Washing machine error codes are designed to help identify problems with water supply, drainage, door locking, motor operation, heating, load balance, sensors, and electronic controls. However, the same error code does not necessarily mean the same thing across different brands or models. For example, an LG washer may use OE for a drainage problem, while a Samsung machine may display 5C or 5E for a similar fault.
This guide explains some of the most common washing machine error codes by brand, what they generally mean, and the basic checks that can be performed before arranging professional washing machine repair.
Important: Error codes can vary by model, production year, and region. Always check the exact model's user manual or manufacturer's support information before replacing parts.
Why Washing Machines Display Error Codes
Modern washing machines contain sensors and electronic control systems that continuously monitor different functions. When the machine detects something outside its expected operating range, it may stop the programme and display a code.
Common causes include:
- Insufficient water supply
- Blocked inlet filters
- Kinked water hoses
- Blocked drain filters
- Drain pump problems
- Unbalanced laundry
- Door or lid locking problems
- Motor faults
- Heating-element problems
- Water-level sensor faults
- Excessive foam
- Electrical or communication faults
- Water leakage
An error code is therefore a diagnostic clue rather than a complete diagnosis. A technician may still need to test individual components to determine the actual cause.
LG Washing Machine Error Codes
LG washing machines use codes such as IE, OE, UE, dE, LE, FE, PE, tE, PF and AE. LG notes that codes can vary between models.
| LG Code | General Meaning | Common Things to Check |
|---|---|---|
| IE | Water inlet error | Water tap, inlet hose and filter |
| OE | Water outlet/drainage error | Drain hose, pump and filter |
| UE | Unbalanced load | Redistribute clothes and level machine |
| dE/dE1/dE2 | Door error | Door closure and door-lock system |
| LE/LE1 | Motor locked/stuck | Foreign objects, motor and drive system |
| FE | Overfill | Water-level system and inlet valve |
| PE | Pressure sensor error | Pressure sensor and air hose |
| tE | Temperature sensor error | Temperature sensor and wiring |
| PF | Power failure | Power supply and electrical connections |
| AE | Leakage/related fault on applicable models | Check for water leakage and service if persistent |
For example, UE can occur when clothes bunch together on one side of the drum or when the washing machine is not level.
LG OE Error
An OE error generally points toward a drainage problem. The first checks should include the drain hose and pump filter. If these are clear but the washer still cannot drain, the drain pump, wiring or control system may require testing.
Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes
Samsung uses several different code formats, including 4C, 4E, 5C, 5E, dE, E1, E2, E3 and E4. Samsung's official support information emphasizes that codes can vary according to model.
| Samsung Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 4C / 4E | Water supply problem |
| 5C / 5E | Drainage problem |
| dE / dC | Door-related problem |
| E1 | Water supply problem on applicable models |
| E2 | Drainage problem on applicable models |
| E3 | Overflow |
| E4 | Unbalanced load |
| 6E | Water-heating problem on applicable models |
| 8C | MEMS sensor problem |
| 9C1 / 9C2 | Voltage-related problem |
A 4C or 4E code can result from a closed tap, inadequate water pressure, a kinked inlet hose or a blocked mesh filter.
A 5C or 5E code generally indicates that the washer is having difficulty draining. Checking the drain pump filter and drain hose is an appropriate first step.
Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Codes
Whirlpool washers frequently use combinations beginning with F and E.
| Whirlpool Code | General Meaning |
|---|---|
| F8 E1 | Insufficient or incorrect incoming water |
| LO FL | Low water flow |
| F9 E1 | Long drain time/drain problem |
| F7 E1 | Motor speed-sensing problem |
| F8 E2 | Dispenser-system problem on applicable models |
Whirlpool explains that F8 E1/LO FL means the washer is not detecting the expected amount of incoming water. Possible checks include the water supply, inlet hoses and inlet screens.
F9 E1 indicates that draining is taking longer than expected. A blocked or kinked drain hose, drain-system problem or excessive suds can contribute to the fault.
Bosch Washing Machine Error Codes
Bosch washing machines use codes such as E16/F16, E17/F17, E18/F18, E19/F19, E20/F20, E23/F23, E25/F25 and E26/F26. Bosch provides model-specific information for these codes.
Some important examples include:
| Bosch Code | General Fault Area |
|---|---|
| E16/F16 | Door-related problem |
| E17/F17 | Water supply/filling issue |
| E18/F18 | Drainage problem |
| E19/F19 | Heating-related fault |
| E20/F20 | Electrical or heating-system-related fault on applicable models |
| E23/F23 | Aquastop/leak protection activated |
Bosch specifically advises that E23/F23 Aquastop activation cannot simply be rectified through ordinary user troubleshooting and may require service.
Electrolux Washing Machine Error Codes
Electrolux provides a useful broad classification of its washing machine error codes.
| Electrolux Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| E10 | Water supply problem |
| E20 | Drainage problem |
| E30 | Water-pressure sensor problem |
| E40 | Door-lock problem |
| E50 | Motor problem |
| E60 | Heating problem |
| EF0 | Possible leakage, excessive foam or imbalance |
| EH0 | Power-supply problem |
For example, E10 can indicate insufficient water entering the washer, while E20 is associated with drainage problems. Electrolux recommends checking relevant hoses and filters before escalating the issue.
Hisense Washing Machine Error Codes
Hisense washing machine codes vary by model. One Hisense washer manual, for example, lists the following:
| Hisense Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| F01 | Water inflow fault |
| F03 | Drainage fault |
| F13 | Door-lock fault |
| F14 | Door-unlock fault |
| F24 | Overflow or excessive foam |
| Unb | Unbalanced load |
The manufacturer documentation recommends checking the water tap, inlet hose and inlet filter for F01, while F03 requires checking the drain hose and pump filter.
Because Hisense uses different code systems across models, the model number should be recorded before interpreting an unfamiliar code.
Haier Washing Machine Error Codes
Haier also uses different codes depending on the washer model and configuration.
Some documented examples include:
| Haier Code | General Meaning |
|---|---|
| E1 | Drainage problem on some models |
| E2 | Lid/door problem |
| E3 | Spin/unbalanced-load problem |
| E4 | Water inlet problem |
| FA | Water-level sensor failure on some models |
| FC2 | Communication failure on some models |
Haier documentation shows that E4 can be associated with insufficient water entering the machine, including a closed tap, blocked inlet valve or low water pressure.
Other Haier models use E2 for a door or lid-lock problem and E3 for an unbalanced load, demonstrating why the model number matters.
Midea Washing Machine Error Codes
Midea washers commonly use codes such as E10, E12, E21 and E30, although the exact coding depends on the model.
| Midea Code | General Meaning |
|---|---|
| E10 | Water-inlet problem |
| E12 | Water overflow |
| E21 | Drainage problem |
| E30 | Door-related problem on applicable models |
| EXX | Other/general fault |
A Midea washing machine manual identifies E10 as a water-injection problem, E21 as a failure to drain, E12 as an overflow condition and E30 as a door-open condition for that model.
Why the Same Error Code Can Mean Different Things
One of the most important things to understand about washing machine error codes is that codes are not universal.
For instance:
- E2 can represent a drainage issue on one machine and a door/lid issue on another.
- E4 can indicate a water-inlet problem on some models but have another meaning elsewhere.
- F codes can refer to different systems depending on the manufacturer.
- Even within one brand, front-load and top-load models may use different codes.
Therefore, searching only for something like "washing machine E2 error" is not enough. The search should include:
Brand + model number + error code
For example:
LG WM1234 OE error
is much more useful than:
OE error meaning
What to Do When an Error Code Appears
Before immediately replacing a component, perform basic safety and diagnostic checks.
1. Record the Exact Code
Take note of every character. E1, E10, E01 and E11 are different codes on many machines.
2. Check the Water Supply
Make sure the water tap is fully open and the inlet hose is not kinked. Also inspect the small inlet filter for accumulated dirt.
3. Check Drainage
If water remains inside the drum, inspect the drain hose and, where accessible, the drain-pump filter.
4. Check the Door
Make sure clothing is not trapped between the door and seal. The door should close firmly and engage the lock.
5. Check the Load
If the machine displays an imbalance error, redistribute the clothes. Heavy towels, blankets and single bulky garments can create severe imbalance.
6. Restart the Washer
Some temporary errors can disappear after switching the machine off and restarting it. However, repeatedly resetting a washer without addressing the underlying fault is not a proper repair.
When Professional Washing Machine Repair Is Necessary
Professional diagnosis is recommended when an error returns after basic checks or when the code points toward an electrical, motor, sensor, heating, control-board, leakage-protection or door-lock fault.
A technician may need to test:
- Drain pumps
- Inlet valves
- Door-lock assemblies
- Motors
- Motor-control boards
- Heating elements
- Temperature sensors
- Pressure sensors
- Wiring harnesses
- Control boards
- Water-level systems
- Leakage sensors
Do not dismantle an electrically connected washing machine simply to clear an error code. Disconnect the appliance from power before carrying out appropriate external checks, and seek qualified assistance for internal electrical or mechanical repairs.
Quick Washing Machine Error Code Reference
| Brand | Common Codes | Typical Fault Area |
|---|---|---|
| LG | IE, OE, UE, dE, LE, FE | Water, drainage, balance, door, motor |
| Samsung | 4C/4E, 5C/5E, dE, E1–E4 | Water, drainage, door, overflow, balance |
| Whirlpool | F8 E1, F9 E1, F7 E1 | Water supply, drainage, motor |
| Bosch | E16, E17, E18, E19, E23 | Door, water, drainage, heating, leakage protection |
| Electrolux | E10, E20, E30, E40, E50, E60 | Water, drainage, sensors, door, motor, heating |
| Hisense | F01, F03, F13, F14, F24, Unb | Water, drainage, door, overflow, balance |
| Haier | E1, E2, E3, E4, FA | Drainage, door, balance, water, sensor |
| Midea | E10, E12, E21, E30 | Water, overflow, drainage, door |
Final Takeaway
Washing machine error codes are valuable diagnostic tools, but they should always be interpreted according to the exact brand and model. A code can identify the general system experiencing a problem, but it does not always identify the failed component.
For the most accurate diagnosis, record the brand, model number, complete error code, symptoms, and what happens immediately before the code appears. This information can significantly shorten the troubleshooting process and help a washing machine technician identify whether the problem involves water supply, drainage, the door, motor, heating system, sensors or electronic controls.