Warning: Disconnect power before servicing.

FE Code on LG Washer: Overfilling and How to Stop It

Quick Answer

FE means water is entering your LG washer when it should not be. This is the one LG error where you should act before diagnosing - shut off the water supply valve first, then figure out the cause. The most common culprit is a water inlet valve stuck in the open position.

FE means water is entering your LG washer when it should not be. This is the one LG error where you should act before diagnosing - shut off the water supply valve first, then figure out the cause. The most common culprit is a water inlet valve stuck in the open position. Secondary causes are a failed pressure switch and a bad control board.

LgWasherSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate80% DIY Success
Time to Fix
30–90 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
$15 – $65
Tools Needed
Multimeter, Phillips screwdriver
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What Does the FE Code Mean?

The pressure switch constantly monitors water level in the tub. When it reports a level above the maximum threshold, the control board throws FE and signals the inlet valve to close. If the valve is stuck open due to sediment or solenoid failure, water keeps entering even when the washer is off. This can cause flooding if not caught quickly.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Water inlet valve stuck open due to sediment or solenoid failure40%
Pressure switch (water level sensor) failed and sending incorrect level signal24%
Air dome hose between tub and pressure switch kinked or cracked14%
Water hammer (pressure spike) causing valve to malfunction12%
Main control board sending constant fill signal10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • FE displayed, water still entering drum after cycle stopped
  • Drum overfull, water visible above door seal
  • Water dripping from door seal
  • Washer keeps filling even when powered off

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterPhillips screwdriverPliersTowels

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Shut off water supply immediately

Reach behind the washer and turn both the hot and cold water supply valves clockwise until fully closed. This stops any further overfilling regardless of what the valve or control board is doing. Do this before any other step.

2

Test if the inlet valve is leaking passively

3

Inspect and test the water inlet valve

4

Check the air dome hose and pressure switch

ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range200500 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Water Inlet Valve Assembly5220FR2008A · $30–$65
Water Level Pressure Switch6601ER1006E · $15–$35

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPAIR
Estimated Cost: $40 (Parts) vs $550 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does FE mean on an LG washer?
FE stands for Fill Error (overflow). It means the water level sensor detected water above the safe fill threshold. The most common cause is a water inlet valve stuck in the open position, which allows water to keep entering the drum even when the fill cycle should have stopped.
Is FE dangerous? Can it flood my laundry room?
Yes, if ignored. A stuck-open inlet valve can continuously fill the drum past the overflow point, eventually sending water out through the door seal onto your floor. Always shut off the water supply valves behind the washer when FE appears, then diagnose the cause before turning them back on.
How do I test the water inlet valve?
Disconnect power and water supply. Access the inlet valve at the back of the machine under the top panel. Disconnect the wiring harness from each solenoid coil. Test each coil with a multimeter on resistance mode - a working coil reads 200-500 ohms. An open circuit reading (OL) means the solenoid has failed and the valve needs replacement.
Can low water pressure cause FE?
Rarely. Low pressure typically causes fill errors or long-fill codes, not overflow. FE is almost always caused by too much water entering, not too little. However, a water pressure surge (from a burst pipe or city main work) can slam the inlet valve and cause it to stick open, triggering FE.

Related Lg Washer Error Codes

Same Fix on Other Brands

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Lg shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Models Known to Experience FE Errors

This repair applies to most Lg washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WM3700HWA, WM4000HWA, WM5000HVA, WM3900HBA, WM6998HBA, WT7300CW, WM8100HVA, WM3470HWA

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 13, 2026