the machine… then look to the bottom right of the back of the tub… you will see the tab on the tub that pushes the sensor and the sensor arm pivoting mechanism. Give the mechanism a little jiggle and you should hear the ball bearing inside roll back and forth into place, much like when you hand a ruler off your desk in 2nd grade and you could make a faster noise as you shortened the amount of ruler hanging off the desk. Once you hear the ball settle put everything back together and lighten the load of the machine.

    So what is happening with that sensor? I imagine over the years somehow the thing becomes slightly magnetized and the ball stays in the contact position until you wiggle it loose. Its up to you weather to get a new sensor. to swap it out is pretty straight forward. I have no clue what part it is but I have fixed my machine a 3 times by doing this. People just keep overloading the machine. I looked some stuff up and I think I am going to put a “use slower spin speeds for larger loads” sign on my machine… maybe then the wife will listen for once.

  3. Our washer gave the LE error and we tried switching the power off and resetting with no luck. Then we could smell a burning smell from the washer. Does that often happen with these washers?

    You suggest checking the wiring, but I’m curious what might have caused the wiring to burn. Any ideas?

  4. My LG top load washer was working fine. Started a load heard noise and the washer stopped and had the Le code on panel. It looks like the drum is siesed, try to reset and drum will not move. Does anyone have any suggestions.

  5. Hi Eugene,
    I got the LE error code for the model LG washer WT-R10686. The rotor does not turn when I undo the bolt, do this mean the TUB DRIVE CLUTCH ASSY is ceased. I cannot manually turn the tub drum. Tested the Rotor Position Sensor and it is OK between Hb&Ha to common is about 10Kohms.

    Your advice is much appreciated.

    Cheer
    Jack

  6. I just fixed my LG direct drive front load washer with the same issues.. I pulled off the tape around the harness that leads to the stator and found a broken gray wire

  8. How can I find a contact to come and fix my LG washing machine I tried everything still getting the LE and some other error message PF, UE . Thank you

    Allison

  9. So we got the LE code. Not a large load, no suds problem. Replaced the harness and hall tree; (the rotor magnets were fine.) Still getting no spin and the LE code. If I just do a “rinse and spin” it does the rinse, moves to “spin” on the panel, with the clock at 17min, tumbles around a little bit then jumps to “End” without doing the high speed spin, and gives no error. I ran the Load Test Mode and it did the High speed spin without any problems. What else can I try?
    (Thank you for your help, it’s very much appreciated! )

    • getting the exact same issue on mine. we have replaced the motor, we have replaced the main circuit panel, rotor is completely fine. when i run diagnostics , everything ok, but when it tries to spin it shows 0 RPM then goes to LE every time.So frustrated

  10. LE error and took rotor off and found all teeth missing. Replaced rotor and still getting LE error. Is there a certain sensor that made need replaced?

  11. Hi…I had an LE error several months back. I changed the wiring harness and the Hall Tree. Eve turned out great. Worked fine. Today, while attempting to do a load, I received a PF error followed by an LE failure. I tested the wiring harness and all wires had continuity. Replaced the hall tree with a new one I had as a spare. The error won’t clear…any suggestions.

  12. So i put 2 pairs of jeans in the washer 5.2CU washer works fine
    3 pairs le code appears.
    4 towels is safe
    5 towels LE appears
    seeams like this washer can only do light loads.

    Thank you

  14. We’ve replaced the wire harness and sensor. I drained the pump and cleaned it I’ve even tried to reset the machine but when I do a test run with nothing in the washer, no water runs and I still get the LE error code. Any idea how to fix this?

  15. Hi during working washing machine this error hapen LE and not any noise or abnormal cause appear i check the wiring of startor found on the normal condition all resistance showing about 8 ohm and removed sensor but not have any idea for check the sensor . how can check and test the sensor please advice.

  16. Any idea if the ten-year warranty on the direct drive covers the LE error?

    This washer has been a nightmare. It also has a sticky relay on the control board.

  17. I have an LG front load washer model:WM3500CW and it doesn’t come with a hall sensor and the stator and motor look brand new. I’ve only had this washer for one year.

  18. Hello and thank you for this well-done how-to. I have a top loading LG washer. Does this info apply to top loading too?

  19. Thank you! You just saved me the cost of a new washer!

    I followed all your instructions and found nothing obviously wrong or worn out. Your disassembly instructions were tremendously helpful. I ordered a new hall effect sensor and wiring harness, installed them, bolted it all back together and it works like new again! Thank you very much for being so helpful!

  20. I have had a technician working on washer for 3 weeks. He has replaced the sensor on the tub. He has also replaced the control board. It is still giving me the LE code. He said wiring is fine. Any sugestions

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