LG Washer OE Error Code: Causes, Drain Problems & How to Fix It

Do you have an LG Washer OE Code? The OE Error code signifies the washer is unable to drain the water out during the wash cycle.

Quick Fix Checklist: Drain Your Washer and Clear the OE Code

The OE error means your washer can’t get the water out. Before taking the machine apart, try these three fast fixes:

• Check the Drain Hose: Look behind the washer. Is the hose kinked, crushed against the wall, or pushed too deep into the standpipe? Straighten any bends to allow water to flow.
• Clean the Drain Pump Filter: This is the most common fix. Open the small door at the bottom front of your washer, drain the water using the small black tube, then unscrew the large filter. Clean out any coins, hair, or lint trapped inside.
• Perform a Hard Reset: Unplug the washer for 60 seconds, then press and hold the Start/Pause button for 5 seconds. Plug it back in and select a “Spin Only” cycle. If the pump starts humming, the code was just a temporary glitch.

Read: 5 Most Common LG Washing Machine Problems

What Does The OE Code Mean?

The OE code signifies that your LG washer is unable to drain the water out during wash cycle.

This code can be triggered by a clogged drain pump filter or a drain hose that’s kinked.

When the LG washer OE code is being displayed on your LG washer, there are three common parts you need to check: the drain hose, the drain pump filter, and the drain pump itself.

You’ll have to determine the root cause and fix the issue before the code will go away and your washer will drain. Let’s take a look at the steps you need to follow.

What to Check on LG Washer When Got OE Error Code?

1. check the drain hose

This is the easiest of the three components to check. You’ll simply look at the drain hose connected to the back of your LG washing machine to see if it’s bent or kinked.

When washers are pushed too far back against a wall the drain hose can end up getting crimped. When the hose has bends or kinks it can prevent the proper flow of water through it.

If you see that the hose is not straight you’ll simply need to straighten it out and ensure it has no blockages. This would also be a good time to reset your LG washer.

**You can reset your LG washing machine through power cycling. First, press the Power button to shut the washer off. Then, remove the plug from the wall socket or shut off the circuit breaker. Finally, press and hold the Start/Pause button for 5 seconds. After that time, plug the washer back into the outlet.**

After you’ve done this go ahead and start a small load in your LG washer to make sure the OE error is cleared.

2. check the drain pump filter

To check the drain pump filter you will first need to unplug the washer to disconnect the power.

You will then locate the filter on your LG washer which is at the front bottom. (See photo). Locations may vary by model type.

Go ahead and remove the cover to the drain pump filter. Next you will unhook and remove the small plug from your drain hose. You will need a small bowl to catch water that drains from inside the tub.

After the water has drained, you’ll need to twist the drain pump filter in a counter-clockwise direction to remove it.

The best way to clean this part is to run it under warm water.

You’ll also want to use a rag or cleaning brush to clean inside the housing for the drain pump filter. If the filter is damaged or beyond cleaning repair, you can buy replacement parts online easily through Amazon and other retailers. See below.

Once everything is clean, you’ll replace the cap on the drain hose and connect the hose to your washer once again. Reverse the steps above.

Just be sure the filter is put back in place securely! Install the cover over the drain pump filter by turning it clockwise this time.

After you’ve cleaned the filter and re-secured it so it’s free from blockages you can try your LG washer by running a small load to see if the OE code is cleared. Again, resetting the machine through power cycling might help in clearing the code.

3. check the drain pump

To test the drain pump it’s best to run a spin only cycle.

Do this by pressing POWER to turn your washer on.

Then press the SPIN SPEED button until HIGH is visible.

Go ahead and press the START/PAUSE button to begin the spin cycle.

Do you hear a humming noise during the spin cycle? If so, your washer is beginning to drain. However, if you do not hear a draining noise, you will need to physically check the drain pump. This part is located inside the washer, and is more difficult to check than the parts above. If you are not comfortable working with electrical components, this might be the time to contact a technician.

If you feel confident you can handle this job, this is how you’ll locate the drain pump:

Locating the drain pump

1. First, disconnect the power from the washer to prevent electrocution.

2. Then, you’ll need to locate the screws holding the top of your LG washer in place, and remove them.

After removing the screws you’ll pull the top toward the back of the machine and lift upwards.

3. Next, press the release tab on the soap drawer and remove it.

After the drawer is completely removed you’ll need to take the two screws holding the housing for it out.

4. Depending on your LG model there may be another screw on the right side that’s holding your control panel in place.

Other models simply have some locking tabs across the top that you’ll need to pull up on to unlock.

After the panel is disconnected set it on top of the machine.

5. Then move to the bottom of the machine on the left-hand side to the small door and open it.

You’ll find a small drain hose to pull out which you’ll need to remove the end of.

Any water remaining inside the tub will drain, so grab a small container to catch it.

There’s one screw inside this door that you’ll need to remove. Pull the cover for the drain clean-out off and set it aside.

A single screw should now be visible at the bottom which holds the bottom of the front panel in place, go ahead and remove it.

6. Next, open the washer door and remove the band clamp that holds the door bellow in place using a flat screwdriver.

Now gently pull the boot away from the front panel and push it into the washer tub.

You don’t need to remove the door lock assembly.

Simply remove the wiring harness from the bottom of it by pulling straight down to disengage it. Close the washer door.

7. Remove the 4 screws across the top. Remember to support the front panel and door assembly before removing the last screw.

After all screws are removed you’ll simply tilt it forward and lift slightly up to disengage the three tabs holding it in place along the bottom.

Set the front panel and door assembly to the side.

The drain pump motor is located at the bottom left and depending on your model there may two or three hoses attached to it.

It also may be secured to the base by a few bolts or a sliding locking tab.

Next you’ll want to remove the clamp from each hose and twist the hoses free from the pump.

After the hoses are removed and pushed aside you’ll need to remove the remaining screws holding the drain pump in place.

If your model has the metal bracket holding the pump assembly be sure to remove the bolts from that.

If there’s no bracket there will be a small locking tab under the center rear of the pump housing that will need to be disengaged.

Once you have the pump assembly out you’ll need to disconnect the wiring harness.

Remember the wire colors as you remove them from the pump.

Remove the pump motor from the pump body by removing 3 screws.

Next, remove the cover from the existing motor.

If you’ve come this far, you’re likely able to replace the pump motor by yourself. Parts are available online at various retailers including Amazon.

Discard the old motor and place the new pump motor inside the cover and begin reassembling the washer.  Reverse the steps above.

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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.