How to fix the FE error on an LG washing machine
Some self-diagnostic errors appear on the display more frequently than others. The FE error in an LG washing machine is quite rare, but when it does appear, it creates a serious problem for the user. How do you decipher this code, how do you find and fix the cause, and is it possible to do it yourself? These questions cannot be answered in a few words; a publication is needed.
The code requires decryption.
Depending on the cause, the FE error code on the LG washing machine display may appear either at the very beginning of the program, while water is being drawn in, or midway through, just before the rinse cycle. An attentive user will almost immediately be able to connect the water draw process with the FE error code, but what it actually means remains unclear.
The LG washing machine draws a strictly defined amount of water for the wash and rinse cycles. A water level sensor monitors this process. If for some reason the machine takes in too much water, exceeding all permissible limits, the FE error is triggered. Three modules are responsible for the correct water intake in the LG washing machine:
- water level sensor - it measures the amount of water that needs to be collected according to a given program;
- Fill valve – it opens when you need to pour water into the LG machine tank and closes when there is enough water;
- The control module is the machine's electronic brain; its job is to manage the water intake process by manipulating the water level sensor and the filling valve.
If any of the above modules is not working correctly, the machine may display an FE error. What should we do?
- We can first try to reset the FE error correctly, in case the problem is not a malfunction, but a short-term system failure.
- If the reset fails, we will need to test all the specified modules one by one until we find the fault.
- Once a problem is identified, we need to fix it quickly and efficiently.
Resetting the error
Let's assume this is the first time the FE error has appeared on your LG washing machine's display. Turn off the machine using the button on the control panel, then completely disconnect it from the power source. Then, proceed as follows.
- Tilt the machine back a little and place a block under the right leg so that the machine remains tilted.
- Open the drain filter door and then place a large, flat container for water, such as a basin, underneath.
- To the left of the waste filter is an emergency drain hose. Open the plug and gradually drain the water from the tank.
- While you're draining the water, the door lock will unlock. Open the door and remove the wet laundry from the drum into a clean basin.
- Unscrew the drain filter, clean it, and then screw it back in.
- Remove the powder receptacle, rinse it thoroughly to remove any remaining powder, and then return it to its place.
Now you can plug the machine back in. As usual, add detergent to the dispenser, then load the laundry into the drum. Don't overload the machine with laundry, but don't underload either. The load should be normal. If you're washing bulky items, avoid lumping them together; try to spread them out as much as possible inside the drum. That's it, you can close the door and start the wash cycle again. If the FE error reappears, you should have your LG washing machine thoroughly inspected.
Please note! If you notice a lot of foam inside the drum when removing wet laundry, you should clean it out or wait for it to settle. In rare cases, excessive foaming can cause a temporary malfunction in the LG washing machine's control module.
Checking and replacing the water level sensor
Your next steps will depend on your available time. If you don't have time to troubleshoot, feel free to contact a washing machine repair technician. If you do have time, you can try to find and fix the problem yourself. Where to begin? We recommend checking the pressure switch. The water level sensor is one of the most fragile components in any modern washing machine. In half the cases, a tube in this part becomes clogged, causing it to stop working properly. In other cases, the coil or power supply wire burns out, causing the machine to fail completely. What should you do?
- First, you need to completely disconnect the power from the washing machine. Don't neglect safety precautions; your life could depend on it.
- Next you need toremove the top cover of the washing machine LG.
- Right at the top, near the right front corner of the case, we can find the part we are looking for.
- We unscrew the screw that secures the pressure switch to the machine body, disconnect the tube and the connector with wires.
- We take a multimeter, set it up and check each supply wire in turn for breakdown.
- We ring the pressure switch coil.
- If the sensor is working properly, thoroughly clean and blow out its tube. Do the same with the hose that attaches to this tube.
- We put the pressure switch back in place.
Keep in mind that even the smallest particles of dirt that get into the pressure switch tube of your washing machine can cause problems, so clean the tube thoroughly.
Checking and replacing the fill valve
Don't rush to replace the top cover of your LG washing machine, because the inlet valve is next, and it also needs to be thoroughly checked. The inlet valve is screwed to the back of the LG washing machine. It's connected to the inlet hose, so anyone can easily find it.
Don't rush to disconnect the filler valve pipes, first check the wires and coil. We test the wires and coil with a multimeter. If any problems are detected, replace the fill valve. If there are no electrical issues, it's worth checking the flow filter.
The flow-through filter is located on the machine body where the inlet hose attaches. It's a small plastic mesh that tends to clog with suspended solids from the tap water. Clean the flow-through filter and replace it.
Control module test
So, we've checked the pressure switch and the fill valve, and they're fully functional. Next up, the control module. We wouldn't recommend checking or repairing such an important and expensive part. To avoid making the problem worse and potentially costing you a fortune, it's best to contact a reputable technician.
We're not promoting service centers right now; we simply want to give you some good advice. If you're new to electronics, don't take on such a complex task. A technician will test the firmware, reset it, and, if necessary, replace some of the semiconductor components on the control board. If the control module is severely damaged, it will need to be replaced, which will cost around $70, plus the technician's labor. Trust us, in this situation, the best solution is professional help!
Interesting:
2 reader comments
Add a comment
Headings
Washing machine repair
For buyers
For users
Dishwasher
Thank you so much, I fixed the fill valve myself without any help! Everything works perfectly now.
I thank this kind person for taking the time to write everything down in detail. Some very unexpected things were found in the drain filter. The machine started working right away after following the instructions.