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LG Washer IE Error: Why It Will Not Fill and What to Check
What IE means on an LG washer, LG's checks for the faucets, hoses and inlet filters, the drain hose depth that causes it, and when to call for repair.
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LG washerIE
IE on an LG washer means the washer could not fill to the right level in time. LG’s checks: open both water faucets fully, look for kinked or damaged inlet hoses, then turn off the water, unplug the washer and clean the small filters where the hoses connect. If IE returns after that, LG says to request a repair.
Newer LG front-load models may show E02 or E10 for the same fault, according to LG’s newer code list. LG’s pedestal washer page adds low water pressure to the list of causes.
IE by model
| Washer | What LG’s page says | Extra check LG lists |
|---|---|---|
| Top-load | The washer was unable to fill with water | Drain hose no deeper than 4 in (10 cm) |
| Front-load (also E02, E10) | The tub did not fill to an adequate level in the set time | Thaw frozen hoses in warm water |
| Pedestal (SideKick) | A problem with the water supply | Low water pressure |
The steps below cover all three. Low pressure is worth checking if other taps in the house run weakly too: a washer can only fill as fast as the supply allows.
Step 1: faucets and hoses
Most IE codes come from the water supply, not the washer:
- Both faucets fully open. A valve turned off for a vacation, or only partly open, is enough. On a washer with hot and cold hoses, check both.
- Hoses not kinked, pinched or crushed. Pull the washer out and look along both hoses. LG says to replace damaged hoses.
- Not frozen. In freezing weather, supply lines in a garage or on an outside wall can freeze. LG says to thaw a disconnected hose in warm water at 50°C (122°F) or lower.
Washing machine inlet hoses
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Step 2: clean the inlet filters
Safety
Turn the faucet off and disconnect the power cord before you remove a hose, as LG instructs. Keep a towel under the connection: water left in the hose will run out.
LG’s steps from its top-load IE page:
- Turn off the faucet and unplug the washer.
- Unscrew the supply hose from the back of the washer.
- Pull out the small mesh filter in the inlet with pliers.
- Clean it with a toothbrush under running water.
- Refit the filter and the hose, turn the water on and check for drips before you plug the washer back in.
Sand and scale from the water supply collect in these screens, which is why a washer that filled fine for years can start showing IE.
Step 3: check the drain hose depth
The drain hose depth surprises people. On its top-load IE page LG says the drain hose should not go deeper than 4 inches (10 cm) into the drainpipe. Deeper than that, water can siphon out while the washer fills, so the tub never reaches its level and the washer reports a fill fault.
When the fault is inside the washer
If water reaches the washer freely, the filters are clean and IE still returns, LG says to request a repair. The part that lets water into the washer is the water inlet valve, which LG’s IE pages do not name as a home repair. Replacing it means opening the cabinet, so treat it as a technician job unless you are confident working inside an appliance with the power off.
If a technician confirms the valve, the part must match your model. Find the model number first (where the label is).
LG washer water inlet valves
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For the opposite problem, a washer that fills but will not empty, see OE. All LG washer codes are on the LG washer code list.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an LG washer try to fill before showing IE?
LG's US pages say IE appears when the tub does not fill to the right level within a set time, but they do not give the number of minutes, and it can vary by model. Check your owner's manual if you need the exact time.
Can a frozen hose cause an IE code?
Yes. LG lists frozen supply lines as a cause in cold weather. Its front-load code list says to thaw a disconnected supply hose in warm water of 50°C (122°F) or lower.
Why would the drain hose cause a fill error?
If the drain hose is pushed too far into the drainpipe, water can siphon out as fast as it comes in, so the tub never reaches its level. LG says not to insert it deeper than 4 inches (10 cm) on its top-load models.
Sources
- LG Top Load Washer - Troubleshooting an IE Error CodeLG Electronics
- LG Front Load Washer - Error Code List (New)LG Electronics
- Error Codes - Pedestal WasherLG Electronics
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