DIY Error Codes

LG washer error LE / LE1

Motor locked / foreign object

Front-load: wait 30 minutes and restart. Top-load: drain and spin, then remove objects from the pulsator.

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 5

  1. Front-load: let it stand 30 minutes

    • 30 min
    • None
    • DIY

    Then restart the cycle.

    Why & details

    Front-load: let it stand 30 minutes.

    LG chart, LE (front-load p.31): "Allow the washer to stand for 30 minutes and then restart the cycle."

    Did the code clear?

  2. Top-load: drain and spin

    • 15 min
    • None
    • DIY

    Off, on, then Spin without a cycle.

    Why & details

    Top-load: drain and spin.

    LG chart, LE1 (top-load p.37): "Turn the washer off then on again. Press the Spin button without selecting a cycle to drain and spin the load."

    Did the code clear?

  3. Top-load: remove the objects

    • 10 min
    • None
    • Caution

    Safety: Unplug the washer before any cleaning or maintenance.

    Empty the tub and look around the pulsator.

    Why & details

    Top-load: remove the objects.

    LG chart, LE1 (top-load p.37): "When the Spin cycle is completed, empty the tub and find and remove any objects caught in the pulsator."

    Did the code clear?

  4. Check pockets next time

    • 1 min
    • None
    • DIY

    Prevents LE1.

    Why & details

    Check pockets next time.

    LG chart, LE1 (top-load p.37): "Always check pockets, etc., before washing to prevent error codes or damage to the washer or clothing."

    Did the code clear?

  5. Call for service

    • Decision
    • None
    • Pro decision

    If LE keeps returning.

    Why & details

    Call for service.

    If LE still shows after these steps, have the washer checked. LG says all repairs and servicing must be performed by qualified service personnel (p.5). Do not remove the pulsator or open the cabinet.

    Still showing LE?Need 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 LE after step 5? call a pro.

What LE means

Front-load: the motor locked. Top-load: something like a coin or pin is caught between the pulsator and the inner tub.

More detail
LG's front-load Error Messages chart (p.31) lists LE as "A motor error has occurred." (MOTOR LOCKED ERROR). The top-load chart (p.37) lists LE1 as FOREIGN OBJECT ERROR: "Foreign objects such as coins, pins, clips, etc., are caught between the pulsator and the inner tub." and notes "For some models, LE is displayed first, then the 1 is displayed."

5-minute checks

Full answer & models

LG washer LE means different things by model. Front-load: a motor error; let it stand 30 minutes and restart. Top-load (LE1): a foreign object is caught under the pulsator.

Applies to: WM3400C*WM3600H*AWM4000H*AWT7100C*WT7060C*
Also searched as: LG washer LE, LG washer LE code, LG washer error code LE, LG washer LE1, LG LE error

Call a pro if…

  • Front-load LE returns after the 30-minute wait and restart.
  • Top-load LE1 returns and no object can be seen or reached.
  • Anything would mean removing the pulsator or opening the cabinet.

FAQ

What does LE mean on an LG washer?

On the front-load models it is a motor locked error. On the top-load models, LE1 (sometimes shown as LE then 1) means a foreign object is caught between the pulsator and the inner tub.

How long should I wait on a front-load LE?

LG says to allow the washer to stand for 30 minutes and then restart the cycle.

Can I remove the pulsator?

LG's manual does not tell owners to remove it. LG says repairs and servicing must be done by qualified service personnel.

Source: LG Washing Machine Owner's Manual WM3400C*/WM3600H*A/WM4000H*A (front-load, MFL71693724): Error Messages p.31, Safety p.5; also LG Washing Machine Owner's Manual WT7100C*/WT7060C* (top-load, MFL68267043) p.37. Written by the DIY Error Codes team. Updated 2026-10-17. DIY Error Codes is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by LG.