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tE

LG Dishwasher

Severity: Minor

Source: OnlyErrorCodes.com — Every error code. One place.

LG Dishwasher tE Error — Drying Temperature Sensor Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

tE is the drying temperature sensor — the thermistor that monitors air temperature during the dry phase.
If it reads out of range, the dishwasher can't run a controlled dry cycle.
Wash phases still work, but heated dry won't.
Power-cycle once.
If tE persists, the sensor needs replacement — service-tech work, 100–200 USD typical.

Affected Models

  • LG TrueSteam
  • LG QuadWash
  • LG LDF series
  • LG LDP series
  • LG smart dishwasher

Common Causes

  • Drying temperature sensor failed
  • Sensor wire disconnected from controller
  • Moisture in the sensor connector
  • Sensor probe coated with mineral residue
  • Controller sensor input damaged

How to Fix It

  1. Power-cycle the dishwasher.

    Cancel the current cycle.
    Unplug or switch breaker off for 5 minutes.
    Restore power.
    Run a short Rinse cycle.
    Some tE events are transient and clear after a fresh boot.

  2. Try a Quick or Rinse cycle (no heated dry).

    If tE only appears with heated dry options enabled, the issue is specifically in the dry sensor circuit.
    Use Air Dry as a workaround until repaired.
    Wash quality is unaffected — only drying is.

  3. Inspect for water damage.

    Look around the dishwasher for any signs of water leak — under the unit, behind, or inside the door panel.
    Moisture corrodes sensor connectors.
    If you find leaks, mention to the technician — they'll address the leak source as well as the sensor.

  4. Don't disassemble yourself.

    The drying sensor lives inside the door panel or on the heating element.
    Replacement requires opening the door, which involves working around the panel electronics and water lines.
    Service-tech territory.

  5. Schedule LG service.

    Provide model and serial numbers.
    Sensor replacement is 1–2 hours of labor plus a 30–60 USD part.
    Total bill 150–250 USD out of warranty.
    Free under warranty.
    Worth doing if you regularly use heated dry; less urgent if you typically air-dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will tE affect dish cleanliness?

No — only drying.
The wash phase uses water heating which has a separate sensor.
Dishes come out clean, just wetter than usual.
If you mostly air-dry anyway (energy-saving choice), tE is purely cosmetic and you can delay repair.

Why does tE happen after long unused periods?

Sensors that sit unused develop slight drift in their readings.
Combined with any moisture from a previous cycle, the connector can become corroded.
Running the dishwasher at least once a week prevents this — even an empty Rinse cycle helps.