DIY Error Codes

LG washer error IE

Inlet error (not filling)

Open both faucets fully, straighten the hoses, then clean the inlet filters.

Unplug the washer before any cleaning or maintenance.
Why
LG: "Disconnect this appliance from the power supply before cleaning and attempting any user maintenance. Turning the controls to the OFF position does not disconnect this appliance from the power supply." "Do not repair or replace any part of the appliance. All repairs and servicing must be performed by qualified service personnel unless specifically recommended in this owner's manual. Use only authorized factory parts." (Front-load manual p.5; top-load manual p.5.)

Fix it step by step

Step 1 of 7

  1. Open both faucets fully

    • 1 min
    • None
    • DIY

    LG's first listed cause: faucets not fully open.

    Why & details

    Open both faucets fully.

    LG chart, IE: "Make sure that the water faucets are fully open." (front-load p.30; top-load p.36)

    Did the code clear?

  2. Check the hoses for kinks

    • 3 min
    • None
    • DIY

    Look behind and under the washer for kinked, pinched or crushed hoses.

    Why & details

    Check the hoses for kinks.

    LG chart, IE: "Make sure that the hoses are not kinked, pinched or crushed behind or under the washer. Be careful when moving the washer during cleaning or maintenance."

    Did the code clear?

  3. Clean the inlet filters

    • 15 min
    • Pliers, Bucket, White vinegar
    • Caution

    Safety: Unplug the washer before any cleaning or maintenance. Unplug the washer first.

    Unplug, faucets off, unscrew hoses, pull and clean the filter screens.

    Why & details

    Clean the inlet filters.

    LG Maintenance, Cleaning the Water Inlet Filters (front-load p.26; top-load pp.33-34): turn off the washer and unplug the power cord; turn off hot and cold faucets; unscrew the hoses from the back of the washer; remove the filters from the water valves with pliers; remove foreign objects and soak the filters in white vinegar or a lime scale remover; rinse and press them back; flush the hoses with several gallons of water into a bucket or drain, then reattach. LG warns: do not use the washer without the inlet filters.

    Did the code clear?

  4. Check household water pressure

    • 5 min
    • Bucket
    • DIY

    Test another faucet; flush the hoses to clear dirt.

    Why & details

    Check household water pressure.

    LG chart, IE: check another faucet in the house to make sure household water pressure is adequate and flow is not restricted; disconnect the inlet hoses and run a few gallons of water through them to flush out dirt. "If flow is too low, contact a plumber to have the water supply lines repaired."

    Did the code clear?

  5. Avoid leak-limiting hoses

    • 2 min
    • None
    • DIY

    LG says leak-limiting hoses can trip falsely and stop filling.

    Why & details

    Avoid leak-limiting hoses.

    LG chart, IE: "The use of hoses designed to limit leaks is not recommended. Leak limiting hoses can trip falsely and prevent the washer from filling."

    Did the code clear?

  6. Top-load only: check drain-hose height

    • 3 min
    • None
    • DIY

    On WT7100C*/WT7060C*, the drain hose end must be above 29.5 in.

    Why & details

    Top-load only: check drain-hose height.

    LG top-load chart, IE (p.36): if the end of the drain hose is lower than 29.5 inches (75 cm) above the bottom of the washer, move it so that it is higher than 29.5 inches (75 cm).

    Did the code clear?

  7. Call a pro

    • Decision
    • None
    • Pro decision

    Low house pressure goes to a plumber; a washer fault goes to service.

    Why & details

    Call a pro.

    If water flow to the house is too low, LG says to contact a plumber. If faucets, hoses, filters and pressure all check out and IE returns, have the washer checked by qualified service personnel. Do not open the washer cabinet.

    Still showing IE?Still IE → see the partNeed a pro → call a pro

Code cleared. Nice work.

Watch the display for a day to make sure it stays clear.

Back to top

Fixed after any step? Watch the display for a day to make sure it stays clear. Still IE after step 7? See the replacement part or call a pro.

What IE means

The washer is not getting enough water to fill. LG lists closed faucets, kinked hoses, clogged inlet filters, low water pressure and leak-limiting hoses as causes.

More detail
LG's Error Messages chart lists IE as "INLET ERROR" (front-load manual p.30; top-load manual p.36). The maintenance section adds that an IE message may blink when the water pressure is low or an inlet filter is clogged with dirt (front-load p.26; top-load p.34).

5-minute checks

Full answer & models

LG washer IE is an inlet error: the washer is not filling properly. Check that both faucets are fully open and the inlet hoses are not kinked.

Applies to: WM3400C*WM3600H*AWM4000H*AWT7100C*WT7060C*
Also searched as: LG washer IE, LG washer IE code, LG washer error code IE, LG IE error, LG washer inlet error, LG washer 1E

Call a pro if…

  • Water pressure in the house is too low (LG: contact a plumber).
  • IE keeps returning after the faucet, hose and filter checks.
  • A repair would mean opening the washer or replacing an internal part.

Part you'll likely need

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Only if your current hoses are the leak-limiting type, or kinked or crushed.

LG-specified inlet hoses for your model

LG names the water inlet hoses in the IE row and says hoses designed to limit leaks can trip falsely and prevent the washer from filling. LG (p.5): "Use only authorized factory parts."

Fits: LG WM3400C*, WM3600H*A, WM4000H*A, WT7100C*, WT7060C*

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FAQ

What does IE mean on an LG washer?

Inlet error. LG's chart lists it when the washer does not fill properly: faucets not fully open, kinked hoses, clogged inlet filters, low water pressure, or leak-limiting hoses.

Can I run the washer without the inlet filters?

No. LG says not to use the washer without the inlet filters; it can cause leaks, malfunction or a valve that stays open.

Does LG recommend leak-limiting hoses?

No. LG says leak-limiting hoses can trip falsely and prevent the washer from filling.

Source: LG Washing Machine Owner's Manual WM3400C*/WM3600H*A/WM4000H*A (front-load, MFL71693724): Error Messages p.30, Cleaning the Water Inlet Filters p.26, Safety p.5; also LG Washing Machine Owner's Manual WT7100C*/WT7060C* (top-load, MFL68267043) pp.33-34, 36. Written by the DIY Error Codes team. Updated 2026-10-17. DIY Error Codes is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by LG.