LG Washer Code dE – Troubleshooting Guide

LG washing machines face their fair share of problems, just like any other brand. Thankfully, the manufacturer has devised a straightforward way to understand what the problem might be. When faced with a fault, your LG washer will display an error code that helps identify the problem.

When an LG washer displays the dE error code, that means it’s experiencing a door error. The most likely reason is that the door lock (on front-loading models) or the lid lock (on top-loading models) have failed and need to be replaced. Although less likely, it is also possible that the main control board has failed and must be replaced to resume the washer’s normal operations.

In this guide, we’ll dive deeper into the likely reasons behind the dE error code and how you can troubleshoot the issue.

If your LG washer shows you a dE error code, that means the machine is experiencing a door error. 

Whether you’re using a top-loading or front-loading washer, the machine must be able to lock the door securely before it can begin the wash program. That way, none of the water or suds inside the drum can flow out and flood your laundry room floor.

On top of that, a secure door also means that there’s no risk of anything entering the drum mid-cycle.

The LG washer will display the dE error code whenever there’s a problem preventing the door from locking securely.

Accompanying Symptoms

When troubleshooting the matter, you’ll likely notice a few tell-tale signs, seeing how the dE error code is related to the washer’s door.

For example, on a front-loading washer, you’ll notice that the door doesn’t latch or lock as it should when you close it. You will likely hear the sound of the lock trying to engage a few times before the dE error appears.

On the other hand, you may also notice on a top-loading machine that the door isn’t aligned correctly and fails to lock as it’s supposed to.

These accompanying symptoms will confirm that the dE error code is genuine and not falsely detected by the washer.

Here are the most likely reasons you’re experiencing the dE error code on your LG washer:

Faulty Door Lock (Front-Loading Models)

What it is: A door lock keeps the door shut during the wash program on front-loading LG washer models. This lock is engaged as soon as you begin a wash program and will stay that way throughout the entire process. 

Image source: CNET

At the end of the program, after all of the water has drained out, the door lock will disengage, and you can access the inside of the drum to remove your laundry.

How it fails: The door lock on your LG washer is engaged electrically. So, after a long time of repeated use, the door lock will likely fail. This problem mostly happens while the lock is in the ‘open’ position, which means you can open and close the door, though it will not lock.

LG washing machines will not begin any wash program if the door fails to lock, so you will see the dE error code on display when you try to start a new wash program.

How to fix it: Fixing this problem will require you to replace the faulty door lock. This component is located behind the washer’s door catch. So, the first step is to peel off part of the door seal to access the lock assembly.

Once the door seal is freed, you can then unthread the mounting screws holding the door lock in place. Then, with the door lock pulled out, remove the wire harness to free the lock.

Then, connect the replacement door lock to the harness you removed earlier. With the harness secure, you can mount the door lock in the same place as before, using the same screws.

Lastly, secure the part of the door seal you peeled off earlier.

Related post: Why LG washer isn’t spinning properly?

Failed Lid Lock (Top-Loading Models)

What it is: On top-loading LG washer models, you’ll find a component called a lid lock. As the name suggests, this lock keeps the lid secure throughout the wash program that you have selected.

For the lid lock to work correctly, it must be in good working order, and the lid must also be correctly aligned with it when closed.

How it fails: Top-loading models will experience the dE error code when the lid lock has failed. The machine will not begin any wash program until the lid is secure. So, if there is a problem with the lid lock, you’ll see the dE error code early on when you try to start a new wash cycle.

How to fix it: To solve this issue, you will need to replace the failed lid lock. Start by unscrewing the rear control panel. Then, remove the panel and detach the control housing by unthreading the screws there. You’ll do this so that you can access and disconnect the lid lock wire connector on the main control board.

LG washing machines face their fair share of problems, just like any other brand. Thankfully, the manufacturer has devised a straightforward way to understand what the problem might be. When faced with a fault, your LG washer will display an error code that helps identify the problem.

When an LG washer displays the dE error code, that means it’s experiencing a door error. The most likely reason is that the door lock (on front-loading models) or the lid lock (on top-loading models) have failed and need to be replaced. Although less likely, it is also possible that the main control board has failed and must be replaced to resume the washer’s normal operations.

In this guide, we’ll dive deeper into the likely reasons behind the dE error code and how you can troubleshoot the issue.

If your LG washer shows you a dE error code, that means the machine is experiencing a door error. 

Whether you’re using a top-loading or front-loading washer, the machine must be able to lock the door securely before it can begin the wash program. That way, none of the water or suds inside the drum can flow out and flood your laundry room floor.

On top of that, a secure door also means that there’s no risk of anything entering the drum mid-cycle.

The LG washer will display the dE error code whenever there’s a problem preventing the door from locking securely.

Accompanying Symptoms

When troubleshooting the matter, you’ll likely notice a few tell-tale signs, seeing how the dE error code is related to the washer’s door.

For example, on a front-loading washer, you’ll notice that the door doesn’t latch or lock as it should when you close it. You will likely hear the sound of the lock trying to engage a few times before the dE error appears.

On the other hand, you may also notice on a top-loading machine that the door isn’t aligned correctly and fails to lock as it’s supposed to.

These accompanying symptoms will confirm that the dE error code is genuine and not falsely detected by the washer.

Here are the most likely reasons you’re experiencing the dE error code on your LG washer:

Faulty Door Lock (Front-Loading Models)

What it is: A door lock keeps the door shut during the wash program on front-loading LG washer models. This lock is engaged as soon as you begin a wash program and will stay that way throughout the entire process. 

Image source: CNET

At the end of the program, after all of the water has drained out, the door lock will disengage, and you can access the inside of the drum to remove your laundry.

How it fails: The door lock on your LG washer is engaged electrically. So, after a long time of repeated use, the door lock will likely fail. This problem mostly happens while the lock is in the ‘open’ position, which means you can open and close the door, though it will not lock.

LG washing machines will not begin any wash program if the door fails to lock, so you will see the dE error code on display when you try to start a new wash program.

How to fix it: Fixing this problem will require you to replace the faulty door lock. This component is located behind the washer’s door catch. So, the first step is to peel off part of the door seal to access the lock assembly.

Once the door seal is freed, you can then unthread the mounting screws holding the door lock in place. Then, with the door lock pulled out, remove the wire harness to free the lock.

Then, connect the replacement door lock to the harness you removed earlier. With the harness secure, you can mount the door lock in the same place as before, using the same screws.

Lastly, secure the part of the door seal you peeled off earlier.

Related post: Why LG washer isn’t spinning properly?

Failed Lid Lock (Top-Loading Models)

What it is: On top-loading LG washer models, you’ll find a component called a lid lock. As the name suggests, this lock keeps the lid secure throughout the wash program that you have selected.

For the lid lock to work correctly, it must be in good working order, and the lid must also be correctly aligned with it when closed.

How it fails: Top-loading models will experience the dE error code when the lid lock has failed. The machine will not begin any wash program until the lid is secure. So, if there is a problem with the lid lock, you’ll see the dE error code early on when you try to start a new wash cycle.

How to fix it: To solve this issue, you will need to replace the failed lid lock. Start by unscrewing the rear control panel. Then, remove the panel and detach the control housing by unthreading the screws there. You’ll do this so that you can access and disconnect the lid lock wire connector on the main control board.