LG Washers use the front display panel to indicate if there is a problem with your machine by displaying an error code. One code that users have reported encountering is the LE code, indicating that the washer tub is not able to spin.
While this is often just a simple case of the washer being overloaded with heavy items, sometimes it may be a component issue that needs addressing.
This isn’t easy to do if you don’t know what to look for. So in this article, I will explain exactly why this problem occurs and how to get it fixed up and back to working order.
What Causes an LG Washer LE Code
Several potential problems might cause the washer tub to not be able to spin. While many common causes are easily fixed, there may sometimes be a more serious underlying issue, such as a damaged rotor or sensor.
So let’s first walk through the leading causes of this issue so you can accurately diagnose exactly what’s causing this problem.
1. The Washer is Overloaded
When too many clothes are loaded into the washer, heavy items such as thick blankets can sometimes bounce around inside the tub, which causes strain on the washer motor.
Likewise, clothes can sometimes bundle up and wrap around each other, which creates an uneven wash load. So to keep itself safe, the washer will trigger this error and stop spinning.
2. There’s a Software Error or Glitch
Most modern washing machines utilize computer software to operate their front control panel and allow you to customize your wash cycle preference.
As with any computer-controlled appliance, it has a chance of running into a glitch or problem with no real cause behind it. The good news is you can usually clear common error codes by performing a hard reset or power cycle, allowing the washer to start fresh.
3. The Rotor has Become Damaged
The method in which a washer tub rotates is by using a rotor that interacts with the stator, which rotates using an electromagnetic field. So if either the rotor or the stator becomes damaged for any reason, the drum won’t be able to rotate, triggering this code.
The rotor will need to be removed from the washer, examined carefully, and replaced if needed.
4. The Rotor Position Sensor has Failed
The rotor position sensor is designed to monitor both the speed and direction of the washer tub as it operates. It then relays this information to the control board, which can adjust the speed/direction as needed for your chosen wash cycle.
So when this sensor fails, the rotor won’t turn at all, which means the tub doesn’t turn, causing this error message.
The rotor position sensor must also be removed from the washer, inspected for damage, such as burn marks, and replaced accordingly.
5. A Coin or Other Foreign Object is Blocking the Drum
Foreign objects such as keys or coins may accidentally be left in the pockets of your clothes, and if you don’t realize it and wash them while the items are still in the pockets, they may come out and lodge themselves inside the wash tub.
Not only is this dangerous, as it can potentially damage the washer, but it can also prevent the drum from spinning, which causes the LE error code.
The inside of the tub will need to be carefully inspected for foreign objects, and if any are located, they should be removed.
How to Fix an LG Washer LE Code
Now that you have a better understanding of what causes this issue, you can now go about getting it fixed.
Many of the solutions are very simple and quick processes with a high likelihood of fixing this error code. However, in some rare cases, a more serious issue may require replacing a component.
1. Reduce the Washer Load
If the washer tub has been overfilled or has too many heavy objects inside of it, such as big blankets, the drum may have trouble spinning as the washer motor is struggling to move so much weight.
LG recommends not filling the washer drum over 75% full on a single cycle, so if you have a lot of big, heavy items loaded in, you should remove a few so you can wash a lighter load.
Additionally, most modern LG washing machines have a wash cycle option called ‘bedding cycle,’ specifically designed to handle heavier items by running the drum slower than usual. Be sure to select this wash cycle option if you haven’t already.
2. Re-distribute the Clothes
If the clothes have bundled up and are causing problems, then they will need to be re-distributed by hand. This is very easy to do: simply pause the current wash cycle, open the door, manually pull the clothing items apart, and set them evenly across the washer drum.
Oftentimes things such as shoelaces, tassels, or hoodies/short ties can increase the chance of clothes bundling up. So an easy way of solving this is to place them in netted bags.
3. Power Cycle the Machine
Sometimes this error message is a simple glitch in the system with no real underlying cause and can often be fixed by performing a hard reset. Turn the washer off and unplug it from the wall outlet (or turn it off at the circuit breaker).
Wait for 5 minutes for the washer to fully discharge and then replug it back in. If the power cycle doesn’t work, sometimes performing a full reset eliminates this code.
Here’s how to perform a reset:
- Start by turning the machine off using the power button.
- Like the power cycle, unplug it from the wall outlet/circuit breaker.
- Press and hold the start/pause button for 5 seconds.
- Plug it back in and start the machine back up.
4. Inspect and Fix the Rotor
If the rotor has become damaged, it will hugely impact how well the washer tub can spin. So first, you’ll need to inspect it to find out whether it’s damaged or not:
- Start by turning the machine off and unplugging it from the power source.
- Turn the water supply off and disconnect the drain hose, so no water flows into the machine.
- Pull the washer out, so you have free access to the back panel, and then unscrew the back panel and remove it from the washer.
- Locate the rotor (refer to your washer’s user manual if you are unsure of its location) and remove the main bolt that attaches it to the tub.
- You’ll need to inspect the plastic teeth of the rotor to see if they are missing, as they can often get stripped out.
- If any teeth are missing, then the rotor will need to be replaced.
- You can contact LG support to source a new rotor for your exact washer model.
- Simply reverse these steps with the new rotor in its place.
5. Inspect and Replace the Rotor Position Sensor
If the rotor position sensor is not working correctly, the washer won’t know what speed and direction the drum turns. This can be quite dangerous, so the LE code will appear to protect itself until the RPS is restored to working order.
The first thing to do is inspect the sensor for functionality:
- As always, start by unplugging the washer from the power supply.
- As mentioned in the previous step, pull the washer out, remove the rear access panel, and remove the rotor.
- Remove the two power connectors and bolts that attach the stator to the washer. Once loose, you can fold it down to reveal the rotor position sensor.
- Inspect this sensor for signs of damage, such as burning or melting, on the wire harness that connects it to the washer.
- If it’s found to be damaged, it must be replaced.
- Remove the old RPS, discard it, and insert a new RPS in its place.
- Then you can re-attach the wire harness, re-tighten the attachment bolts, and re-attach the rotor and rear panel.
- Once everything is installed, turn the washer back on and check if the LE code has disappeared.
6. Remove Any Foreign Objects from the Tub
Occasionally, things like coins or keys may fall out of clothes and into the tub, and if they lodge themselves in the wrong place, it will prevent the tub from turning.
While the machine is off and there are no clothes inside the tub, open the door and inspect the drum carefully for any items that are not supposed to be there. Be sure to check in all the crevices and joins, as they can easily become lodged there.
Take a pair of pliers and remove any unwanted objects. Once removed, try spinning the drum by hand and ensure it can do a full 360-degree rotation before starting the washer back up.
Preventing an LG Washer LE Error Code
Now that the problem is fixed, you can follow a few easy steps to ensure it won’t come back again in the future.
1. Don’t Overload the Washer
Ensure you don’t fill the washer over 75% full or use too many heavy items, such as blankets, at one time.
2. Use Netted Bags
Place all items with strings, tassels, or shoelaces into netted bags to ensure they don’t tangle the clothes.
3. Check your Pockets
Double-check pockets for loose coins, keys, or other objects that may fall out and lodge themselves in the tub.
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.
