A local appliance technician from Ottawa explains the issue.
The LE code on the LG washer shows a motor sensor dysfunction in 90% of cases. We must be precise that this is a specific code for the LG front-loading washing machine. I will investigate other problems that may be related to the washer’s drive issues, and that could be covered by this error code, too.
While preparing the article, I was surprised to find that the issues with my car and LG washing machine were the same: the Hall sensor. I just had my car repaired because the tachometer, which shows the crankshaft’s rotation rate, was not working. The parts have different names but use the same electromagnetic effect (Hall effect), enabling them to check and regulate the speed of rotating parts like axes and electric motors.
Understanding of the problem
The LG front-loading washing machine has a direct-drive (no belt) motor. The motor’s stator is connected to the washer’s tub, and the rotor is connected to the drum’s shaft. The motor speed sensor is on the stator and is not visible until you remove the rotor.
The LE code on the LG washing machine usually means a motor sensor dysfunction. The motor sensor regulates the motor’s moving speed. This code usually occurs at the beginning of any cycle, when the washing machine finishes filling with water and should start running. You can see that the washer’s drum is shaking instead of turning. The error code will appear in a few seconds.
This is one of the common problems with LG washing machine front-load models. I will explain how I diagnosed and repaired this malfunction. First, I like that the LG washer has an electronic system that helps with diagnostics. So, when my clients tell me that the washing machine drum doesn’t turn but shakes and shows the LE error code, I quickly understand the problem. But before taking apart the motor, we should exclude all other possibilities, as the error code may appear when other issues affect the motor’s speed.
Other problems to watch for when you see an LE code on the LG washer.
- Stuck objects (clothes): When clothes fall between the drum and the tab, they can slow the motor.
- Cracked drum support/shaft (“spider”). This part embraces the drum like a spider and connects it to its shaft. This is a common problem with Samsung and LG washing machines. Read my article about this issue.
This is a video demonstrating the last stage of the cracked shaft. - Damaged motor or motor wires. Go to the back of the washer and check the motor wires thoroughly. The aggressive tub shaking could have damaged them. Repair the wires and check the washer’s shocks for damage.
So, turn the drum by hand and check if it moves slightly, doesn’t stop, doesn’t make any horizontal moves, and doesn’t make any noise; that speaks to the drum problems rather than the motor.
To replace the motor sensor, we need to remove the motor. This direct-drive vertical-washing-machine motor is at the back of the hub. I know how to take it off without damaging the motor wires. There are two types of sensors, and I always have them in my car to fix the LE code on the LG washing machine issue on the spot.
