Getting an error on your washer while doing your laundry can put a real damper on your plans. It’s even more frustrating when you don’t know what the code means or how to fix it so you can get back to washing your clothes.
The tE error is a common issue for LG washers, but luckily it’s a simple one to solve. This code indicates an issue with the heating sensor on your washer, usually related to one faulty part that can be easily repaired or replaced.
If you need to learn more about this problem, keep reading to find out everything there is to know.
Causes of LG Washer tE Error Code
Before attempting to rectify the tE code on your LG washer, it’s essential to know what might be causing it in the first place. Here are some of the most common culprits to look out for:
1. Faulty Temperature Sensor/Thermistor
First and foremost, the most common cause for a tE code is a faulty temperature sensor or thermistor, which is a combination of the terms ‘thermal’ and ‘resistor.’ This component is responsible for sensing the water temperature in your appliance, ensuring that it gets hot enough to wash your clothes effectively while also preventing it from overheating.
Clothes washed in too-cold water will be less effective, but if the water gets too hot, it can damage both your clothing and your appliance, so the thermistor is crucial for temperature regulation.
The water temperature sensor might be faulty due to simple wear and tear over time, or it may have experienced an electrical fault like a short circuit or some issue with the wiring or connection.
2. Faulty Heating Element
Another critical component to consider is the heating element itself; this element generates heat to ensure that there is hot water in the drum to wash your clothes. It works in conjunction with the temperature sensor to ensure that it only heats the water just enough for hot water washing mode.
The heating element is not intended to run continuously throughout a wash cycle because the water and the appliance would overheat if it did.
As an electrical component, the cause of a faulty heating element is likely related to the electrical connectors or a related issue. It’s also possible that the component has become worn out or damaged over time due to rust or other damage.
A damaged heating element may not be able to reach the required heat, which would result in the tE error on your display.
3. Loose or Damaged Wiring
You might also be dealing with a simple wiring issue. The wires connected to the temperature sensor or the heating element are crucial for those components to work efficiently; however, if something isย wrong with the wiring, it might trigger the tE code.
The wires might have become loose or damaged over time, disrupting the connection between the sensor/heating element and the main control board. Thisย can break the connection and interrupt the washer from using the function.
4. Water Inlet Valve Problems
A less common culprit, but still worth noting, is your water inlet valve. The inlet valve plays a crucial role in water temperature regulation since it is connected to both the hot and cold taps in your home via the inlet hoses, which fill the washer with water.
However, if the connection is not secure, or if there is an issue with the inlet valves themselves, then you might not be getting enough hot water, or it might not be read correctly by the sensors.
5. Control Board Malfunction
Your washer’s main control board functions as the brain of the appliance. This means that eachย function of the washer relies on the control board to communicate with the relative components to work.
If something is amiss with the control board, communication between all the different parts of the washer will be disrupted. Not only will this impact the heating function but all other facets of the appliance as well.
A number of issues, such as electrical surges, wear, and tear, moisture or water damage, or a manufacturing defect, can cause a faulty control board.
How to Fix LG Washer tE Error Code
Now that you know all the possible culprits of the tE error, you’ll be better equipped to diagnose your washer and determine the right course of action based on the root of the problem. Here are the steps you can take to get things working again.
1. Power Off and Unplug
The first and most straightforwardย solution is to perform a quick reset on your appliance in case a simple glitch in the system triggered the code.
To do this, first, turn off your washer via the power button and disconnect it from the power supply. Allow the power to drain fully from the appliance by waiting a few minutes.
Next, plug it back into the power source and try to run a new washing cycle. If the code has cleared and doesn’t show up again, you have solved the problem and don’t need further troubleshooting.
2. Check Water Inlet
If the reset didn’t fix the problem and you’re still dealing with a tE error, the next step is to ensure that the problem doesn’t lie simply with your water inlet valves which allow cold and warm water to enter the drum.
Inspect the inlet hoses connected to the water taps for any kinks, twists, or blockages. You may want to remove and clean them with hot water to remove any obstructions or build-up.
You should also ensure the water supply is securely connected and attempt to run a new cycle.
3. Inspect and Test the Temperature Sensor
If cleaning out the inlet hoses and valves didn’t solve anything, you will need to start investigating the other components of your washer.
To start with the thermistor, locate the part near the inlet valve you have just checked. The thermistor should be securely attached to the appliance and free of any visible damage; if you notice something amiss, it might need replacing.
4. Check Wiring Connections
While checking the temperature sensor, you should also ensure that the wiring connected to this component is secure and free of damage.
Ensure that nothing is loose, but be careful when working with these electrical components by unplugging the appliance before you do these checks. Any fraying or broken wire you notice will require repairing or replacingย the wiring.
5. Inspect the Control Board
Finally, if you haven’t found the cause of the problem yet, you will need to resort to the control board. This is a complicated electrical component, so you should contact an appliance repair technician if you don’t feel confident.
If you feel comfortable, you can examine the control board yourself and look for any signs of damage or a burnt component. Any visible issues will alert you that the part needs replacing, but if you can’t see anything wrong with it, you’ll need to call for professional help.
Preventing LG Washer tE Error Code
If you want to prevent the tE code from coming up again, there are a few things you can do to ensure the proper functioning of your washer.
1. Proper Installation
First of all, make sure that your washer is installed correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
This includes ensuring that all the water and electrical connections are secure and that there are no kinks or blockages that might interfere with the machine’s functionality.
2. Avoid Overloading
Next, it’s crucial that you use your washer correctly, also according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This means that you should avoid overloading your washer at all costs.
Excessive laundry can strain the appliance and cause it to overheat. Always follow the capacity guidelines for each specific function on your washer to prevent wearing the machine out.
3. Balanced Load Distribution
Not only should you limit the amount of clothes you put in your washer, but you should also ensure that the laundry is evenly distributed inside.
This is to ensure that the load is balanced when you start a wash cycle and prevent the machine from shaking or vibrating too much. Excessive shaking might impact the sensor’s abilities, so watch out for an unbalanced load.
4. Use the Right Detergent
Believe it or not, using a low-quality or inappropriate detergent for your washer can cause damage to your clothes as well as the appliance itself. A build-up of too many suds can impact the sensors in your machine and lead to inaccurate readings.
You should also be aware of the temperature you select on your washer – choosing a temperature that is too high might cause overheating.
5. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Generally, taking good care of your washer is another vital piece of advice to follow. Keep your washer clean, and pay special attention to the drum, the detergent dispenser, and the filter.
You can also schedule a time to perform regular maintenance tasks and check in with your appliance regularly to ensure everything is connected and operating as it should be.
Taking good care of your appliances will help to ensure that try last a long time and can help avoid issues like the tE error.
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.
