What does tE mean on a LG washer?

tE means: Temperature sensor. The most likely parts involved are water temperature thermistor, wash heater assembly, wire harness.

How much does it cost to fix tE?

A typical control board replacement costs about $200–$500 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.

Can I still use my LG washer with a tE code?

The washer usually stops the cycle when it shows tE. A cold-water cycle may sometimes run, but the problem won't fix itself, so plan to have it checked.

Does the tE code mean my control board is bad?

Not usually at first. The sensor, heater, or wiring are more common causes. The control board is generally looked at only after those parts check out fine.

Error codes › Washer › LG

LG Washer tE Error Code

Temperature sensor

Applies to: All Front-Load and Top-Load digital models. May also appear as tE1, tE2, tE3.

What's going on

The tE code on an LG washer means the machine is getting a bad reading from its water temperature sensor, called a thermistor. The sensor may be open, shorted, or reporting a temperature that doesn't make sense. Start with a simple power reset, and if the code returns, the sensor, heater, or wiring likely needs attention.

Your washer uses a small sensor called a thermistor to measure water temperature. The control board reads this sensor to decide how warm the water is and whether the heater should run.

If the reading is missing, stuck, or outside a normal range, the washer can't trust it. It shows tE and stops so it doesn't overheat the water or ruin a cycle. This code applies to LG front-load and top-load washers with digital displays.

Codes can mean slightly different things on different model generations. Check your model number against your owner's manual to confirm.

Likely causes

water temperature thermistor — This is the sensor that reads water temperature. If it fails open or shorted, the control board gets a bad signal and shows tE.
wash heater assembly — On many models the thermistor is mounted on or near the heater. A faulty heater can damage the sensor or cause readings that seem wrong.
wire harness — A loose, corroded, or damaged wire between the sensor and the control board can break the signal. The board then sees an open or shorted sensor even if the sensor is fine.

The same code can mean different things on different model generations. Check the model number on your washer's rating plate before ordering parts.

Can you fix it yourself?

Doable for an experienced DIYer with the right part, but many people still call a technician.

Safe things to check first

Reset the washer: unplug it or switch off its breaker, wait a few minutes, then restore power and try a short cycle.
Check that the hot and cold water hoses are connected to the right faucets and both faucets are fully open.
Make sure the washer is plugged directly into a working outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
Before touching anything inside or behind the washer, always unplug it or switch off its breaker. Do not remove any panels for these checks.

When to call a technician

If tE comes back after a reset, the sensor, heater, or wiring likely needs testing and replacing. A handy owner with the right part may manage it, but call a qualified appliance technician if you're not comfortable working inside the washer or if a new sensor doesn't clear the code.

What the repair usually costs

$200–$500

Control board replacement, parts and labor — national reference range

Confidence: low (based on a single cost guide — treat as a rough guide). Plus a service call fee of about $50–$100, often credited toward the repair.

This is not a quote. Prices vary by region and by model.

Repair or replace?

Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new washer.

A typical new washer costs about $700–$1,300.

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Common questions

What does tE mean on a LG washer?: tE means: Temperature sensor. The most likely parts involved are water temperature thermistor, wash heater assembly, wire harness.
How much does it cost to fix tE?: A typical control board replacement costs about $200–$500 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.
Should I repair or replace my washer?: Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new washer.
Can I fix tE myself?: Doable for an experienced DIYer with the right part, but many people still call a technician.
Can I still use my LG washer with a tE code?: The washer usually stops the cycle when it shows tE. A cold-water cycle may sometimes run, but the problem won't fix itself, so plan to have it checked.
Does the tE code mean my control board is bad?: Not usually at first. The sensor, heater, or wiring are more common causes. The control board is generally looked at only after those parts check out fine.