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

By Dan Mercer · Published October 5, 2026 · Updated October 6, 2026 · Codes covered: IE, 1E, E02, E10 · Sources

An IE code on an LG washer means water isn't getting into the washer fast enough. It didn't fill to the right level in the time allowed. Usually it's something simple you can fix yourself, like a tap that's not fully open, a kinked hose or clogged inlet filters.

If your display seems to say 1E, it's almost certainly IE, since the "I" can look like a "1". Some newer LG front loaders show the same error as E02 or E10.

This 3-minute fix saved 0 homeowners a technician visit this month.

What the IE code means

LG calls IE a "Water Inlet Error" (on some models, "No Water Supply"). The washer opened its water valves, but the drum or tub didn't reach the expected water level within a set time. The code means the same on front loaders, top loaders and the LG SideKick pedestal washer.

About 1E. LG's washer code lists don't include a separate 1E code. If you see what looks like 1E, check your manual, but treat it as IE. Don't confuse it with Samsung washers, where 1E is a water level or leak error.

Look-alike codes on LG washers:

• PE: a water-level (pressure) sensor error. Unplug the washer for 10 seconds and try again. If PE comes back, it needs service.
• FE: the opposite of IE. There's too much water ("Overflow Error"), which LG says is caused by a faulty water valve. Turn off the taps, unplug the washer and call for service.
• FF: the washer is frozen. LG says an IE in cold weather often means a frozen tap or inlet hose.

Likely causes (most common first)

1. Taps closed or only partly open, or the water to the house is off.
2. Kinked, pinched or crushed inlet hoses. LG says the washer can shift during spins and bend the hoses.
3. Clogged inlet filters. Small mesh screens where the hoses connect to the washer catch rust, sand and scale.
4. Frozen taps or hoses in a cold garage or basement.
5. Low water pressure. LG's manuals call for 20 to 120 psi.
6. Leak-limiting or "flood-stop" hoses. LG says these can trip during fill and stop the washer from filling.
7. Hot and cold hoses connected to the wrong taps, or no hot water supply.
8. Drain hose problems that siphon water out as it fills:
   • Front loaders: the hose end is too low (LG's manuals say no lower than 29.5 inches above the bottom of the washer), the hose has popped out of its holder, or the end is sitting in water.
   • Top loaders: the hose is pushed more than 4 inches into the drainpipe.
9. A faulty water inlet valve or its wiring.

How to fix it, step by step

Do these in order and restart a cycle after each one.

1. Open both taps fully. Turn them counterclockwise all the way, and check that water is on elsewhere in the house.
2. Straighten the inlet hoses. Pull the washer out gently and remove any kinks or pinches. If a hose is badly bent, LG suggests turning off the tap, disconnecting the hose and reconnecting it straight. Replace any hose that's damaged.
3. Check the hose connections. Hot (red or orange) goes to the hot tap and hot inlet, and cold (blue) to cold. Make sure both are tight.
4. Thaw frozen lines. Disconnect the hoses at the washer and open the taps.
   • If no water comes out, wrap the taps in a cloth soaked in hot water for about 5 minutes.
   • Thaw the hoses in warm water below 122°F (50°C), then reconnect them.
5. Test the flow. With the hoses disconnected from the washer, point each one into a bucket and turn the tap on. LG suggests running a few gallons through to flush out dirt. If only a trickle comes out, the problem is your plumbing or the hose, not the washer. Check another faucet, and call a plumber if the house pressure is low.
6. Clean the inlet filters.
   • Turn off the taps and unplug the washer.
   • Unscrew the hoses from the back of the washer, with a towel ready.
   • Pull the mesh filter out of each inlet with pliers.
   • Scrub them under running water with a toothbrush. For scale, LG's manual suggests soaking them in white vinegar or a limescale remover.
   • Rinse, press the filters back in, reconnect the hoses, and turn the taps on fully. Check for leaks.
7. Swap out flood-stop hoses. If you're using auto shut-off or leak-limiting hoses, LG recommends standard hoses instead.
8. Check the drain hose.
   • Front loaders: make sure the hose is in its holder, the end isn't under water, and it's at least 29.5 inches above the bottom of the washer.
   • Top loaders: make sure it's no more than 4 inches into the drainpipe.
9. Stop if IE keeps coming back. If water flows well, the filters are clean, and IE returns, LG says the inlet valve may be malfunctioning. See "Test the part" below or request service.

Test the part

If the supply checks out, the likeliest failed part is the water inlet valve, where the hoses connect at the back. It has a small coil (solenoid) for each water line.

1. Unplug the washer and turn off both taps.
2. Inspect the inlet screens and valve ports. Disconnect the hoses. The screens should be clean and undamaged. Look inside each hose end for debris and a missing rubber washer.
3. Reach the valve's wires. This usually means removing a cabinet panel. Which panel varies by model, so check your manual, and watch for sharp edges.
4. Photograph the wires, then pull each connector off by its housing, not the wire.
5. Check each coil. Set your multimeter to the lowest ohms setting and touch a probe to each terminal of one coil.

Swipe the table sideways to see every column.

1. Read the result. OL on any coil means the valve needs replacing. A good reading only means the coil is intact. The valve can still be stuck or blocked inside.

If the coils read fine and IE keeps coming back, stop and call a pro. The next checks are whether the control board sends power to the valve and whether the water-level sensor works. Those are live-voltage tests, not DIY jobs.

Safety notes

When to call a pro

Call LG or a qualified appliance technician if:

• IE keeps returning with good flow from both hoses and clean filters.
• The inlet valve leaks, hums without filling, or a coil reads open (OL).
• The washer keeps filling with the power off, or shows FE. Turn off the taps right away.
• You see a PE code that returns after unplugging.
• 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

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