Unfortunately, washing does not always result in clean clothes; it happens that the work process is suddenly interrupted, the machine stops, and an error message appears on the display. The tE error in an LG washing machine occurs infrequently, but if this happens and you need to wash it urgently, you can restart the wash, just select a program without heating the water.
Error tE, what does it mean?
Error code tE is the first letters of two English words Temperature Error. This means that the machine cannot heat the water to the required temperature. The error may be caused by failure or damage to:
- heating element (heating element);
- electrical wiring;
- thermistor;
- washing machine control module.
It is worth noting that the error does not indicate any specific part; in order to find the device that caused the tE error, you will have to check the entire circuit sequentially.
Options for solving the problem
If the LG washing machine has stopped and the error code tE appears on the display, you need to take immediate action. You can call a specialist or take the washing mashine for repair, or you can try to cope on your own. Whatever option is chosen, before moving on to active actions, you should simply reload the machine.
To do this, turn off the washing machine, unplug the power cord from the outlet and wait a few minutes.This event will help in case of a software failure that could occur as a result of a voltage surge or drop.
Rerunning the program may be successful, but not necessarily. If the error remains, it’s time to look for the technician’s phone number or take up the tool yourself. That’s right, it will not be possible to get rid of the tE error in the LG SMA without partial disassembly.
Preparing for use and disassembling the washing machine
Actually, disassembly is a strong word; to gain access to the water heating unit, you just need to remove the back cover, and this is not difficult. Of course, before starting work, you need to remove water from the washing machine. It is easier and more effective to do this by running a cold wash program.
Next, the LG washing machine needs to be de-energized. Pressing the power button is not enough; you must remove the plug from the socket. It would also be a good idea to disconnect the inlet hose so as not to provoke a small flood.
The washing machine is being unwrapped. It is advisable to place it in the middle of the room to ensure maximum comfort. You can proceed directly to disassembly.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the bolts securing the cover. Most often there are four of them. Use any narrow flat object (a regular screwdriver or knife) to pry the clamps and pull the panel towards you.
Violation of wiring integrity
The first thing to do when you gain access to the insides of the LG washing machine is to check the wiring. The manufacturer, in an effort to reduce the cost of its products, measures the wires “end to end”, therefore, there is a small probability that due to constant vibration the wire has frayed.
It is not difficult to verify the integrity of the wiring; for this, a simple multimeter set to resistance measurement mode is sufficient.If the wire is broken, the device will show infinite resistance. Such wires are changed.
The connectors require no less attention. Due to high humidity, they could oxidize, which will result in a tE error on the display of the LG washing machine.
Thermistor
The next part that is worth checking is the sensor - thermistor. When the temperature changes, its electrical conductivity changes. The thermistor is carefully disconnected; you need to test it with a multimeter. If it shows no signs of life, this may cause the tE error to appear, and therefore will have to be replaced.
Removing the thermistor is easy. First you need to disconnect the chip with the wires and loosen the nut holding it. All that remains is to remove the part and install a new one.
Replacing the LG washing machine heater
The appearance of the tE error on the washing machine display may also indicate a malfunction of the heating element (heating element). This is a common breakdown typical for washing machines of any manufacturer, including LG. The fact is that the quality of water in the system rarely meets the standards, as a result - scale, which gradually kills the heating element.
Removing the heating element of an LG washing machine is not particularly difficult. It is located at the bottom of the drum; in fact, by removing the back cover, access to it is already open.
The heater in the washing mashine is held in place by a single nut screwed onto a stud. To remove it, just remove the supply wires, unscrew the nut and gently pull it towards you with a rocking motion.
Surely it is covered with a thick layer of scale, the same scale has crumbled, filling the seat. Before installing a new heating element, you must carefully remove all debris from the socket and wipe the inside with a napkin.It is also worth checking the condition of the gasket; it is quite possible that the rubber has lost its elasticity, in which case it is also changed.
Having found out what the tE error means, you can safely undertake repairs. Disassembling an LG washing machine is unlikely to cause any difficulties even for a novice repairman, nor will replacing a failed part. It’s really simple, and besides, it saves money, because you don’t have to pay for the work.
