LG FE washing machine: what it means & what to check

Stop using it for now. Carrying on with this fault risks further damage or a leak. Switch it off at the wall until it has been looked at.

What FE actually means

Your LG washing machine has taken on more water than it should, so it has stopped and shown FE.

FE is the overfill warning. The machine monitors the water level, and when it sees more water in the drum than the programme called for, it halts rather than carry on filling. Very often it means the water inlet valve at the back of the machine is not shutting fully ypically because grit has lodged in it, so water keeps trickling in even when the machine hasn't asked for any \u2014 which is why some people find the drum full again hours after a wash.

What FE looks like on a LG washing machine

Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a LG washing machine, FE usually shows up as one or more of these:

Machine not draining
Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
Stops mid-cycle full of water
Standing water in the bottom
Not filling with water
No water going in
Takes for ever to fill
Stops right at the start of the cycle

Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.

What usually causes it

Inlet water valve stuck part-open by dirt or scale, letting water dribble in unpowered
Grit or debris in the valve holding it off its seat
Water level sensing (pressure) system misreading the level
Faulty control board wrongly holding the valve open

What you can safely check yourself

Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.

Turn the water supply tap off at the wall, then turn the machine off at the socket for a minute and back on \u2014 if the drum keeps filling with the machine switched off, the valve is passing water and needs replacing.
Pull the detergent drawer out with the machine off and look for water dripping into the empty compartment; steady dripping points at the inlet valve.
Check the fill hose isn't kinked and the tap is fully open or fully closed as you'd expect.

Common questions about LG FE

What does FE mean on a LG washing machine?

Your LG washing machine has taken on more water than it should, so it has stopped and shown FE. FE is the overfill warning. The machine monitors the water level, and when it sees more water in the drum than the programme called for, it halts rather than carry on filling. Very often it means the water inlet valve at the back of the machine is not shutting fully ypically because grit has lodged in it, so water keeps trickling in even when the machine hasn't asked for any \u2014 which is why some people find the drum full again hours after a wash.

Can I fix LG FE myself?

There are 3 checks you can safely do yourself first.

Turn the water supply tap off at the wall, then turn the machine off at the socket for a minute and back on \u2014 if the drum keeps filling with the machine switched off, the valve is passing water and needs replacing.
Pull the detergent drawer out with the machine off and look for water dripping into the empty compartment; steady dripping points at the inlet valve.
Check the fill hose isn't kinked and the tap is fully open or fully closed as you'd expect.

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.

How much does it cost to repair LG FE?

£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Tried the checks and it's still showing FE?

This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. Then it wants someone who can open it up.

What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most washing machine faults are seen same day or next day.

Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need

Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.

Other LG washing machine codes

All LG fault codes and repairs →

What this looks like when it happens

Repairs we cover near you

Written by the engineers at ASAP Repairs, 0115 648 0929. We repair these machines for a living in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

LG FE error — washing machine