Error codes LE and 1E on an LG washing machine

If your LG washing machine freezes, first intermittently and then frequently, and displays the LE error code, you should stop using it immediately and begin investigating the cause of the error. You should proceed methodically, first consulting the instructions that came with your washing machine before taking any action. What does the LE error code mean, and how can you resolve it by eliminating the underlying cause?

Why are errors 1E and LE confused?

Paradoxically, many users, even with the manual in hand, confuse 1E and LE errors, which leads to erroneous conclusions and the inability to identify the root cause of the problem. This is due to the way the code is displayed on the LG washing machine's display. Code 1E is displayed as a vertical bar and the letter "E", this vertical bar is mistaken by people for the lowercase (small) English letter "L". As a result, instead of code 1E people read lE.

Please note: On state-of-the-art LG washing machines, the error code is displayed more accurately, but some confusion may still occur.

If the LE code appears on the display of an LG washing machine, it cannot be confused with anything else, since the letters “L” and “E” are displayed clearly, without any double interpretation, as shown in the figure below.

The shortened version of the LE error code stands for "motor overload." In reality, this definition isn't complete, as there can be many causes for overload, and it might not even be the motor itself. Let's discuss these causes in more detail.

Possible causes of the LE error

As noted above, there are many possible causes of the LE error. These causes are, in one way or another, related to the electrical system of the LG washing machine. Before looking for the reason why this error occurs, find out when this error occurs - when starting the machine, during operation under maximum load on the electric motor, or at any of the above moments. All of this is very important. So, what are the causes of the LE error?

• Problems with the motor sensor or winding. If the motor sensor is making poor contact or its winding is overloaded, the display may show a CE or LE error.
• The wiring that supplies power to the engine is broken or not making contact.
• There is a problem with the power filter of the LG washing machine.
• Power surges in the electrical network. If surges occur frequently, the LE error will also appear frequently, possibly alternating with the PF error.

Important! A special PF error is common on LG washing machines and means "Power failure." This error can be resolved by rebooting the machine, but if it occurs frequently, you should consider purchasing a voltage stabilizer.

Procedure for checking the electric motor and wiring

Only a seasoned technician can immediately figure out the nature of the LE error. To do this, we'll need to access the LG washing machine's motor, test it for faults, check the wiring, and then draw conclusions. First, we need to access the washing machine's motor.

1. We disconnect the washing machine from the utilities and turn it so that the back wall is facing us.
2. We unscrew the fasteners holding the back wall and remove it.
3. Motor in washing machines LG direct drive, looks different and is located right in the center of the drum. We find the engine – it’s a large round metal disk located in the very center – and begin checking it.

Repair and inspection of the washing machine motor These are described in detail in the article of the same name, which you can find on our website. We won't repeat the process here. Instead, let's talk about how to check the wiring that supplies power to the motor, as direct-drive motors are very reliable and less likely to be the cause of the problem.

 

• We find two bundles of wires going to the engine and disconnect them.
• We take a device called a “multimeter” and check the resistance of each wire.
• If you find a broken wire, consider that the problem was in it; if the wires are intact, you need to look further.

Important! If the wire is intact, the multimeter display should show zero; if it's broken, it should show 1.

We check the power filter and understand the electrical network

The LE error may be caused by a faulty power strip in your washing machine. What should you do in this case? How can you check the power strip for short circuits? First, you need to get to it.

1. We remove the top cover of the LG washing machine.
2. The network filter is located on top, exactly where the network cable is connected.
3. We check the filter contacts and wires for breakdowns with a multimeter. If the surge protector is working properly, we need to look further.

Error LE can also cause unstable power supply. Our Russian electrical grids are simply designed to damage electrical appliances. Constant outages and power surges damage equipment not only in individual homes or apartments, but in entire neighborhoods. How can you protect your "home assistant" and other appliances from such risks? Install a residual-current circuit breaker and washing machine stabilizer.

In general, it's best to have a professional electrician inspect your home's wiring and install the necessary protection. It's best to do this before purchasing a washing machine, to ensure its safest possible connection. Proper and proper wiring and electrical protection are the key to the smooth operation of your washing machine.

To summarize, the LE code that suddenly appears on your LG washing machine's display can be caused by a variety of faults, but they are all electrically related, not water supply related, as the 1E code suggests. Be careful and interpret error codes correctly.

   

Readers' comments