If you have an LG washer, you know how well this machine runs and its durability. Nevertheless, a few different problems can occur to your washer throughout its lifetime, some being easy to fix and some being more challenging.
However, before you start tinkering with your washing machine, you have to understand how to diagnose and search for the problematic part of the machine and identify error codes. Once you do, you can fix it and make your LG washer run as it did before.
Meaning Of an OE Error Code on an LG Washing Machine
Quite simply, an OE error, also known as a water outlet error, means that your washing machine can’t drain the water and is, therefore, unable to complete the wash cycle.
Water drainage is a necessary step for every washer, or else the laundry will come out soaking wet. However, when something disables your LG washer from draining this water for more than 10 minutes, it throws out an OE error code to alert you and make you look for the cause.
So, what could possibly make your washer not drain water? Let’s take a look, shall we?
Causes of an OE Code
Usually, the reason for your LG washer not draining has to do with its drainage system. This system includes the drain hose, drain pump, and drain pump filter.
Other times, the error is due to a problem with the machine’s other systems or because you didn’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
We’ve listed below the most common reasons for your washer to stop draining, so take a look and compare them with what’s happening to your washer.
Drainage System Issue
Clogged Drain Pump Filter
This is the number one cause of the OE error code. When the drain pump filter is clogged with dirt, lint, or small items, the pump becomes unable to suck the water out of the drum due to the clogging, and the OE error code shows up.
Not only does a clogged drain pump filter cause a drain error, but it can also cause foul odors to emanate from your washing machine. This is explained by the bacterial growth that occurs on the clogged filter.
Thankfully, it’s quite easy to fix this problem. Once you clean the filter well, your washing machine should drain adequately once you unclog it.
Faulty Drain Pump
Sometimes the pump itself can become blocked. Still, this beats a defective pump because a blocked pump is easily fixable.
On the other hand, a defective pump is normally very hard to repair, and you usually end up needing a new drain pump.
Customarily, the defect may be due to a burnt pump motor, a damaged pump impeller, or a shortage in the pump’s circuit. Whatever the cause, you can usually diagnose this problem if you hear no sound coming out from the pump as the washer reaches its drain cycle.
Problematic Drain Hose
Your drain hose can cause a drain error if it’s folded, twisted, or blocked. Basically, a small sock can be the downfall of your washing machine if it clogs the hose.
Moreover, if the drain hose isn’t correctly installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, the washer will also be unable to drain. For example, if it’s not 0.9-1.3 meters high, the pump becomes unable to push the water outside the washer and ends up with excess water. And for non-pump models, if the drain hose isn’t lowered, the same drain issue occurs.
So, always make sure to position your drain hose correctly and check its condition every now and then to avoid this problem.
Note: Likewise, if the standpipe isn’t placed at the correct height requirement or if it’s clogged, the OE error code will also appear as the water has no place to go (the same thing with the main drain of your house).
Other Reasons Your Washer Won’t Drain
Unbalanced Load
Sometimes, when you put a heavy or bulky item, like a blanket or a rug, into your washer, it becomes unable to spin and drain the water inside its drum. So, make sure to add more items to your washer to correct this imbalance.
Unsuitable Detergent
Using a regular detergent with a high-efficiency washing machine or an excessive amount of HE detergent creates way too many suds. Here, the washer won’t be able to eliminate the excessive suds and the air pockets they cause, and consequently, won’t be able to drain properly.
Malfunctioning Lid-Switch Assembly
If there’s a problem with your door lock-switch assembly, your washing machine won’t start its drain cycle as it can’t determine if the door is truly closed.
Defective Control Board
The power board that tells your pump to start drawing the water could be out of order. Consequently, your washer won’t drain, and the OE code will appear.
Defective Pressure Switch
When the pressure switch is damaged, the main control board can’t know that there’s water that needs to be drained, and therefore, the pump won’t start its job.
Bad Connections
If the connector between the main control board and the pump motor is in bad shape, the water won’t be drained. The same problem happens if the wiring harness is damaged.
How to Fix This Error Code
First things first, make sure you unplug your washing machine from the power source and shut off its gas and water supply to remove any risk to yourself.
Once that’s out of the way, you should go through the possible reasons for the fault code from easiest to hardest.
So, the first thing you should check is the drain hose. If it’s not in its recommended height/position, relocate it. A kinked drain hose also won’t allow the water to pass properly, so straighten it out as well as you could.
If the still water doesn’t drain, then check to see if it’s clogged. If it is, remove the cause of obstruction. Use a sewer rod or a strong blast of air to dislodge the debris or small item. Once you’re finished, put everything you pulled out back into its place and cover the filter. Then, run a spin cycle and check if the error code appears again.
If it’s not, then move to the next step, which is the drain filter. An LG washing machine usually has its drain pump filter cover at the front bottom of the washer. So, find it, remove it, then use the drain hose to drain your washer into a bucket by removing its small plug/cap.
Next, remove the drain filter. Just take care that it may drip, so place a towel underneath to catch any residual water. Then, run the clogged drain pump filter under clean water and use a soft cleaning brush to remove any stubborn debris until you have a squeaky clean drain pump filter.
Once you’re finished, put everything you pulled out back into its place and cover the filter. Run a spin cycle and check if the OE error code appears again.
If it does, then you have to test the drain pump. Run a spin cycle and see if you can hear a humming sound. If you don’t, the drain pump motor is most likely damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced. However, if you do hear something, then the pump is blocked by something, and you need to remove the said obstruction.
If the pump is no longer clogged but the washer still won’t drain, look at other causes. For example, did you use too much detergent? And is it the correct type of detergent for your washer? Or did you do everything right, but the problem lies with the components of the washer?
If you can check the inner workings of the machine by yourself, go ahead and start searching for the malfunctioning part. However, it’s better to request repair services and have the professionals look at it if you’re lost. Also, it may be wise to get a new pump.
How to Reset the Washer
Press power on the washer’s display to shut it down
Unplug your washer
Keep pressing and holding the start/pause button for about 5 seconds
Reconnect your washer to the power source
Conclusion
An OE error code on an LG washer means that it’s unable to drain the water and complete the wash cycle. This is usually due to a problem in the water draining process, so start looking there.
If you can’t find the problem and you’ve followed all the manufacturer’s instructions, then call an appliance repair service and let them deal with it. They’re the experts with washing machines’ errors, after all!
