LG · Washing Machine
LG Washing Machine FE Error Code
Overfill or water entering unexpectedly
What this error means
FE is a Fill Error tied to overfill detection. The pressure switch or water level sensor reports more water than expected—sometimes because an inlet valve stuck open, the pressure hose disconnected, or the drain failed and water accumulated between cycles.
How FE is detected
When FE appears on a LG washing machine, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On LG WM9500HKA, LG WM8100HVA, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most FE calls are resolved without parts: turn off hot and cold supply valves behind the washer immediately. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If FE returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Inlet valve stuck open due to mineral buildup on the solenoid
- Pressure switch air dome tube disconnected from the tub
- Drain failure leaving water from a prior cycle
- Control board relay welded closed on the water valve circuit
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Turn off hot and cold supply valves behind the washer immediately
- 2Unplug the machine and inspect the clear pressure hose from the tub dome to the control panel
- 3Reconnect or replace the hose if cracked, kinked, or loose at either end
- 4With water off, plug back in and run a Drain cycle only—do not run Fill until FE clears
When to call a technician
If the tub fills while the washer is unplugged, both inlet valves are stuck open and must be replaced before use.
Affected models
- LG WM9500HKA
- LG WM8100HVA
- LG WM5000HVA
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use washing machines to prevent FE from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when FE appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your LG washing machine—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for FE; LG uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting FE; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.