LG · Washing Machine

tE

Water Heater Thermistor Error

Severity

Medium

If your LG Washing Machine is displaying the error code tE, the control board has detected a fault identified as "Water Heater Thermistor Error". Understanding the root cause helps you avoid an unnecessary service call.

Owner's Summary

Your LG washer's water temperature sensor or heater is faulty. The machine detected that water temperature is not where it should be. You can still use cold wash cycles while you arrange for the repair.

Symptoms

LG washer not heating water, hot cycle running cold, tE error

Common Causes

Faulty NTC water thermistor
Failed drum heating element
Open wire to heater or thermistor
Defective control board heater relay

How to Fix

1 Test NTC thermistor resistance at room temperature (should be approximately 10k ohms at 77°F)
2 Check heater element continuity — should read 20–30 ohms
3 Inspect wiring harness from PCB to heater assembly
4 Replace NTC thermistor if resistance is out of spec
5 Replace heater element if continuity test fails

Tools You'll Need

Multimeter Flashlight

These are simple, low-risk fixes most homeowners can do with tools already in a basic toolbox.

Technical Explanation

LG's main EBR board reads NTC thermistor resistance to regulate the drum heater relay. If the thermistor reads outside the valid temperature-resistance curve — or if the heater fails to raise water temperature by the expected delta within a set time — the board posts tE and disables the heater circuit.

Is It Safe to Keep Using?

No safety risk. Cold water wash cycles will still work. Fix within a couple of weeks.

Technician's Pro Tip

Always verify the heater element is not scaled up with limescale before condemning it — a scaled heater can fail the temperature rise test while still having good continuity. Descale with citric acid solution first, then retest.

Related Codes

E2 — Samsung Washing Machine

Water Supply Error

High

4E — Samsung Washing Machine

No Water Supply Detected

High

5E — Samsung Washing Machine

Drain Error — Water Not Draining

High

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code tE mean on a LG Washing Machine?

Code tE on a LG Washing Machine indicates "Water Heater Thermistor Error." In practice, the most common trigger is faulty NTC water thermistor. Severity is rated medium, and typical repair costs range from $15 to $200.

Can I fix tE myself, or do I need a technician?

Many cases of tE can be resolved without a technician. The first step to try: test NTC thermistor resistance at room temperature (should be approximately 10k ohms at 77°F). If that doesn't clear the code, work through the remaining steps in the "How to Fix" section above before assuming a part needs replacing.

Is it safe to keep using my washing machine with code tE showing?

No safety risk. Cold water wash cycles will still work. Fix within a couple of weeks.

How much does it cost to repair tE on a LG Washing Machine?

Repair costs for code tE typically range from $15 to $200. NTC thermistor: $15–$40; Heating element: $50–$200. Costs on the low end usually reflect a DIY fix with no parts required, while the high end reflects a part replacement plus professional labor.

Estimated Repair Cost USD

$15 – $200

NTC thermistor: $15–$40; Heating element: $50–$200