tE Error Code and Long Wash Time in LG Washer? How to Fix It

Your LG washer should make laundry effortless, but when it takes longer to finish a cycle, the water stays cold, and that frustrating tE error pops up, something’s clearly wrong. The culprit? A faulty heating element or thermistor. Whether you have a gas or electric model, we’ll break down why this happens and how you can fix it fast.

If you need any replacement parts for your LG washer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you need

• Towel
• Adjustable pliers
• Flashlight
• Multimeter
• 10 mm socket wrench
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Side-cutters
• Zip tie

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or its parts. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it. 
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

How to fix LG washer error code tE (water not heating and long wash cycle)

Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the issue causing your LG washer to display the tE error code, which is related to water heating problems.

Step 1. Access the heater assembly

1. Turn off the washer by pressing the power button and unplugging it from the electrical outlet.
2. Shut off the water supply by closing both the hot and cold water inlet valves.
3. Place a towel or container under the water inlet hoses to catch any residual water.
4. Gather necessary tools, including a multimeter, pliers, a flashlight, and a solid support for tilting the washer.

1. Tilt the washer onto its left side (as seen from the front) and place a solid support to keep it stable.
2. Locate the heater and thermistor assembly at the bottom front of the outer tub.
3. Inspect the connectors for signs of corrosion, damage, or looseness.
4. Remove the white plug from the thermistor and disconnect both contacts from the heater terminals.

Step 2. Test the thermistor

NOTE: Generally, for every 1 degree in temperature difference, 2 Ohms could be added or subtracted. If the temperature in your home is cooler, resistance would be subtracted. 

1. Set the multimeter to resistance mode (Ω – Ohms, horseshoe symbol).
2. Touch the thermistor terminals with the multimeter probes.
3. Check the thermistor reading, which should be about 39.5 KΩ at room temperature (77°F).
4. If the reading is significantly different, replace the thermistor.

Step 3. Test the heater element

1. Keep the multimeter in resistance mode (Ω).
2. Place the multimeter probes on the heater terminals.
3. Check the heater reading, which should be 12 – 18 Ω.
4. If the reading shows an open circuit (infinity/OL), the heater is faulty and needs replacement.

Step 4. Check for a grounded heater

1. Switch the multimeter to continuity mode (Wi-Fi symbol).
2. Place one probe on a heater terminal and the other on the nut in the center of the heater.
3. If continuity is detected, the heater is grounded and must be replaced.

Step 5. Replace faulty components or proceed to PCB testing

1. If the thermistor or heater is faulty, replace the heater assembly.
2. If both components function properly, proceed to test the main PCB.

Step 6. Test the main PCB

1. Remove the top panel of the washer by unscrewing the back panel screws and sliding it off.
2. Locate the main PCB in the top left rear corner of the washer.
3. Inspect all wiring and connectors leading to and from the main PCB for looseness, burns, or corrosion.
4. If the heater and thermistor tested good and the wiring is intact, the main PCB is the likely cause.
5. Replace the main PCB if no other faults were found.

Step 7. Reassemble and test

1. Reassemble the washer and reconnect all electrical components.
2. Return the washer to an upright position and reattach the water inlet hoses.
3. Turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks.
4. Plug the washer back in and run a test cycle.
5. Confirm the washer heats water properly and completes the cycle without displaying the tE error code.

Let us help

Thanks for sticking with us! We hope this guide got your washer back up and running. If you’ve got other appliance repairs on your list, take a look at our other guides and videos for some more help. When you’re ready to order new parts, just grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. You can chat with a pro, check out our DIY blog, view diagrams and more. Don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube and connect with us on Facebook, X and Instagram!