LG Washer OE Error: What It Means and How to Clear It

OE on an LG washer means the washer cannot drain the water from the cycle. LG’s checks, in order: make sure the drain hose behind the washer is not kinked or clogged, run a spin-only cycle and listen for the drain pump, then clean the drain pump filter on a front-load model. No pump hum means a repair.

LG uses the same two letters on front-load and top-load washers, but the checks differ, because only front-load models have a filter you can clean. Newer front-load models may show E03 or E21 for the same fault, according to LG’s newer code list.

What OE means on your model

Step 1: check the drain hose

Pull the washer out far enough to see behind it. LG’s first check on every model is the drain hose: it must not be kinked, crushed, pinched or clogged. If the washer has been moved recently, check that the hose has not folded against the wall behind it.

Step 2: run a spin-only test

Select a spin-only cycle on high spin and listen. LG says a humming sound for the first 15 seconds means the drain pump motor is working. That tells you where the problem is:

• You hear the hum: the pump runs, so something is stopping the water. Clean the filter (front-load) and recheck the hose.
• You hear nothing: LG says the drain pump is not working properly and the washer needs a repair service.

On a top-load model, LG’s next step after the spin-only cycle is a Tub Clean cycle. If OE comes back, LG says the unit needs a repair.

Step 3: clean the drain pump filter (front-load only)

LG’s steps for front-load models:

1. Press Power to turn the washer off, then unplug it.
2. Open the service panel at the bottom-left corner of the front.
3. Unclip the small drain hose, remove its cap and let the water run into your pan. Refill and repeat until it stops.
4. Turn the pump filter counterclockwise to remove it.
5. Clean it with a soft brush and warm water, and wipe out the opening.
6. Refit the cap on the small hose and clip it back, then screw the filter in clockwise and close the panel.

Then run a Tub Clean cycle. LG recommends cleaning this filter monthly, which keeps lint, coins and hair pins from building up in front of the pump.

LG washer drain pump filters

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When the pump is the part

If the hose is clear, the filter is clean and the spin-only test is silent, LG’s own answer is a repair. The part involved is the drain pump. Pumps differ between LG models, so match the part number in your washer’s parts list to the listing before you buy, using the model number from the label on your washer (where to find it).

Fitting a pump means opening the cabinet and disconnecting wiring. If you are not comfortable working inside an appliance, book a technician and give them the code and your model number.

LG washer drain pumps

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Stop OE coming back

• Clean the filter monthly on a front-load washer, as LG recommends.
• Use the right amount of detergent. LG’s newer front-load list adds reducing detergent to its OE steps.
• Empty pockets. Coins and pins are what the filter catches.

Other brands name a drain fault differently: Whirlpool and Maytag front-load washers show F9 E1, and Samsung washers 5C or nd (Samsung washer codes). OE is one of several LG washer codes. See the LG washer code list for the rest, or UE if the washer drains but will not spin.