LG washer OE error: what it means and how to fix it

What OE means

The washer senses it cannot drain water out. The cycle may stop with water left in the drum.

Safety first

Unplug the washer before inspecting hoses or opening/cleaning the drain pump filter area. Turning the controls OFF does not disconnect power. Also make sure the drain hose is fixed securely to avoid flooding.

Stop and call for service if:

• You cannot stop the water from overflowing while draining/servicing the filter area (use a bucket/pans and towels as described). (manual p40; video 40s)
• The OE code returns after you clear hose kinks and clean/reinstall the drain pump filter securely. (video 104s)

Common causes

• Drain pump filter is clogged with dirt/debris.
• Drain hose is kinked, pinched, or clogged behind/under the washer.
• The end of the drain hose is too high (more than 96 in / 2.4 m above the bottom of the washer).

How to fix it

1. Confirm the display shows OE (water outlet/drain error).
2. Unplug the washer from the wall outlet before any inspection/maintenance (OFF is not the same as unplugged).
3. Check the drain hose behind/under the washer for kinks, twists, pinching, or clogs; straighten/clear it and make sure it isn’t trapped under the washer.
4. Verify drain-hose height: move the end of the drain hose so it’s lower than 96 in (2.4 m) above the bottom of the washer (best performance: no higher than 66 in / 168 cm).
5. Prepare for water release at the front drain area: place towels and a shallow pan/bucket at the access door because opening the drain system can release water.
6. Open the drain pump filter cover. Pull out the small drain hose, remove its plug, and drain remaining water into a pan/bucket; then re-plug the hose and reclip/stow it.
7. Remove and clean the drain pump filter: twist the filter cap counterclockwise to remove, clean debris from the filter and the opening, then reinstall and twist clockwise fully until secure.
8. Close the drain pump filter cover.
9. If needed after clearing the drain issue, run a few Tub Clean cycles back-to-back using a tub cleaner; if OE returns, contact LG support.

When to call a technician

• OE returns after the drain hose is corrected (no kinks/pinches/clogs, proper height) and the drain pump filter has been cleaned and reinstalled securely. (video 104s)

From the owner's manual

• LG Washing Machine Owner's Manual, page 35 (Cleaning the Drain Pump Filter): “An OE message blinks on the display when the drain pump filter is clogged with dirt. Clean the drain pump filter.”
• LG Washing Machine Owner's Manual, page 38 (Error Messages): “Problem: OE WATER OUTLET ERROR · Possible Cause & Solution: Drain hose is kinked, pinched, or clogged. Make sure that the drain hose is free of clogs or kinks and is not pinched behind or under the washer.”
• LG Washing Machine Owner's Manual, page 38 (Error Messages): “Problem: OE WATER OUTLET ERROR · Possible Cause & Solution: The end of the drain hose is more than 96 inches (2.4 m) above the bottom of the washer. Move the end of the drain hose so that it is lower than 96 inches…”
• LG Front Load Washer Owner's Manual, page 41 (Cleaning the Drain Pump Filter): “An OE message blinks on the display when the drain pump filter is clogged with dirt. Clean the drain pump filter.”
• LG Front Load Washer Owner's Manual, page 44 (Error Messages): “Problem: OE WATER OUTLET ERROR · Possible Cause & Solution: Drain hose is kinked, pinched, or clogged. Make sure that the drain hose is free of clogs or kinks and is not pinched behind or under the washer. The end of…”
• LG Washing Machine Owner's Manual, page 5 (Maintenance): “Fix the drain hose securely in place to avoid flooding.”

Repair videos

• [LG Front Load Washers] Troubleshooting An OE Error Code On An LG Washer, LG USA Support (2:01)
  • 0:24 Unplug the washer
  • 0:32 Check drain hose for kinks
  • 0:40 Prepare to drain leftover water
  • 1:04 Drain water from the small hose
  • 1:20 Remove and clean the pump filter
  • 1:36 Reinstall filter and close cover
• How to Fix LG Washer OE Error Code No Drain Not Draining Tutorial Repair Guide, Lorain Furniture and Appliance (10:38)
  • 0:33 Drain tub and clean pump filter
  • 1:13 Check drain hose for kinks/clogs
  • 1:45 Remove top and control panel
  • 3:05 Remove front cover carefully
  • 4:25 Replace the drain pump motor
  • 7:05 Reinstall pump and reassemble cabinet
  • 9:20 Run self-test and verify draining
• Fixing An LG Front Load Washer That Is Not Draining/OE Error Code!, DuctTape Mechanic (16:56)
  • 1:04 Clean pump filter and check hose
  • 2:24 Plan drain pump inspection
  • 3:12 Remove door boot spring clamp
  • 4:46 Remove access pieces and top
  • 6:27 Remove controls and front panel
  • 8:27 Disconnect hoses and remove pump
  • 11:32 Inspect impeller and internal clog
  • 13:31 Ohm-test the drain pump motor