Fixing the LG PE error code is easier than you think. Follow our DIY guide to inspect the wiring harness and clean or replace the pressure switch in minutes.
Quick Fixes for PE Error Code
- Unplug the washer for 5 minutes to reset it.
- Remove the top panel and check the small rubber air hose connected to the pressure sensor.
- Make sure the hose isn’t cracked, kinked, or clogged with soap residue.
- Inspect wiring harness connections for corrosion or looseness.
If the error returns after these checks, the pressure sensor assembly usually needs replacement.
What Does The PE Error Code Mean?
PE = Pressure Sensor Error (water level sensor fault) The washer’s control board isn’t receiving a proper signal from the water level pressure sensor (sometimes called the water level switch).
What Causes PE Code in LG Washer
Loose or damaged Wiring to the Sensor
You may have problem between the wiring from the water level pressure switch/sensor to the main control board. Due to vibrations during the spin cycle, some of the wires may come loose or disconnected.
How to Fix A Wiring Problem
- Inspect the wiring harness from the sensor to the control board to see if anything has become detached or looks burnt.
- Check the continuity of the wiring harness using a
multimeter - Replace the pressure (water level) sensor
Faulty pressure (water level) sensor
If you found no wiring problems in your LG washing machine but the PE error code is still showing you will need to check the water level pressure sensor switch itself.
- Remove the switch from the washer and visually inspect it.
- Check the switch for debris and hard water deposits. Clean if necessary
Clogged or disconnected air hose going to the sensor
While you have the sensor off the washer, you’ll also want to clean out the air tube that connects to the sensor. (see below) This can also cause sensor error codes.
- After the tube and sensor switch are both clean, place them back on the washer and try to start a wash cycle on the machine.
- If the error code returns, you’ll need to replace the switch itself. Replacements are available on Amazon for around $25. Click here.
Read also: 5 Most Common Problems with LG Washing Machines
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Main control board failure (less common)
While the PE error is most commonly triggered by the pressure sensor itself, it can also be a direct result of a defective main control board. The control board acts as the “brain” of the dishwasher, sending a constant electrical signal to the sensor and interpreting the data sent back. If the board’s internal circuitry is damaged—often due to a short circuit or a burnt-out microchip—it can lose the ability to read the sensor’s frequency correctly. Even if the sensor and wiring are in perfect condition, a faulty board will misinterpret the incoming data as a “Pressure Error,” leading the machine to shut down as a safety precaution.
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.
| Error Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| IE | Water inlet error (washer not filling properly) |
| OE | Drain error (water not draining) |
| UE | Unbalanced load detected |
| dE | Door not closed / door lock error |
| LE | Motor overload / locked motor error |
| PE | Water level pressure sensor error |
| FE | Overfill error (too much water detected) |
| TE | Thermistor (temperature sensor) error |
| CE | Current / motor overcurrent error |
| PF | Power failure during cycle |
| SE | Hall sensor / motor sensor error |
| CL | Child lock activated (not a failure) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does It Mean When The PE Error Code On The LG Washer Displays Immediately After Pressing START or During Programming Of The Load?
When this occurs it usually means the control unit programmer is not functioning properly. The control unit programmer is a microchip that controls the washing machine’s operations.
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This commonly occurs when the elements that control the water level sensor switch are burnt and need to be repaired. However, if a chip or unit processor is severely burnt it will need to be replaced.
What Does It Mean When the PE Error Code Appears Randomly And Then Disappears On Its Own?
This problem is often caused by a wiring issue inside your LG washer. The first thing you’ll want to check is the wiring between the control module and the heater.
Washers vibrate during operation, this causes the contact between the wires to become interrupted, thus causing the error code to appear.
To fix this you’ll need to twist the damaged wires to reconnect them, or simply replace the cable. Just keep in mind that if you twist the wires you’ll need to insulate them with the help of heat shrink.
Good afternoon, excellent information on the article. I replaced the water pressure switch after getting PE code. The machine went about 10 minutes and got the PE code again. Changed the hose on pressure switch to the tub, blew it out to make sure it was clear, kept testing, had some wet clothes still in, at some point got an FE error a couple of times along with the PE error which kept overriding in the end. Pulled everything out, let the machine sit.
Next day tested both pressure switches for continuity, good to go on both, put new switch back in, ran 5 minutes got a PE error, no clothes at all in the cycle, some water still in the machine. Not sure how to proceed. Thinking maybe heating element, I have read a few articles with PE error and element, though most mention a TE error for the element. This model is an LG top load washing machine, WT1201CW. I very appreciate your time. Thank you. Marc.
Marc, in your case i would carefully check for any loose wires from the control board to the pressure switch with the multimeter. Besides that, I would run a diagnostic mode and see if the pressure switch is changes values. If it’s changing values (while water filling up) , that means the pressure switch is ok.
This video should apply to your model as well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2MxNYWsVSw
My top loader.. pe fault checked sensor sounds like somethin is loose in sensor or rattling is that normal
Our washing machine display PE error code i follow the instruction it works for 3 days then again its display..now i try again and i makenit on IE code is display
MY MACHINE WON`T EMPTY WATER. EO3 LIGHT COMES ON
Check the drain pump filter
I cleaned the valve present at the back of the washing machine, the error code is gone but now the water keeps coming in, not stopping
Replace inlet valve, its faulty
Good! My machine has that problem now. I will give a try to your ideas!
I didn’t everything that was suggested. Took apart cleaned checked all wires. When I put it back together it did one was and at the end of that wash the PE came back on. Just like before it isn’t letting me start a wash it’s just flashing PE. Should I go ahead and change the sensor or could it be something else?
IDK, but without changing the sensor you will not know if its the problem with the sensor or with something else
I get this errror 3 times in 10 years of the machine’s service.
In my case it’s not the pressure switch is in fault. It is the tub water release switch that is misbehaving.
To fix it, I usually pull the switch lever with a screw driver all the way back and release – do this couple of times and it fixes the error code.
This switch lever is under the tub, it’s connected to a motor and this motor pulls the switch all the way inside to open the water outlet seal which in turn releases the water from the tub to outside drain tube.
Hope it helps.
Thanks Christo
Hi. I’ve replaced the part and cleaned hoses but the PE code still shows. I want to try what you did to fix your washer. I’m no technician but I do like to try it on my own first. How do I get to the switch you are referring too under the tub? Thanks in advance.
How to rectify PE error in LG front load washing machine?
You need to fix cause of the problem (see post) and this error should gone
My lg front load washing machine is showing PE error. What to do?
Please read post above.