IE
LG Washing Machine
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
IE on an LG washing machine means the drum did not fill with water within the expected time. Start by checking that the water supply tap behind the machine is fully open.
Affected Models
- LG WM3900H
- LG WM4000H
- LG WT7300C
- LG F4V5
- LG front-load and top-load washers
Common Causes
- Water supply tap turned off or partially closed
- Kinked or frozen inlet hose
- Clogged inlet filter mesh screens at the hose connection
- Low water pressure in the household supply
- Faulty water inlet valve solenoid
How to Fix It
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Check that the water supply tap behind the machine is fully open.
Turn the tap counter-clockwise as far as it will go. A partially closed tap limits flow and triggers IE when the drum cannot fill fast enough.
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Straighten any kinks in the inlet hose.
Pull the machine away from the wall and inspect the full length of both inlet hoses. A single sharp kink can cut water flow to nearly zero.
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Clean the inlet filter mesh screens.
Turn off the water supply. Unscrew the inlet hose from the back of the machine. Pull out the small mesh filter with pliers and rinse it under a running tap to clear sediment. Reattach and test.
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Check household water pressure.
Run a tap near the machine. LG washers need at least 0.5 bar of pressure. Very low flow at the tap (common in top-floor flats or during high-demand periods) means the supply pressure is too low for the machine to fill in time.
When to Call a Professional
If the tap is open, hoses are clear, filters are clean, and water pressure is good but IE persists, the inlet valve solenoid has likely failed. Contact LG support or an appliance engineer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IE the same as E2 on older LG washers?
Yes — older LG models used E2 for the same water inlet error. Newer machines display IE instead. The cause and fix are identical for both codes.
How long does the machine wait before showing IE?
LG washers wait approximately 4-5 minutes for the drum to reach the required water level. If the level is not reached in that window, IE is displayed and the cycle stops.