PE Error on LG Washer: Pressure Sensor Fix (Step by Step)

Quick Answer

A PE error code indicates the washer cannot detect the water level due to a faulty pressure sensor or a wiring issue. Your first move should be to unplug the machine and check the wire harness connected to the sensor at the top of the cabinet.

Here's what I tell people before spending anything: go check that air dome hose first. It's a tiny rubber tube, about 5mm wide, and it clogs with detergent gunk all the time. 4 out of 10 PE codes I see are just that hose. Clears in 10 minutes, costs nothing. If the hose is fine and PE keeps coming back, then your pressure switch is dead. Those run $15-30 and take about 20 minutes to swap out.

LgWasherSeverity: moderateDifficulty: intermediate82% DIY Success

Time to Fix

20–60 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$15 – $32

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Multimeter with continuity and resistance modes

What Does the PE Code Mean?

LG uses a pneumatic system to measure water level. Water fills the tub, compresses air in a sealed dome at the bottom, and that pressure travels up a thin rubber hose to a switch near the control panel. The switch converts that pressure into an electrical signal. Honestly it's a pretty simple system, but that little hose is the weak point. Detergent residue loves to build up inside it, and on machines that get moved around, it kinks easily.

Most Likely Causes

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

Pressure sensor failure70%

Wiring harness issues15%

Clogged or damaged pressure tube10%

Control board fault5%

Symptoms You May Notice

PE shows on the display and the cycle stops cold, usually right after the fill phase starts
The drum fills with water, then the machine just pauses and throws PE instead of moving on to wash
You can hear the water valve click open and water flowing in, then within about 30 seconds the machine gives up and shows PE
The tub fills way more than it should before the code triggers, meaning the pressure switch is reading empty even when there's a ton of water in there already
You reset the code, start a fresh cycle, it runs fine until fill begins, then PE comes right back

Can you reset a Lg washer to clear the PE code?

Unplug the washer from the wall. Wait at least 2 minutes. Press and hold Start/Pause for 5 seconds while it's still unplugged to drain any stored charge on the board. Plug it back in and run a Rinse and Spin cycle to test. If PE was a one-time glitch in the pressure reading, this clears it. If the code comes right back when the tub starts filling, you've got a real issue to dig into.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverMultimeter with continuity and resistance modesThin wire or pipe cleaner (for hose clearing)Toothpick (for clearing the air dome port on the tub)Towels or small bucket (in case water drips when disconnecting the hose)

Service / Diagnostic Mode

With the washer off, press and hold the Spin Speed and Soil Level buttons simultaneously, then press the Power button. The washer will beep and enter test mode. Press the Start button repeatedly to cycle through components until the display shows the water frequency, which should be around 250 to 260 for an empty tub.

Diagnostic Checklist

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

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range20–30 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	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Water Level Pressure Switch6601ER1006E · $15–$32	6601ER1006E	$15 – $32

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PE mean on my LG washer?

PE stands for Pressure sensor Error. The water level pressure switch isn't sending a valid signal to the control board, so the machine can't tell how full the tub is. Most of the time it's actually the air dome hose that's the problem, not the switch itself. That hose clogs, kinks, or pulls loose. Check the hose before you buy any parts. Seriously. It fixes the problem maybe 40% of the time and takes 10 minutes.

Can a clogged air hose cause PE?

Yeah, it's actually the most common cause. That hose is only about 5mm in diameter, so it doesn't take much buildup to block it. If you've been using too much detergent, or regular detergent in an HE machine, that residue builds up inside the hose and eventually chokes off the pressure signal completely. Disconnect it, blow through it firmly. If it's blocked you'll feel it right away. Flush it with warm water or run a pipe cleaner through it. Costs nothing, takes 10 minutes.

How do I test an LG washer pressure switch?

Easiest way is to pull the air dome hose off the switch port and blow into the port with your mouth. You should hear a click. That click is the diaphragm activating, which means the switch is working. No click means the diaphragm is busted. If you want to be more precise about it, put your multimeter on continuity mode, probe the switch terminals, blow into the port, and watch the reading change. The circuit should flip state when you blow. If nothing changes, the switch is dead and needs to come out.

Is PE related to FE (overfill)?

They share the same sensor path. PE means the pressure switch isn't reading water at all, usually because the signal path is broken somewhere. So the board thinks the tub is empty even while it's filling, keeps calling for more water, and eventually FE triggers because the tub is actually overflowing. A PE that turns into FE almost always means the air dome hose or pressure switch is stuck reading empty. Fix the PE and FE goes away with it.

How much does it cost to fix a PE code on an LG washer?

If it's the air dome hose, it's free. Just cleaning it or reseating it. If the pressure switch is bad, you're looking at $15-30 for the part (6601ER1006E or 6601ER1006F). If you call a tech out, expect $150-200 for the service call plus labor, and honestly it's a 20-minute fix once they get there. This is one of those repairs where doing it yourself genuinely makes sense. You don't need special tools and there's nothing scary about it as long as the machine's unplugged.

Related Lg Washer Error Codes

Code: FELG Washer FE Error: Overfilling Code: OELG Washer OE Error: Won't Drain Code: HUBLG Washer Error Codes: Full List Code: DIAGLG Washer Diagnostic Mode

Models Known to Experience PE Errors

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

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

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on April 19, 2026