FE means the washer detected more water than the cycle calls for. LG’s documented cause is a faulty water valve that isn’t shutting off properly. The fix starts with closing both supply taps and draining the machine before assuming a part needs replacing.
Brand:
LG Washer Error Code FE (Overfill)
FE means the washer filled with more water than it should have, usually pointing to a stuck water valve.
Meaning
Possible causes
No cause is certain until it has been checked on the appliance.
- Likely Water inlet valve not shutting off completely
- Possible Water level sensor misreading the fill
Tools needed
- Towels
- Flashlight
First checks
- Close both hot and cold water supply taps first, before touching anything else.
- Power the washer on, set spin speed to no spin, and press Start/Pause to drain any trapped water.
- Restart a normal cycle and watch the first fill closely to see if FE returns immediately.
Step-by-step diagnosis
- Close both hot and cold taps before anything else. If a valve is passing, the machine keeps filling whatever the display says.
- Power the washer on, set the spin speed to no spin, and press Start/Pause to drain the water sitting in the drum.
- With the taps still closed, watch the drum for the next few minutes. Water that keeps arriving with the taps shut means the problem is upstream, not the valve.
- Open the taps and start a normal cycle, watching the first fill closely. Note whether it overshoots gradually or fills without ever stopping.
- A fill that never stops points at the inlet valve stuck open. A fill that stops at the wrong level points at the pressure sensor or its hose.
- If you can reach it, check the small clear tube running from the outer tub to the pressure sensor for a kink or trapped water.
What not to do
- Running another full cycle to see if it clears itself after FE. LG treats a persistent FE as a repair case, not something to cycle through repeatedly.
When to stop
- FE persists after the drain and restart. LG's documented guidance is a service visit at this point.
- The drum fills with the taps closed and the machine powered off, which is a valve failing open and a flood risk. Leave the taps shut.
An error code varies by brand
The same code can have a different meaning depending on the brand and model. Always check your appliance's manual before acting.
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Related guides
When to call a professional
If the simple checks turned up nothing, if the repair involves electricity, gas, or the sealed refrigerant system, or if you have any doubt at all: stop there and hand the appliance over to a qualified technician.
