The tE error code on an LG washer means the control board is receiving an out-of-range or implausible signal from the water temperature sensor (thermistor). The machine cannot verify the water temperature and stops the cycle to prevent incorrect heating. The most common fix is replacing the thermistor — it is an inexpensive part and straightforward to swap. If a new thermistor does not resolve the code, a wiring fault or a failed control board is the next area to investigate.
What the tE Code Means
The LG washer tE error code is a thermistor fault. The thermistor — also called the NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) sensor — is a small resistive component mounted on or near the heating element at the base of the outer tub. Its job is to continuously report the current water temperature to the control board throughout every cycle.
When the control board reads a resistance value from the thermistor that falls outside the expected range — either too high (open circuit, indicating a broken sensor) or too low (short circuit, indicating a shorted sensor) — it cannot trust the temperature reading. Rather than risk heating the water to an incorrect level, the board halts the cycle and displays tE.
It is important to understand the distinction between tE and the heating error codes HE and HE1. Those codes relate to the heating element itself and the actual water temperature. The tE code is purely a sensor signal fault — the board is not saying the water is too hot or too cold, it is saying it cannot read the temperature at all and is refusing to proceed without that information.
The thermistor is one of the least expensive parts in the entire washer and in the majority of tE cases, replacing it resolves the error completely.
Common Causes — Most Likely First
How to Fix the tE Error — Step by Step
Turn off and unplug the washer
Press Power to cancel the active cycle and unplug the machine from the wall outlet. Wait at least 5 minutes before proceeding — this clears any residual charge in the control board and allows any heated water to begin cooling.
Power-cycle and test if tE was a one-time glitch
Plug back in after a 60-second wait and run a warm-water cycle. If tE does not return, the fault may have been caused by a temporary loose connection or a brief voltage spike. Monitor the next two or three heated cycles. If tE appears again, proceed with the physical inspection steps below.
Access the thermistor
Unplug the machine completely. On most LG front-load washers the thermistor is accessed from the rear by removing the back panel, or from the front by pulling back the door boot seal and removing the front panel. The thermistor is a small component clipped directly onto the heating element body or mounted in a holder on the lower outer tub. Consult your model's service diagram if you are unsure of its exact location.
Inspect and reseat the connector
Before testing with a multimeter, disconnect the thermistor's two-pin connector and inspect both the connector housing and the terminals for corrosion (green or white deposits), bent pins, or water residue. Clean any corrosion with electrical contact cleaner. Firmly reseat the connector and check whether this alone clears the tE code when you restore power.
Test the thermistor with a multimeter
With the thermistor connector disconnected, set your multimeter to the resistance (Ohms) setting. Touch the probes to the two thermistor terminals. At room temperature — approximately 20°C (68°F) — a healthy LG NTC thermistor should read between 10,000 and 15,000 ohms (10–15 kΩ). A reading of OL or infinity indicates an open-circuit failure. A reading near zero indicates a short-circuit failure. Either result confirms the thermistor must be replaced.
Replace the thermistor
Order the correct replacement thermistor for your LG model number — these are available from LG parts suppliers and typically cost between $10 and $20. Unclip the old thermistor from its mounting, disconnect it, and install the new one. Reconnect the two-pin connector firmly. Ensure the sensor body is making solid contact with its mounting point on or near the element.
Inspect the thermistor wiring harness
Trace the two wires from the thermistor connector back toward the control board. Look for any pinched sections where the wire passes through the cabinet frame, areas of melted insulation near the heating element, or loose connections at the board end. Any damaged section of wire should be repaired or the harness replaced before restoring power.
Restore power and run a heated test cycle
Reassemble any panels, plug the machine back in, and run a Hot or Sanitize cycle with a small test load. Confirm the cycle progresses normally through the heating phase without displaying tE. The machine should heat water and complete the cycle without interruption. If tE returns after thermistor replacement, the control board's thermistor input circuit has failed and requires professional diagnosis.
When to Call a Technician
The tE error is often a straightforward thermistor swap. Book a professional LG washer repair if:
- tE returns immediately after installing a new, confirmed-correct replacement thermistor
- The new thermistor tests within spec on the multimeter but the board still throws tE
- You find burned or melted wiring near the thermistor or heating element area
- The tE code appears on cold-water cycles where the heater should not be active at all — this suggests a board-level sensor input fault
- You are not comfortable accessing the internal components of the washer or using a multimeter
Repair Cost Expectations
If You Fix It Yourself
Professional Thermistor Replacement
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does tE mean on an LG washer?
tE stands for a thermistor (temperature sensor) error. The control board is receiving a signal from the water temperature sensor that falls outside the valid operating range — either infinitely high resistance (open circuit, sensor broken) or near-zero resistance (short circuit, sensor shorted). The board cannot verify water temperature and halts the cycle to prevent incorrect heating behavior.
What is the difference between tE and HE on an LG washer?
They are related but distinct faults. The tE code is a pure sensor fault — the thermistor is sending an invalid signal and the board cannot read temperature at all. The HE code means the board can read temperature but the water is not heating up fast enough, pointing to a problem with the heating element itself. A faulty thermistor can actually cause both codes depending on how it fails: a thermistor stuck reporting very low temperature may trigger HE (board keeps heating expecting it will reach target), while a completely open-circuit thermistor typically triggers tE directly.
Can I run my LG washer with a tE error?
Cold-water cycles that do not activate the heater will often complete without issue even with a tE fault, since the board only polls the thermistor actively during heating phases on most models. However, any cycle that requires heated water will fail or produce incorrect results. We recommend repairing the thermistor before continued use to avoid triggering secondary faults from incorrect temperature management.
How do I test an LG washer thermistor at home?
You need a basic digital multimeter set to resistance mode (Ohms). Unplug the washer, locate and disconnect the thermistor's two-pin connector, then place the probes on the two terminals. At room temperature (around 20°C / 68°F) a healthy NTC thermistor reads approximately 10,000–15,000 ohms. A reading of OL (open circuit / infinity) means the thermistor is broken internally. A reading near zero means it has shorted. Both indicate replacement is needed. The test takes under two minutes once the sensor is accessible.
Why does my LG washer show tE only on some cycles?
An intermittent tE typically points to a loose or corroded connector rather than a fully failed thermistor. The connection holds during low-vibration phases of the cycle but loses contact during high-spin or agitation phases. Start by cleaning and firmly reseating the thermistor connector. If tE persists, measure the thermistor resistance — a reading that is borderline (very high but not fully open) can also cause intermittent tE faults and warrants replacement.
Is the tE error covered under LG's warranty?
LG's standard one-year limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. A thermistor that fails prematurely due to a manufacturing defect within the warranty period should be covered. Failures caused by water ingress from improper installation or by normal wear after the warranty period are typically not covered. Contact LG with your model number, serial number, and purchase date to confirm warranty eligibility before booking third-party service.