LG Washer tE Error — Heating / Temperature Sensor Fix

What it means

LG washer tE error means a heating error — LG's 'Heating error, usually caused by faulty thermistor' code.
Either the temperature sensor (thermistor) is reporting an out-of-range reading, or the heater itself isn't responding correctly.

Affected Models

LG Front Load Washer
LG Top Load Washer
LG WashTower (combined washer + dryer)
LG TurboWash Washer
LG TwinWash Washer

Common Causes

Temperature sensor (thermistor) faulty
Heater element burned out or scaled up
Wiring loose between thermistor and main control board
Detergent residue corroding the sensor connector
Control board fault driving the heater

How to Fix It

Run a cold-only cycle.

Try a cold wash.
If it completes without tE, the heater or sensor is the issue (cold doesn't use them).
If tE still appears on cold, the sensor is failing even at room temperature.
Power-cycle the washer.

Unplug for 60 seconds, plug back in.
A one-off sensor glitch sometimes clears on a clean reboot.
If tE returns on the next cycle, the issue is hardware.
Run the Tub Clean cycle.

Heavy limescale on the heater element prevents heat transfer and can trigger tE.
Run a Tub Clean cycle with a descaling tablet or white vinegar.
If tE clears after descaling, the heater was scaled up.
Replace heater or sensor (technician).

If cold washes work and Tub Clean doesn't help, the heater element or thermistor needs replacement.
Both are inexpensive parts but need the back panel off.
Contact LG support or an independent washing-machine engineer.

When to Call a Professional

tE involves the heater area — a technician job unless you're comfortable opening the back of a washing machine.
Sensor and heater parts are inexpensive (£10–£40) but labour adds the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between LG tE and HE errors?

Both are heating-related but at different stages.
tE is LG's 'Heating error' — the temperature sensor is reporting wrong values or out-of-range temperatures.
HE is LG's 'Temporary heater error' — the heater itself isn't reaching target.
Diagnosis is similar: confirm with a cold cycle, check for limescale, then replace the failing component (sensor for tE, element for HE).