LG Washing Machine Error Code PE: What Does it Mean?

If your LG washing machine is displaying a PE error code on the display screen it means that there is something wrong with the water level sensor. Your washing machine will not be able to operate again until the code has been removed.

To remove the code and fix the underlying cause of the problem simply follow the step-by-step instructions in this guide.

This guide covers all major LG washing machine models, including:

RLM20K, WD-10271BD, WD-11275BD, WD-13276BDM, WD-90282BD, WDP2W

WDP3B, WDP3N, WDP3R, WDP3S, WDP3W, WM0642HW, WM2016CW

WM2050CW, WM2101HW, WM2233HW, WM2277HS, WM2277HW

WM2301HR, WM2487HRM, WM2487HWM

Step 1 – Reset your LG washing machine

The simplest solution to remove the PE error code is to reset your washing machine. Here’s how to do a reset:

• Unplug your washing machine or turn the circuit breaker off
• After three to five minutes, plug the washing machine back into the power or turn the circuit breaker back on
• Check if the PE error code has gone. If not, proceed to step 2 in this guide.

Step 2 – Inspect the wiring

If a simple reset didn’t remove the PE error code, the next step is to check the wiring to see if there are any issues with it. Please note that inspecting the wiring will involve using a multimeter device. If you don’t have one and/or you are not experienced working with electronics you should call a qualified technician to come and inspect your appliance.

Here’s how to inspect the wiring:

• Turn the power off to your washing machine by unplugging it at the wall or turning the circuit breaker off
• Locate the wire harness that connects the water level pressure sensor to the main control board
• Inspect the wire harness to check for any signs of damage and to see if it has become loose
• If the wire harness is fine, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If it fails the continuity test it will need to be replaced and if it passes the test it is working correctly and you can proceed to step 3.
• After you replace the wire harness, check if the PE error code has gone. If not, proceed to step 3.

Step 3 – Inspect the water level pressure sensor

If the wiring is fine, the next step is to check the water level pressure sensor itself to check if it has become faulty. The purpose of the sensor is to monitor the water level in your washing machine. If it becomes faulty your LG washing machine will display the PE error code and will stop working.

The steps to inspect the water level pressure sensor are:

• Make sure the power is turned off to your washing machine by unplugging it at the wall or turning the circuit breaker off
• Locate the water level pressure sensor (consult your user manual if you’re not sure where it is)
• Once located, remove the sensor and inspect it to see if it is dirty and covered in debris. If it is, give it a good clean before putting it back into position, and then check if the error code has gone. If it has, your washing machine can be used again.
• If the sensor isn’t dirty or cleaned and it doesn’t remove the error code, your best option is to replace the sensor with a new one
• Once replaced, check to see if the PE error code has gone from your LG washing machine display screen. If the error code is still showing you will need to call a qualified technician to come and inspect your washing machine.

LG washing machine PE error code FAQ

Q: What do I do when I see a PE error code on my LG washing machine display?

A: The first thing to do is try and reset your LG washing machine. This can be done by unplugging your machine and leaving it off for three to five minutes before turning it back on again. If a reset doesn’t work, the water level pressure sensor wiring and the sensor itself will need to be checked to ensure they are working correctly. If faulty, they will need to be replaced.

Q: Why does my LG washing machine display a PE error code as soon as I press the start button?

A: This is usually the result of the control unit programmer not working correctly. When this happens it’s a good indication that the heating elements that control the water level pressure sensor switch are burnt out or defective. However, sometimes it can be the result of the unit processor itself becoming faulty which means it will need to be replaced. 

Q: If the PE error code is showing on my LG washing machine, which components are faulty?

A: The PE error code indicates that either the wiring that connects the water level pressure sensor is faulty, or the water level pressure sensor itself is faulty. To find out which one is the cause of the error code, it will need to be tested and if defective, replaced.

Q: Why is the PE error code randomly showing on my LG washing machine?

A: This indicates a wiring problem within your LG washing machine and means the error code is showing by mistake. To fix this problem you will need to check the wiring between the water level pressure sensor and the heating element in your washing machine. If faulty, the wiring will need to be repaired or replaced.