How to Fix LG Washer LE Error Code

An LG washer error code LE indicates that the washer’s motor is locked, usually due to a heavy wash load. Removing items from the washer or rebalancing the load and then resetting the washer should fix the problem and resolve the LE error code. However, if the error code returns, the washer may have a damaged rotor or a defective rotor position sensor.

Keep reading to diagnose and fix the issue.

This guide applies to most LG washer models, such as:

RLM20K

WD-10271BD

WD-11275BD

WD-13276BDM

WD-90282BD

WDP2W

WDP3B

WDP3N

WDP3R

WDP3S

WDP3W

WM0642HW

WM2016CW

WM2050CW

WM2101HW

WM2233HW

WM2277HS

WM2277HW

WM2301HR

WM2487HRM

WM2487HWM

Adjust the load

The first thing to do when your LG washer displays an LE error code is to check that the load is balanced and not overfilled. Rebalancing the load and removing a few of the heavier items will often clear the error code and allow the washer to continue with the cycle.

If the error code remains after adjusting the load, you may need to reset the washer, as described in the next step.

Reset the washer (clear the error code)

Follow these steps to reset the washer and clear the error code:

1. Press the Power button to turn the washer display off.
2. Disconnect the power to the washer.
3. Press and hold the Start button for five seconds.
4. Reconnect the power to the washer.

The washer should now be reset, with the LE error code cleared. If the washer failed to reset and clear the error code, you may need to check your user manual or online for specific reset instructions for your particular model, or one of the components below may need to be replaced.

Check the rotor

If the washing machine makes a loud clanking noise, the LE error code may be caused by a damaged rotor.

It is recommended to wear work gloves when accessing the rotor to protect against the sharp edges you will encounter.

Follow these steps to check your washer’s rotor:

1. Disconnect the washer from the power.
2. Turn off the water supply to the washer.
3. Remove the hot and cold water inlet hoses.
4. If you have a front-loader LG washer, lie the washer down so that you can access the rotor underneath the washer. If you have a top-loader LG washer, move the washer out and remove the rear access panel.
5. Use a 17-millimeter socket or an adjustable wrench and hammer to loosen and remove the rotor mounting nut (the large bolt in the center). If you use a wrench to remove the nut, secure the wrench to it, and hit the wrench with a hammer to loosen the nut.
6. Take the rotor off the shaft to remove it from the washer.
7. Check the rotor for damage.

If the rotor is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Check the rotor position sensor

The rotor position sensor (also known as the hall sensor) monitors the direction and speed of the rotor. If the sensor fails, it can trigger an LE error code.

The rotor position sensor is located next to or on the stator (on the bottom of the stator with top-loader washers). If you are unsure where the sensor is, it is secured with mounting screws and may have one or several wiring harnesses.

Follow these steps to check and replace the rotor position sensor (hall sensor):

1. See the steps above to locate and access the washer’s rotor. Make sure the power is disconnected.
2. Remove the rotor from the washer.
3. Remove the bolts that secure the stator.
4. Carefully lift the stator from the washer.
5. Examine the sensor’s wiring for signs of damage, like burn marks, which may be causing the LE error code.
6. Remove the three-wire connector and the wiring harness mounting clips.
7. Remove the rotor position sensor by using a flat-edge screwdriver to unclip the sensor from the stator.
8. Remove the rotor position sensor from the wiring harness(es).

The rotor position sensor can now be replaced with a new one or tested with a multimeter to determine if it has failed.

If you find damaged wires, depending on which wires are damaged, you may be able to replace or repair the wires or replace the sensor, which should come with a new wiring harness.

Follow these steps to test the rotor position sensor with a multimeter (will depend on the type of multimeter you have and possibly your LG washer model):

1. Locate the five pins on the rotor position sensor. The furthest curved slot top is the number one slot.
2. Select the ohms setting on your multimeter.
3. Place one probe in the number one slot and the other probe in the number 5 slot (the furthest from the number one slot). The multimeter should read between 9,000 and 10,000 ohms.
4. Test slots 2 and 5. Again, it should read between 9,000 and 10,000 ohms. If the sensor fails either test, it is defective and will need to be replaced. If it passed both tests, test the voltage.
5. Set the multimeter to test for voltage.
6. Testing the voltage requires a 9-volt battery or a portable DC power supply.
7. Place a multimeter probe into slots 1 and 4.
8. Move the magnet over the sensor to activate and deactivate it.
9. When you activate the sensor, the multimeter should show close to 10 volts. When the sensor is deactivated, the multimeter should show zero volts.
10. Finally, put the multimeter probes into slots 2 and 4, and run the volt test again.

If the reading is not changing with the magnet, or the voltage reading is not close to 10 volts, the rotor position sensor is defective and will need to be replaced.

In summary

A LG washer error code LE can usually be resolved by removing items from the washer and performing a reset. However, if the issue remains, the rotor or rotor position sensor may be damaged and need replacing to resolve the LE error code.