Motor Locked or Overloaded

What it means

This code appears on LG front-load and top-load washing machines and means the main board told the motor to turn but it did not turn, or turned with great difficulty. The cause can be an overload or an object blocking the drum, or a fault in the motor rotor position (hall) sensor or the motor itself on Direct Drive models. The washer stops to protect the motor; the same code can mean something else on other brands.

Models covered: LG front-load and top-load washing machines (including Direct Drive models); the code shows on the display.

Related codes: CEUEOEPF

Symptoms4

• LE shows and the drum does not turn, or stops after a short move.
• A hum or clicking from the back of the washer without rotation.
• The code may appear when trying to spin a heavy load.
• The drum is stiff or stops when turned by hand with the washer unplugged.

Possible causes7

• A load over the washer's capacity, or very heavy wet items.
• A foreign object caught between the inner and outer drum.
• Running many cycles back to back so the motor overheats.
• Loose connector or wiring at the motor rotor position (hall) sensor.
• Failed hall sensor or failed stator windings.
• Drum bearings worn enough to make rotation heavy.
• A fault in the motor drive circuit on the main board.

How to diagnose6

1. Unplug the washer for a few minutes to let the motor cool, reduce the load and restart.
2. With the washer unplugged, the door unlocked and the water drained, turn the drum by hand; it should turn smoothly without rubbing or noise.
3. If the drum turns freely, the load is reasonable and the code returns, a technician unplugs the washer before opening it.
4. The technician checks the hall sensor connector and wiring, and measures the motor windings and sensor against the manufacturer specification.
5. The technician checks the bearings and looks for an object trapped between the drums.
6. If the motor, sensor and wiring are good, the main board is at fault.

How to fix6

1. Reduce the load and let the motor cool before restarting.
2. Remove the object trapped between the drums.
3. Repair the hall sensor connector or the motor wiring.
4. Replace the hall sensor, stator or rotor based on the test results.
5. Replace the bearings or the main board if proven to be the cause.
6. Run a full wash and spin cycle and confirm the drum turns smoothly without the code returning.

The cost is low for an overload, a loose connector or a hall sensor; it rises for motor parts and is highest when the main board must be replaced.

Prices are rough estimates including the part and the technician’s fee, and vary with brand, model and part source.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions