Heating or Temperature Sensor Error

Home Appliance Error Codes LG Washing machines

Can you still use it? With care until repaired

Who can fix it? Needs a technician

Typical repair time 30 minutes – 2 hours

Typical cost SAR 80 to 1,500

What it means

This code appears on LG front-load and top-load washing machines and shows on the display as tE. It means the washer could not heat the water as expected, or the temperature sensor (thermistor) reading is impossible. The cause is usually the sensor, the heater or their wiring. The washer may stop or run without heating; 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.

Symptoms4

tE shows on hot or warm programs.
Clothes come out cold after a program that should be hot.
The cycle runs much longer than usual, then stops.
Cold programs may still work normally.

Possible causes5

Failed temperature sensor or a loose sensor connector.
Failed or burnt heater, often from scale buildup.
Broken or corroded wiring to the heater or sensor.
Heavy scale on the heater slowing the heating.
A fault in the heater relay or sensor circuit on the main board.

How to diagnose5

Unplug the washer for a few minutes, then run a cold program; if it works normally, the heating circuit is the likely problem.
Make sure the washer is plugged straight into a sound socket, not a weak extension lead, because the heater draws high current.
If the code repeats, a technician unplugs the washer before opening it and measures the sensor resistance against the LG temperature-resistance table.
The technician measures the heater and its wiring against the manufacturer specification and checks the connectors for corrosion.
If the sensor, heater and wiring are good, the main board is at fault.

How to fix5

Repair a loose sensor or heater connector.
Replace the temperature sensor if its reading is out of specification.
Replace the heater if it is burnt or too scaled to work.
Replace the main board only if the sensor, heater and wiring are proven good.
Run a hot program and confirm the water heats without the code returning.

Repair cost

0–200

200–600

600–1,500

1,500+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The cost is low for a temperature sensor or a loose connector, moderate for a new heater, and higher only 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

Can I wash in cold water until it is fixed?

Usually yes, because cold programs do not use the heater. If the code also appears on cold programs, the cause is more likely the sensor or the board and needs checking.

Why does the display show tE in small letters?

That is how LG shows this code on its digital display; it is the same TE code for heating and the temperature sensor.

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This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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