Few things are more frustrating than an error code on your LG washing machine.
One moment it’s working fine and the next thing you know it stopped and an error code is flashing.
Is your LG washer currently showing a PE error code?
Today we’re going to explain what the error means and how to fix it.
What Does The PE Error Code Mean?
This error code signifies an issue with your LG washing machine’s water level pressure sensor switch.
However, before you go too far and begin disassembling the washer or buying new parts it’s a good idea to first try to reset it.
This is easy to do. You simply disconnect the power cord on the washer for a few minutes.
After a minute or two have passed plug the machine back in and try to restart your wash cycle.
Your LG washer may have cleared the error code, however, if that did not work you’ll need to keep reading.
Common Issues That Cause the PE Error Code
If you tried to reset the washing machine and the error code is still showing you will need to do a bit of troubleshooting.
There are generally two common causes why an LG washer would show this code.
Issue #1 – A Wiring Problem
The first reason your LG washing machine may be showing the PE error code is due to a problem between the wiring from the water level pressure switch/sensor to the main control board.
Connect with an Appliance Repair Tech
Click here to use the chatbox to speak with one of our technicians.
No in-home service calls. No appointments.
Due to vibration during spin cycle, some of the wires may come loose or just connector been disconnected.
To determine if this is your problem you will need to inspect the wiring harness from the sensor to the control board.
How to Fix A Wiring Problem
Troubleshooting this problem requires you to inspect the wiring harness to see if it’s loose or damaged in any way.
You will also want to look for wires that are burnt or faulty.
The next step is to check the continuity in the wiring harness using a
At this point you may find that the wiring harness is faulty between the main control board and the water level pressure switch.
If this is the case you will need to purchase a new one here and replace it.
However, if there is continuity between the wires, there’s no visible signs of damage, and the harness is securely connected to both the main control board and the water level pressure sensor you will need to proceed to the next step.
Issue #2 – Problem With The Water Level Pressure Sensor Switch
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.
There’s a great chance that it’s either dirty and needs to be cleaned, or it’s faulty and needs to be replaced.
Here’s what you’ll need to do to determine the issue.
How to Fix A Problem With The Water Level Pressure Sensor Switch
When dealing with this type of problem the first thing you’ll want to check is if the sensor is caked with hard water deposits or other foreign debris.
Connect with an Appliance Repair Tech
Click here to use the chatbox to speak with one of our technicians.
No in-home service calls. No appointments.
In the event this part becomes dirty it will cause your LG washer to begin showing the PE error code.
If you notice any type of filth on the sensor you’ll need to remove the part from your washing machine and clean it well.
You’ll also want to clean out the tube that connects to the sensor while you have it off your washer.
After the tube and sensor switch are both clean go ahead and place them back on the washer and try to start a wash cycle on the machine.
If the PE error code is no longer showing, your LG washing machine is fixed and there’s nothing more you need to do at this time.
However, if the error code is still present then your water level pressure sensor switch is likely faulty.
If this is the case, you’ll need to remove it and install a new OEM part on your LG washer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The Easiest Way To Try To Clear The PE Code?
If your machine requires no real fixes you can try to simply disconnect all power from the washer and leave it unplugged for up to 10 minutes.
In some cases this is all that’s required to clear the code.
What Does It Mean When LG Washer Won’t Start A Wash Cycle And Just Displays The PE Error Code?
In most cases this signifies that the heating element is to blame.
This part is responsible for heating the water to the perfect temperature.
Occasionally this means the hose connected to the water level pressure sensor switch is clogged and needs to be blown out.
If this isn’t the problem with your machine, then the water level sensor switch will need to be replaced.
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.
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.
In the end, the PE error code is usually displayed on an LG washing machine for the reasons we discussed above.
If you follow the steps we provided you’ll have your washer fixed in no time.
Leave us a comment and let us know if your LG washer displayed the PE code and if these fixes worked for you!
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.