E5
LG Washing Machine
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
The E5 error on an LG washer indicates a water temperature issue — the machine detected that the water temperature is too high or outside the expected range. This can be caused by a faulty thermistor (temperature sensor), a stuck heating element, or receiving water that is unexpectedly hot. The washer stops to protect your laundry and its internal components.
Affected Models
- WM1333HW
- WM2650HRA
- WM3001HWA
- WM3500CW
- Older LG front-load models with internal heaters
Common Causes
- Faulty thermistor (temperature sensor) giving incorrect high-temperature readings
- Heating element stuck in the on position, continuously heating the water
- Hot water supply temperature is too high — water heater set above 120°F (49°C)
- Main control board fault causing incorrect heater control
- Wiring fault between the thermistor and the control board causing misread temperature
How to Fix It
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Unplug the washer for 10 minutes to allow it to cool down and reset. Plug it back in and run a short cycle on a cool or cold water setting to see if the error returns.
If the machine was running a hot wash and triggered E5 near the end of the cycle, it may have been a one-time temperature spike.
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Check your home's hot water heater setting. If the water heater is set above 120°F (49°C), the incoming hot water may exceed the washer's acceptable temperature range. Reduce the water heater setting to 120°F.
Most washing machine manufacturers recommend a maximum inlet water temperature of 120°F. Higher temperatures can trigger temperature errors and damage clothing.
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Run the washer on a cold water only cycle. If E5 does not appear, the problem is linked to the hot water supply or the heating element. If E5 appears on cold water too, the thermistor or its wiring is likely faulty.
This test helps narrow down the cause before calling a technician.
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Have a technician test the thermistor (temperature sensor). It is a small component inside the washer near the heating element or in the sump area. A faulty thermistor gives incorrect temperature readings that trigger E5.
Thermistors are cheap to replace — often under $30 — and are one of the first components to test when temperature errors appear.
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If the thermistor tests fine, have the heating element inspected. A heating element that is stuck on will rapidly overheat the water, triggering E5. This requires a resistance test with a multimeter.
Do not attempt to test live electrical components yourself. Have a qualified technician perform multimeter testing on the heating element.
When to Call a Professional
If the water heater temperature is correct and the error persists, a technician should test the thermistor and heating element. Thermistor replacement costs $20–$50 for the part. Heating element replacement runs $80–$150 for the part, plus labor. Total service call costs typically $150–$300.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can E5 damage my clothes?
If the water genuinely overheated, yes — it can shrink, fade, or damage delicate fabrics. Check your laundry after an E5 error. If garments are still wet and you need to rewash, use a cooler setting. The protective shutdown is designed to prevent exactly this kind of damage.
Is E5 common on LG washers?
It is less common than other LG error codes. The most frequent cause is a thermistor that has drifted out of calibration or failed. Thermistors are small electronic components that do occasionally fail after years of exposure to heat and moisture cycles.
My water heater is set to 140°F — could that cause E5?
Yes, absolutely. Some households set water heaters high for dishwasher performance or to prevent bacterial growth in the tank. But washing machines are designed for inlet water up to about 120°F. Hot water above that range can trigger temperature error codes. Either lower the water heater or use the washer on cold-water-only cycles.