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When it comes to LG washing machines, the two most basic functions it must do are let water in and drain water out. However, your washer will stop working and display an error code if it fails to perform either one of those actions.
When your LG washer shows the IE error code, that means it’s experiencing an input error. The Input in question is the inflow of water which has failed to happen. Most likely, there’s a failed water inlet valve, a problem with the incoming water supply or water hose, or a blocked inlet filter. Without any water flowing in, your LG washer can’t start a new wash cycle.
In this guide, we’ll dive deeper into what the IE code means on your LG washer, its most likely causes, and the solutions you can use to fix it.
What the IE code means on your LG Washer?
When your LG washer displays the IE error code, that means the machine is experiencing an input error. In this case, the word ‘input’ here refers to water inflow into the machine.
The IE error code is triggered whenever the LG washing machine fails to fill with water. Without sufficient water to mix with detergents and fabric softeners in the drum, any wash program that you select cannot begin at all.
So, in other words, the IE error code represents a critical issue that prevents the washer from working as it should.
Accompanying Signs
Error messages are typically accompanied by other tell-tale signs. For example, in the case of this input error and the IE error code, you will notice that the washer does not fill with water when you begin a wash cycle.
So, if you notice a lack of water filling the drum at the beginning of a new wash cycle, that’s a sign that the error code is indeed accurate and not a simple glitch.
This lack of water could be due to several reasons, which we will explore below.
Possible Causes and Solutions
There are several reasons why your LG washer might fail to fill with water. The most likely reasons are centred around the incoming water supply or hoses, the water inlet valve, or the inlet filters.
Let’s dive deeper into each of those likely reasons and what you can do to fix them.
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Incoming Water Supply and Hose Issues
What it is: Your LG washing machine is connected directly to your household water supply. You might even have two separate connections; one for hot water and one for cold. The water flows from the nearest outlet (like a tap) and through inlet hoses that connect directly to the back of your washing machine.
For your washer to work correctly, it must receive a continual supply of water from that water supply. But, more importantly, the pressure of that water must also be sufficient enough to pass through the washer’s inlet valve.
How it fails: When troubleshooting an input or water supply issue with your washer, the first troubleshooting step you must take is to inspect the incoming water supply and hose.
You can begin by checking that your house does indeed have water flowing through its pipes. The quickest way to do that is by opening a nearby tap, such as the one at your kitchen sink.
Next, inspect the water inlet hose connected to your washer. There’s a strong likelihood that the hose might have been kinked, twisted, or squeezed between the washer and a nearby wall. Any of these issues will restrict water flow through that hose and trigger the IE error code.
How to fix it: To fix this, first make sure that the tap is turned open all the way. Next, inspect the water inlet hose and free it from any kinks or twists. Be sure also to provide a sufficient gap between the washer and the nearby wall, so the hose has enough room to sit without any issues.
Faulty Water Inlet Valve
What it is: The water inlet valve is a component within your LG washer. It’s designed to connect the water hose to the machine, then control the inflow of water. For example, at the beginning of a new wash cycle, the inlet valve will open and let water flow into the drum. Once the drum has enough water, the valve will then shut to prevent overflowing and flooding.
In some models, the water inlet valve will connect both a hot and cold water supply. Whether or not that’s the case for your washer, the water supply must be supplied with enough pressure for the water to pass the valve and enter the washer.
How it fails: A water inlet valve can fail electrically or mechanically. When an electrical failure happens, that means electricity cannot flow through the valve for it to open and close as needed. As such, the valve won’t receive the power that triggers it to open and allow water to flow into the washer.
On the other hand, a mechanical failure could also be a problem. For example, the inlet valve is likely stuck in the ‘closed’ position, preventing any water from flowing in even when it should.
How to fix it: Whether you’re dealing with an electrical or mechanical failure, the solution here is to replace the faulty water inlet valve. Before you begin, please remember to disconnect the washer from its power supply for safety reasons.
To do this repair, you’ll first need to access the valves by removing the closest panel.
Then, you’ll be able to isolate individual water inlet valves by removing their electrical connectors and unthreading their mounting screws. That will help you inspect and test each valve and identify the faulty ones.
Once that’s done, you can replace them with new valves and reconnect their wire harnesses.
Clogged Inlet Filters
What it is: At the point where the water hose attaches to the water inlet valve, there are one or more mesh filters placed right inside the inlet. This tiny filter is designed to capture any dirt or debris that might be flowing through your household pipes.
Doing so prevents that dirt or debris from entering the washing machine and causing an internal problem.
How it fails: After being in use for a long time, these small inlet filters can get over-saturated with dirt and debris. When that happens, water will not flow past the filter and into the washer, even though all of the other components are working perfectly fine.
This scenario would also trigger the IE error code on your LG washing machine.
How to fix it: To fix this issue, you’ll need to clean the inlet filters. First, shut off the water supply to the washer, and disconnect the hose attached to the inlet valve. Then, with a pair of needle-nose pliers, gently remove the inlet filters.
You can then wash those filters in your kitchen sink, ensuring that all dust and debris is removed. Then, place the filters back and reconnect the water hose. That will resume normal water flow through your washer’s inlet.
How To Clear The IE Error Code On Your LG Washer?
You can attempt to clear the IE error code by performing a reset of your LG washer. However, the error code will keep coming back until you resolve the root cause.
So, to clear the IE error code the right way, be sure to begin by troubleshooting and resolving the issue following the steps described above.
Then, you can reset your washing machine.
How To Reset An LG Washer?
Resetting an LG washer is very straightforward. First, turn the machine off at its power source (i.e. remove the plug from the wall socket, or turn off the dedicated circuit breaker if you have one).
Once you’re sure the washer has no power, then all you have to do is press and hold the Start/Pause button for five seconds. That’s all you have to do to reset the washer.
You can then reconnect the power supply and use the washing machine like usual.
How To Test Your LG Washer After Fixing It?
When you’ve fixed your LG washer, you should test it to ensure it’s in good working order. Since the IE error code is related to the filling function, you’ll be able to know whether or not this problem is resolved at the beginning of a new wash cycle.
For a more thorough test of all the washer’s other functions, you can run a complete cycle to ensure no other errors appear. Alternatively, you could also enter the machine into its diagnostics mode, the same way a technician would when troubleshooting your washer.
How To Enter Diagnostics Mode On Your LG Washer?
Here’s how to enter the diagnostics mode on your LG washer:
- Before you begin, make sure your washer is on standby. That means it should be connected to its power source, but the machine is turned off at its control panel.
- Then, you’ll want to press the Soil Level and Spin Speed buttons simultaneously.
- While those buttons are pressed, then press the Power button. You will hear the machine make a ‘ding’ noise twice to tell you it’s now in diagnostics mode.
- Now, your washer will cycle through several test stages. Each stage tests an individual function of the washer. You can progress through each stage by pressing the Start/Pause button. You will only see an error code if there is a problem.
- Once the machine turns off by itself, that means you’ve completed the diagnostics mode.
