How to fix FE error in LG washing machine
Some self-diagnosis system errors appear on the display more often, others less frequently. The FE error in an LG washing machine appears quite rarely, but if it does appear, it creates a serious problem for the user. How to decipher this code, how to find and eliminate the cause of its appearance, and can all this be done with your own hands? These questions cannot be answered in three words; a publication is needed.
The code requires decryption
Depending on the reasons for its appearance, the FE code on the display of the LG washing machine may appear either at the very beginning of the program, during water intake, or in the middle, just before rinsing. An attentive user will almost immediately be able to connect the process of water intake and the appearance of the FE error code on the display, but what this means is not clear.
The fact is that the LG washing machine draws a strictly defined portion of water for washing and rinsing. The water level sensor controls the dialing process. If for some reason the machine takes in too much water, exceeding all permissible limits, the FE error is triggered. Three modules are responsible for the correct supply of water in the LG washing machine:
- water level sensor - it precisely measures the amount of water that needs to be drawn according to a given program;
- filling valve - it opens when you need to pour water into the tank of the LG machine and closes when there is enough water;
- The control module is the electronic brain of the machine, its task is to control the water collection process by manipulating the water level sensor and the filling valve.
If any of the above modules does not work correctly, the machine may display an FE error. What are our actions?
- We can first try to reset the FE error correctly, in case the whole issue is not a malfunction, but a short-term system failure.
- If the reset fails, we will need to test all the specified modules one by one until we find the fault.
- Once a fault is discovered, we will need to fix it quickly and competently.
Reset error
Let's assume that the FE error appeared on the display of your LG washing machine for the first time. Turn off the machine using the button on the control panel, and then completely turn off the power by disconnecting it from the power supply. Then we proceed like this.
- We tilt the machine back a little and place a block under the right leg so that the machine remains tilted.
- Open the door of the drain filter, then place a capacious flat container for water, such as a basin.
- To the left of the garbage filter there is an emergency water drain hose. Open the cap and gradually drain the water from the tank.
- While you are draining the water, the UBL will unlock the hatch door. Open the door and remove the wet laundry from the drum into a clean basin prepared in advance.
- Unscrew the drain filter, clean it, and then screw it back on.
- Remove the powder receptacle, rinse it thoroughly to remove any remaining powder, and then return it to its place.
Now you can turn the machine back on. As usual, load the powder into the tray, then put the laundry in the drum. Don't overload the machine with laundry, but don't put too few things in either. Loading should be normal. If you wash bulky items, do not place them in a lump; try to straighten the laundry inside the drum as best as possible. That's all, you can close the door and start the washing program again.If the FE error reappears, you should begin a comprehensive check of the LG washing machine.
Note! If, when removing wet laundry from the drum, you notice a lot of foam inside, you should clean it out or wait until it settles. In rare cases, it is increased foaming that causes a short-term failure in the control module of an LG washing machine.
Checking and replacing the water level sensor
Further actions will depend on the time reserves you have. If you don’t have time to look for a breakdown, then feel free to contact a washing machine repairman, but if you have time, you can try to find and fix the breakdown yourself. Where to begin? We recommend starting with checking the pressure switch. The fact is that the water level sensor is one of the most fragile parts in any modern washing machine. In half the cases, the tube of this part gets clogged and it stops working correctly. In another case, its coil or power supply burns, and it completely fails. What to do?
- First you need to completely turn off the power to the washing machine. Do not neglect safety precautions, your life may depend on it.
- Next you need remove the top cover of the washing machine LG.
- Right above, not far from the right front corner of the case, we can find the part we are looking for.
- We unscrew the screw that secures the pressure switch to the body of the machine, disconnect the tube and the chip with wires.
- We take a multimeter, set it up and check each supply wire in turn for breakdown.
- We ring the pressure switch coil.
- If the sensor is working properly, thoroughly clean and blow out its tube. We do the same with the hose that fits onto this tube.
- We put the pressure switch in place.
Please note that even the smallest particles of dirt that get into the pressure switch tube of a washing machine can create problems, so clean the tube conscientiously.
Checking and replacing the filling valve
Do not rush to replace the top cover of the LG washing machine, because next in line is the filling valve, which also needs to be carefully checked. The fill valve is screwed to the back wall of the LG washing machine. It is connected to the inlet hose, so anyone can find it without much difficulty.
Do not rush to disconnect the filler valve pipes; first check the wires and coil. We test the wires and coil using a multimeter. If problems are detected, replace the filling valve. If there are no electrical problems, it is worth checking the flow filter.
The flow filter is located on the body of the machine in the place where the inlet hose is screwed. This is a small plastic mesh that tends to become clogged with suspended matter that falls on it along with tap water. Clean the flow filter and replace it.
Control module test
Well, we checked the pressure switch and the filling valve, and these parts turned out to be fully operational. What's next? Next up is the control module. We would not recommend that you check and repair such an important and expensive part. In order not to aggravate the problem and “not to end up with a lot of money”, you should contact a good specialist.
We are not currently advertising service centers, we just want to give you good advice. If you have not dealt with electronics before, you should not take on such a complex task. The wizard will test the firmware, reset it and, if necessary, replace some semiconductor elements of the control board.If the control module is severely damaged, it will need to be replaced, which costs about $70, plus the work of a technician. Take my word for it, in such a situation the best solution is the help of a professional!
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2 reader comments
Thank you very much, I fixed the filling valve myself without any help! Everything works fine.
I thank this kind man who took the trouble to write everything in detail. Very unexpected things were found in the drain filter. The machine started working immediately after the manipulations were carried out according to the instructions.