FE error in the LG washing machine

Even the most reliable equipment may malfunction from time to time. If the device is equipped with an electronic display, the error code will be displayed on the screen. Some error codes are more common, some less common. The FE error in an LG washing machine is quite rare. It usually appears when filling with water but can also occur during the washing or rinsing stages. If the LG washing machine is not equipped with a display, the error will be indicated by flashing or simultaneous lighting of the pre-wash and main wash indicators, or the synthetics, wool and blanket (down blanket) indicators.

FE in LG washing machines means an overflow error. The code is displayed when the maximum water level in the tank is reached. If you try to start the washing machine again, it will react as follows:

• The washing machine will not fill with water and will show the FE error almost immediately after switching on.
• The washing machine will fill the tank with water, then drain it and display the FE code on the display.

Let's consider the reasons when you can see the FE error on your LG washing machine. Some problems can be fixed independently, some will require contacting the LG service center, as they are associated with breakdowns of internal units. First of all, we will consider those that are easy to fix:

• There may have been too much foam in the drum of the washing machine. Foam may have formed due to poor quality or expired powder, or if its dosage was violated, or if instead of powder for an automatic machine, hand washing powder was used. Excessive foam is caused by washing porous or lacy items (various tablecloths, tulle, knitted bedspreads or openwork sweaters). Foam may also increase if too many items were loaded into the tank. Due to the large amount of foam, the water level sensor mistakenly takes it for overflow of water and displays the FE error. To eliminate the error, turn off the washing machine, remove the laundry from the tank and let it dry.
• The error code could be caused by a short-term failure in the control module due to power surges. To do this, turn off the LG washing machine and disconnect it from the power source for 15-20 minutes, then start the wash cycle again. If there are constant power surges in the house, then purchase a stabilizer and connect the washing machine through it.

Three units are responsible for the correct water intake in the LG washing machine, and if any of them fails, this will lead to an error:

• Pressure switch or water level sensor. It measures how much water should be collected for the selected program.
• The fill valve opens when water needs to be drawn in and closes when there is enough water.
• The control module is the "brains" of the LG washing machine, which controls the main components of the machine, including the water level sensor and the inlet valve.

Let's consider each case in more detail. To establish the exact cause and fix the breakdown, it is better to contact the technician from the LG washing machine service center, as special tools and partial disassembly of the washing machine will be required. Before the master arrives, turn off the machine and drain the water using the emergency water drain hose.

If the water level sensor is faulty, the LG washing machine may stop at any stage of washing for the first time, and then it will stop immediately after switching on and show the FE error. The FE error does not always indicate a breakdown of the pressure switch; the malfunction could be caused by a blockage in the pressure sampling chamber or in the sensor tube. If blowing does not help, then you will have to replace the pressure switch.

The FE error can be seen if the water inlet valve is out of order. Usually, the washing machine starts to constantly collect and drain water. During water intake, the valve starts to leak water in excess either due to the loss of membrane flexibility or due to a breakdown of the mechanism responsible for opening and closing. The valve cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced.

If you notice the FE error during the washing or rinsing stage, and when you turn it on again, the washing machine does not start washing, then the problem is in the control module. Only a specialist can repair the control board. The tracks on the board may burn out, then they will be soldered. Or the wiring from the control module to the pressure switch may fray. If the processor is out of order, then the entire control unit will need to be replaced.