LG Washer dE Error Code: What It Means and How to Fix It

Last updated: October 5, 2026 · Codes covered: dE, dE1, dE2, dE4, dE3 · Sources

A dE code on an LG washer means it can't confirm the door (or lid, on a top loader) is closed and locked, so it won't start or spin. Usually it's something simple, like a sleeve caught in the door, and you can fix it in a minute. If it keeps coming back with nothing in the way, the lock may have failed and need a repair.

Depending on your model, you may see dE, dE1, dE2, or dE4 on a front loader, or dE1, dE2, or dE3 on an LG SideKick pedestal washer.

What the dE code means

dE is a door code on both LG front-load and top-load washers, but the details differ.

Front-load washers. LG's owner's manuals list dE, dE1, dE2, and dE4 together as a "Door Open Error": the door is not secured. LG's US support pages break it down further:

• dE / dE1: the door isn't closed properly, often because laundry is caught between the door and the rubber gasket.
• dE2: the door is closed but didn't lock. This can happen if the drum is overloaded, something is caught in the door, or the latch is bent or broken.
• dE4: LG's manual groups it with the other door-open codes without a separate explanation, so treat it the same way.

Top-load washers. On LG top loaders, dE is a "Lid Error": the lid isn't closed properly, and the washer won't spin until it's closed and locked. A separate code, dL ("Lid Lock Error"), means the lid is closed but the lock isn't working.

SideKick pedestal washers. On the small washer that sits under some LG front loaders, dE1 means the drawer is open, dE2 means the drawer closed but didn't lock, and dE3 means the inner lid isn't latched.

Codes vary by model, so check your owner's manual.

Likely causes (most common first)

1. Door or lid not fully closed. LG says pressing the top of a front-load door, instead of near the handle, can leave it unlatched.
2. Laundry caught in the door between the glass and gasket.
3. Overloaded drum. Too much laundry pushes against the door. LG says the drum can be full but shouldn't be tightly packed.
4. Something blocking the latch. A small item or debris in the lock opening (or in the lid lock on a top loader).
5. A sagging or misaligned door. Leaning on an open door strains the hinge so the hook no longer lines up.
6. A torn or displaced door gasket.
7. A humid location (top loaders). LG says a humid spot, such as a bathroom, can cause the top-load dL lid lock error.
8. A failed door lock, lid lock, or control board.

How to fix it, step by step

Try these in order. Restart the cycle after each step to see if the code clears.

1. Open the door or lid and close it again firmly.
   • Front loader: Press the center of the door near the handle until you hear a click. Don't slam it. LG warns that slamming can damage the latch or door switch.
   • Top loader: Close the lid fully, then press Start/Pause. LG notes you may need to press Start/Pause once more to start the cycle.
2. Clear the door area. Push laundry farther into the drum and run your fingers around the gasket to make sure nothing is caught.
3. Take some laundry out if the drum is packed. Rearrange what's left so the surface near the door is fairly flat.
4. Check the latch area. Look at the door hook and the opening it fits into, and remove anything stuck there. On top loaders, check the lid lock for clothing or objects. LG says the locking mechanism is on the right side on its top loaders. Don't poke metal tools into the lock.
5. Lift a sagging door. LG suggests lifting a drooping front-load door slightly as you close it. If it only latches when lifted or slammed, it needs service.
6. Inspect the gasket. If the door seal is torn or loose, LG recommends booking a repair.
7. Reset the washer. LG's steps for front loaders:
   • Turn the washer off and unplug it (or switch off its circuit breaker).
   • With the power off, press and hold Start/Pause for 5 seconds.
   • Plug it back in, turn it on, and try again.
8. Top loaders in a damp room: For a dL code, LG advises against using the washer in a humid spot like a bathroom. Let the area dry out and try again.
9. Stop if the code returns. If dE keeps appearing with the door closed and nothing in the way, LG says to unplug the washer and call for service. If you're comfortable with a multimeter, see "Test the part" first.

Test the part

If the door closes and clicks normally but dE keeps coming back, the likeliest failed part is the door lock assembly (front loaders) or the lid lock / lid switch (top loaders). Here's a basic, unplugged check.

1. Unplug the washer. Pull the plug or switch off the breaker. If there's water in the drum, drain it first as your manual describes.
2. Inspect the door hook or lid strike. If the part that goes into the lock is bent, cracked, or loose, that alone can cause dE. LG says a bent or broken latch can cause dE2.
3. Reach the lock's connector. This varies a lot by model: on front loaders it often means working behind the gasket or removing panels, and on top loaders lifting the control panel or top. Check your service guide and watch for sharp edges.
4. Photograph the wires, then unplug the connector by its housing, not the wire.
5. Check for continuity with your multimeter on the lowest ohms setting, using the wiring diagram to find the terminals.
   • Front-load door lock: Its small coil (solenoid) moves the locking pin. Some resistance across the coil means it's intact. Infinity or "OL" (open circuit) means it has failed and the lock needs replacing.
   • Top-load lid switch: It should show continuity with the lid closed and an open circuit with the lid open. If it doesn't change, the switch is likely bad.
6. Don't chase an exact number. Published service figures for LG door locks differ between models, and even between documents, so only compare against your exact model's tech sheet or service manual.

A lock can pass this check and still fail when it heats up or tries to lock. If it tests OK and dE persists, stop and call a pro. Checking whether the control board powers the lock means live voltage testing, which isn't a DIY job.

Safety notes

When to call a pro

Call LG or a qualified appliance technician if:

• dE keeps returning after a reset, with the door clearly closed and nothing caught.
• The door only latches if you slam it or lift it.
• The door hook, hinge, or gasket is bent, broken, or torn.
• The door won't unlock after the cycle and the washer has drained.
• Your lock tests as an open circuit, or you can't reach it safely.
• Your washer is under warranty. Check the terms before opening any panels.

LG US support is available at lg.com/us/support or 1-800-243-0000.

FAQ

Related

• dE in the LG front-load washer error codes table
• dE in the LG top-load washer error codes table
• dL – lid lock (look-alike code)
• GE Washer 26 Error Code
• Haier Washer E2 Error Code
• Haier Washer E4 Error Code
• Insignia Washer E1 Error Code
• Insignia Washer E4 Error Code
• Samsung Washer 4C Error Code
• All washer error code guides