We often take for granted how complicated our washing machines are, there are mechanisms in place to manage the temperature, drum speed, and most importantly, keep the door locked tight so water doesn’t spill out all over your kitchen.
However, sometimes issues with this door locking mechanism can develop, which will display as an error code on the front panel.
This can be a confusing problem to deal with, so in this article, I’m going to list all the main reasons why this problem occursย and give you easy step-by-step instructions on how to get it fixed up and restore your washer back to working order.
Causes of LG Washer DE Code
This specific error code stands for door error and means there is some kind of issue with the washer’s door lock and latching system. When the washer door cannot lock, it’s possible that water might spill out, so to prevent this from happening, the LG washing machine will pause the wash cycle until this issue is addressed.
There are multiple reasons why this error code might occur, so let’s take a look at these in detail so you can better diagnose precisely what’s wrong with your LG washing machine.
1. The Door Latch is Damaged
One of the most common reasons for the DE error appearing is due to the door latch somehow becoming damaged. This latch is not only there to hold the door against the washer and create that all-important water-tight seal, but it also needs to latch so the switch triggers and enables the washer to start.
So if the machine detects that the door isn’t completely closed, it will refuse to start until the problem is addressed. You’ll need to visually inspect the latch for signs of damage, including cracks or small parts that may have snapped off.
If any visible damage is located on the door switch, the faulty door lock must be replaced.
2. The Door Switch isn’t Working
In addition to the physical latching system of the LG washing machine door, a switch needs to be triggered, which lets the machine know that the door is closed.
If this door switch were to run into problems and stop working, even if the latching system works just fine, it would still believe the door is open and refuse to work.
Once again, this switch will need to be tested with a multimeter to determine whether it’s functional or not. If it’s found to be faulty, it will need to be replaced with a new one.
3. A Control Board Glitch
The control panel board acts as the brain of the LG washing machine, sending out electrical signals to the various components and keeping the entire appliance working correctly. This includes receiving the go-ahead from the door switch that the door is closed.
So if the control board malfunctions a fault, it may not understand that the door is closed and will cause the LG washing machine error code to appear, even though technically both the door switch and latch are working.
4. The Door isn’t Aligned Properly
To ensure the door can correctly latch and trigger the door sensor, it needs to fit snugly into its allocated spot. So if for any reason the door was to become misaligned, or something was to get it in the way of it latching, then the whole door lock assembly won’t work properly.
This can commonly occur due to accidentally bumping into the door, which slightly knocks it off its hinges. So you’ll need to inspect the door alignment carefully, and then you can adjust the door hinges and/or strike plate as needed to get it to fit into place.
5. A Door Wiring Fault
The door lock assembly needs to communicate with the control panel to inform it that the door is now closed. What can commonly happen is an issue develops with the wiring that connects the two components together.
When this happens, the load washer won’t be able to signal to the control board that the door is closed. You’ll need to carefully inspect the wiring system around both the door and control board and fix/replace any faulty wires or connection points as required.
How to Fix LG Washer DE Code
As you can see, this error code is most commonly caused by an issue surrounding the door locking mechanism, sensor, or control board. Now that you have a better understanding of what’s causing the problem, it’s time to go through and get these issues fixed.
1. Replace the Damaged Door Latch
The most common cause behind this error code is the door not latching properly.
Before we jump in and replace the latch, we must confirm that there is a problem with it. Here are some obvious signs the latch is defective:
- When you close the door, there is no latch click; if you can’t hear an audible click, then the latch isn’t engaging and is probably the problem.
- Check the door latch for physical damage, such as cracks or chunks of missing plastic.
- Finally, you can test it with a multimeter by placing the probe into slots on the door latch, and if the multimeter doesn’t give back a positive reading, it should be replaced.
Once you have determined that your door latch is faulty, here’s how to replace it:
- Start by disconnecting the load LG washer from the power supply or turning it off at the circuit breaker.
- Remove the LG machine’s top cover to access the door latch.
- Disconnect the wires/connectors from the old door latch. You may need a small pair of pliers to pull off the connectors.
- Now you can unscrew the old door latch; this can now be discarded.
- Take the new door latch and screw it into place; you can use the same screws you removed from the old one.
- Reconnect the wires to the latch using the identical configuration with which the old one was wired in.
- Now you can re-install the rear access panel.
Once the new latch is installed, you can test if it’s working by listening carefully as you close the door for an audible click, confirming that it’s now latching correctly.
2. Install a New Door Switch
Similarly to the door latching system, the washer will still think the door isn’t closed if the switch isn’t working. The process of installing a new door switch is very similar to installing the latching system:
- Start by unplugging the power cordย and removing the top panel.
- Locate the door switch, will is usually placed towards the front right of the washing machine tub.
- Disconnect the wires and unscrew them from the housing.
- Using a screwdriver, remove the old door switch; this can just be discarded.
- Mount the new door switch in its place and connect the wires using the same configuration as the old one.
- Re-install the washer’s top panel and plug the power cord back into the power supply.
Now you can test the new door switch by starting a clean cycle and checking that the DE code doesn’t appear.
3. Install a New Control Board
If the control board has encountered a problem and is not functioning, the usual course of action is to replace the entire control board.
However, as this is quite an involved process, our recommendation is to contact LG customer service, who will help arrange for a replacement control board and a trained technician to come out and install it for you.
4. Align the Washer Door
Before you go and physically adjust the alignment of the load washing machine door, it’s a good idea to inspect the area visually for obstructions or foreign objects that may get in the way of the door closing.
Next, you should check the door hinges and make sure the screws are in tight; if they work themselves loose, the door might sag down. If you have done these steps and the door is still out of alignment, you can manually adjust the alignment place.
Loosen the door hinge plate screws and manually adjust the door until it’s in the proper position. It’s a good idea to use a spirit level here to make sure it’s straight.
Once you’re happy with the alignment, re-tighten the screws to lock it in place. Then you should test that the door is correctly latching; if it’s not quite right yet, don’t be afraid to repeat this process a few times to perfect the alignment.
5. A Door Wiring Fault
If there is a wiring issue between the door latch and the control module, it might not be able to detect when the door is closed, causing the DE error to occur.
You’ll need to visually inspect the wiring harness surrounding the door switch and latching system for any obvious faults, loose wires, signs of burning, or broken connectors. Any problems that are found will need to be fixed accordingly.
How to Prevent LG Washer DE Error Code
Once the LG washer error codes are fixed, preventing them from returning is a relatively simple process of just taking care of the door and latching system.
This includes keeping the area clean by giving the door seal and latch a wipe-down every once in a while. Also, don’t overfill the washing machine as it might push against the door and put a strain on it.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
