LG · Dishwasher
LG Dishwasher tE Error Code
Thermistor signal out of range
What this error means
tE is a Thermistor Error—the NTC sensor that reports wash water temperature sent an invalid resistance. Heat cycles may abort or never start.
How TE is detected
TE on LG dishwasher units indicates the drive system did not meet expected performance. Direct-drive washers monitor rotor position with a hall sensor; dryers and dishwashers track motor current draw. When the drum or spray arm fails to turn, the inverter or motor relay shuts down to prevent burned windings. LG LDP7808BD, LG LDP6797ST, and similar variants may show this fault after an overloaded tub or a foreign object jam.
Thermistor plug loose at the heating element is a leading trigger. Start with power off at the breaker and reseat the two-wire thermistor connector. Rotate the drum or spray arm by hand when powered off—it should move without grinding. Grinding confirms mechanical obstruction; free rotation with repeated TE on light loads suggests hall sensor, motor, or inverter board failure requiring professional diagnosis.
Common causes
- Thermistor plug loose at the heating element
- Wire chafing against the tub shell
- Scale-covered sensor bulb giving erratic readings
- Control board heat input circuit damaged
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Power off at the breaker and reseat the two-wire thermistor connector
- 2Run a high-temp cycle and note whether tE appears before or after fill completes
- 3Descale the tub if white mineral coats the heater area
- 4Power-cycle 5 minutes before retesting
When to call a technician
Compare thermistor ohms to LG chart at room temperature—open readings require replacement.
Affected models
- LG LDP7808BD
- LG LDP6797ST
- LG LDF5545ST
Prevention & maintenance
- Avoid washing single heavy rugs or shoes that bind the drum; distribute weight evenly to reduce motor strain that precedes TE.
- Record when TE appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your LG dishwasher—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for TE; LG uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting TE; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.