Thermistor error — water temperature sensor malfunction detected
The tE error on the LG WM3900HWA indicates thermistor error — water temperature sensor malfunction detected. This typically occurs due to faulty thermistor giving incorrect temperature readings. A qualified technician can usually diagnose this in 5–10 min (diagnosis only), but the steps below will help you understand the issue.
Safety Warning
This is a high-severity error. Unplug the appliance immediately and assess the situation before attempting any repair.
Safety Warning
This repair is recommended for certified technicians only. The diagnostic steps below can help you understand the issue before calling for service.
Common Causes of tE
- 1Faulty thermistor giving incorrect temperature readings
- 2Broken heating element unable to heat water
- 3Loose wiring connection at the temperature sensor
- 4Main control board malfunction
How to Fix tE
- 1
Step 1
Stop the washer and pull the plug from the wall
- 2
Step 2
Leave the washer unplugged for 5 minutes to allow the control board to reset
- 3
Step 3
Plug the washer back in and run a cold-water cycle only to see if the error still appears
- 4
Step 4
If only warm or hot cycles trigger the error, the thermistor or heating element is likely faulty
- 5
Step 5
Call a certified technician to test the thermistor with a multimeter and replace it if out of specification
Tools Needed
When to Call a Technician
Error appears during warm or hot wash cycles — thermistor or heating element needs professional testing and replacement
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about LG tE error
You may be able to run cold-water wash cycles. However, warm and hot washes will not work correctly until the thermistor or heating element is repaired. Continuing to use the washer with this error on heated cycles can cause poor wash results.
A thermistor replacement is typically an affordable repair, with parts costing around $15 to $40. Labor charges depend on your region but usually range from $80 to $150 for a qualified appliance technician. The total cost is generally less than $200 for most homeowners.
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