LG Dishwasher Error Code tE
The sensor that reports the water temperature to the control board has failed or is sending readings that make no sense, so the machine stops rather than heat blind. LG notes that supply water that is far too hot can trigger the same code. Because the control can no longer trust its temperature readings, cycles will not run properly until it is sorted.
Common causes
- Failed thermistor (temperature sensor)
- Loose or corroded thermistor wiring connector
- Incoming water hotter than about 90°C (194°F)
- Electronic control board fault
What to check, in order
- Switch the power off for ten minutes and restart; a one-off glitch will sometimes clear and not return
- Check your home water heater setting; if it is turned up extremely high, bring it down to a normal household setting and try again
- Run a cold or quick cycle and see whether the code appears there too
- If tE returns on every cycle, the sensor or its wiring needs testing with a meter — book a technician
Clear the code and test
- Fix what the checks above found first — a filter cleaned, a hose straightened, the spray arms freed. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
- Close the door, plug the dishwasher back in (or restore its breaker) and make sure the water tap is open.
- Run the shortest programme and stay nearby for the first minutes, watching for leaks and listening for the drain pump.
- If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write down the code and when it appeared before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.
When to call a professional
This code usually points to a faulty part, wiring or the control board on a LG dishwasher. Run the checks above to rule out the simple causes, then book a technician — and book one straight away if any of these apply:
- The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
- You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
- Water is leaking and you cannot stop it at the tap.
- The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.
When you call, give the brand, the code tE, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.
Repair or replace?
This fault is in professional territory: the fix usually means a major part or board-level work, and the labour adds up. If your machine is already well into its service life, get the repair quote first, then compare it with the price of a current equivalent model before you decide. Paying a large share of a new machine's price to repair an old one is rarely the better deal; replacing a machine over one cheap fault is wasteful too.
Parts that may be involved
ThermistorThermistor wiring harnessElectronic control board
Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label inside the door, on the door frame or on the back — and match the part to that number before ordering.
Questions people ask about tE
What does tE mean on a LG dishwasher?
tE means: Thermistor (water temperature sensor) failure. The sensor that reports the water temperature to the control board has failed or is sending readings that make no sense, so the machine stops rather than heat blind. LG notes that supply water that is far too hot can trigger the same code. Because the control can no longer trust its temperature readings, cycles will not run properly until it is sorted.
Can I fix LG tE myself?
Only the preliminary checks. Code tE usually means a part, wiring or the control board has failed, which is a technician job. Run the checks to rule out simple causes before you book.
How do I clear LG tE?
Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.
Sources checked
- LG Help Library: washing machine error codes
- PartsTown Resource Center: LG washing machine troubleshooting codes
The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.