LG Washer TE Error Code: Temperature Sensor Fix

Quick Answer

The TE code means the water temperature sensor in your LG washer is sending an invalid reading to the control board. The most common fix is replacing the thermistor, which costs under $20. Test resistance with a multimeter; it should read 10k to 12k ohms at room temperature.

If you're ignoring this code, your washer's basically running blind on temperature. It won't heat wash water properly, so your 'hot' cycle is just cold water and bacteria from dirty laundry doesn't get killed off the way it should. Honestly, most of the time when I show up for a TE call, the fix is a $12 thermistor and 20 minutes of work. Sometimes it's just a loose connector that needs a firm push.

LgWasherSeverity: moderateDifficulty: intermediate85% DIY Success

Time to Fix

20–60 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$10 – $20

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Digital multimeter with ohms and continuity settings

What Does the TE Code Mean?

OK so here's the deal. TE is one of the easier LG error codes to fix yourself. That little thermistor sensor costs maybe $10-18, and swapping it out is genuinely beginner-friendly once you've got the back panel off. I've probably replaced 40 of these things over the years. The trickier scenario is a bad wiring harness or a control board issue, but those are way less common. Nine times out of ten it's just the sensor or a corroded connector.

Most Likely Causes

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

Failed NTC thermistor (open circuit or out-of-range resistance)40%

Corroded or loose wiring harness connector to thermistor24%

Main control board not reading the thermistor signal correctly22%

Thermistor housing cracked causing water intrusion and short14%

Symptoms You May Notice

TE pops up on the display and the cycle freezes, usually right at the point where the machine tries to activate the heater element.
Washer starts up totally fine on cold rinse, but the second you run a warm or hot cycle, it runs a few minutes and then dies with TE.
Your hot wash cycle isn't actually getting clothes warm at all, like the heater never turned on, and eventually the code shows up.
Machine won't advance past a certain point in the cycle and just sits there blinking TE, drum stopped, no draining happening.
Intermittent TE that comes and goes. Clears when you restart, runs for a little while, then comes back. That one's usually a connector or a wiring issue.

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

After the repair, unplug the washer for 60 full seconds so the control board completely clears its memory. Plug back in, select a warm or hot cycle, and hit Start. TE shouldn't come back if the fix worked. On some LG models you can also hold the Start/Pause button for about 5 seconds while the machine is paused to manually clear stored fault codes before running your test cycle.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverDigital multimeter with ohms and continuity settingsNeedle-nose pliersFlathead screwdriver for prying connector clips

Diagnostic Checklist

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

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range10000–12000 ohms at 68F/20C

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
NTC Thermistor / Temperature Sensor6322FR2046H · $10–$20	6322FR2046H	$10 – $20

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still wash with TE showing?

You can run cold water cycles if the washer lets you start one. TE shuts down the heating element because the board can't verify safe water temperature, so hot and warm settings won't work right. Don't keep trying to force hot cycles through either, running the heater without proper sensor feedback can overheat the water or stress the element. Just stick to cold until you fix the thermistor.

What resistance should an LG washer thermistor read?

At 68 degrees Fahrenheit you want 10,000 to 12,000 ohms. As the temperature goes up, resistance drops. At 86F it's around 7,000-8,500 ohms. At 140F you're looking at roughly 2,000-2,500 ohms. At freezing, 32F, it jumps up to 25,000-30,000 ohms. The key thing is the reading needs to change as temperature changes. A sensor stuck at one value no matter what is a dead sensor even if the number looks ballpark correct.

Where is the temperature sensor on LG front-loaders?

On most LG front-load washers the thermistor is clipped to the heater assembly tube at the bottom rear of the outer tub. Remove the back panel to get to it. It's a small plastic piece about the size of your thumbnail with two wires attached. Clips into a plastic bracket, no screws involved. The connector is a 2-pin plug. Pretty hard to miss once you've got the back panel off, it's right there next to the big circular heating element.

How long does it take to replace the thermistor myself?

Honestly, once you've done it once it's about 20 minutes total. First time might be 40 minutes if you're being careful and double-checking everything. Most of that time is pulling the machine out, removing the back panel, and locating the sensor. The actual swap is two minutes. The hardest part for most people is just building the confidence to pull that back panel off, but it's really just screws around the perimeter.

Could TE mean my control board is bad?

It can, but it's rare. I'd say maybe 1 in 20 TE codes actually ends up being a board problem. Way more common is a dead thermistor or a corroded connector. Always test and replace the thermistor first before you even think about the board. A thermistor is $12. A control board for an LG washer is $100-200 and they're not always fun to install. Rule out the cheap stuff first, always.

Related Lg Washer Error Codes

Code: HUBLG Washer Error Codes: Full List Code: DIAGLG Washer Diagnostic Mode Code: RESETHow to Reset an LG Washer

Same Fix on Other Brands

Whirlpool washerF3E1: Whirlpool Washer F3E1: Temperature Sensor Error

Same Fix Works on These Brands

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

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Models Known to Experience TE Errors

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

WM3700HWA, WM4000HWA, WM5000HVA, WM3900HBA, WM6998HBA, WM8100HVA, WM3470HWA, WM1333HW

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 13, 2026