LGWasherLEMotor error

LG Washer LE Error Code (Motor Overloaded / Locked)

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Quick answer: LE means the tub isn’t spinning properly because the motor is strained or locked (LG). LG lists four causes: an overloaded washer, several cycles run back to back, a coin or other object caught in a gap around the tub, or a temporary error. Take out some laundry (use the Bedding cycle for bulky items), let the motor rest 30 minutes to an hour, remove any coins from the drum, and unplug the washer for five minutes. If LE keeps coming back, LG says to unplug it and request a repair.

LG Canada describes LE as a “locked motor” error: the motor can’t operate properly because the washer is overloaded or a foreign object is stuck between the drum and the tub. Work through the steps in order — the free checks come first.

Test order: easiest & free first

  1. Let the motor coolFREE · 30–60 min
    LG says the motor may stop temporarily if you run several cycles back to back. Wait 30 minutes to one hour between consecutive cycles to give the motor time to cool.
  2. Lighten the loadFREE · 5 min
    An overloaded washer strains the motor. Remove some items; for a large comforter or other bulky bedding, select the Bedding cycle (LG).
  3. Skip heavy rubber-backed rugsFREE · —
    LG Canada warns that heavy bath rugs with a liner, non-slip backing or rubber mat strain the motor, and loose rubber pieces can block the drain pump. Lighter synthetic or microfiber rugs are fine.
  4. Check the drum for coins and objectsFREE · 10 min
    Turn off the power and unload the washer. Look in the gaps around the tub and the holes of the drum for coins, metal pins or bra wires, and pull them out with long-nose pliers or tweezers (LG).
  5. Hard resetFREE · 6 min
    Unplug the washer, press and hold the POWER button for 15 seconds to drain residual power, wait five minutes, plug it back in and run the cycle again (LG; LG Canada). This can clear temporary electrical or communication errors.
  6. Still LE? Request serviceSERVICE
    If the code keeps appearing, LG says to unplug the power cord and contact LG for repair service. For reference, PartSelect describes the motor’s rotor position (Hall) sensor as the part that monitors the direction and speed of the spinning rotor; it works with the motor stator and rotor that turn the drum.
⚠ Safety: Turn off and unplug the washer before reaching into the drum to remove objects, and use pliers or tweezers, not your fingers (LG). If LE keeps returning after these checks, LG says to unplug the washer and contact LG for repair service rather than keep restarting it.

Parts to check

PartPart number
Rotor position (Hall) sensorLook up by your model numberCheck price
[PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link]
Motor statorLook up by your model numberCheck price
[PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link]
Motor rotorLook up by your model numberCheck price
[PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link]

We only list part numbers confirmed by a cited source. Parts vary by model, so always look up by your model number at the parts retailer before ordering. PartSelect notes that on some LG models the sensor is only sold as part of the motor stator.

💡 Find your model number: On LG front loaders the label is usually inside the door opening or on the back panel; on top loaders, under the lid or on the back.

Other LG codes: OE (won’t drain) · UE (unbalanced) · IE (won’t fill) · LG cheat sheet

Watch it done

Video by LG USA Support on YouTube. FixCode Guide isn't affiliated with this channel.

Sources

  1. LG US – Front load washer motor error, LE error code
  2. LG US – Why is an LE error code displayed on my washing machine?
  3. LG Canada – Front load washer LE error code
  4. PartSelect – LG washer sensor assembly (rotor position sensor)
  5. PartSelect – LG washer motors (stator, rotor)