LG Washer LE Error Code: What It Means and How to Fix It
Updated · from manufacturer service documentation
The LE error code on an LG washer means Locked Motor Error — the control board tried to drive the drum motor but got no valid response from it. The service manual traces this to a disconnected motor connector, a failed hall sensor, or (less often) a mechanical motor fault — most of it is checkable with a multimeter before assuming the motor itself is bad.
What Causes the LE Code
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY difficulty | Related part |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor/hall-sensor connector disconnected or disassembled | Common | Easy — reconnect | Connector (motor hall sensor / motor drive) |
| Hall sensor failed (open resistor reading) | Common | Moderate — multimeter | Hall sensor assembly |
| Rotor magnet cracked | Less common | Pro repair | Rotor |
| Motor coil open / stator fault | Less common | Pro repair | Stator / motor |
| IPM short in the motor controller | Rare | Pro repair | Main control board |
How to Fix the LE Error, Step by Step
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Check the motor and hall-sensor connectors
Confirm the connectors between the main PCB (positions YL3, BL6), the motor drive, and the hall sensor are all fully seated. A disconnected or disassembled connector is the first thing the service diagnostic checks.
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Test the hall sensor resistance and voltage
With the sensor's 5-pin connector (1=BL/Ha, 2=RD/Hb, 3=not used, 4=GRY/−, 5=WH/+), check: pin 5–1 = 10 kΩ, pin 5–2 = 10 kΩ. If either resistance reads open/infinite, the hall sensor has failed — replace it. With power applied, pin 5–4 should show 10–15 VDC input, and pins 4–1 and 4–2 should show a pulsing ~10 VDC signal when the drum turns; no pulse signal points to the same hall sensor failure.
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Check the rotor magnet
If the connectors and hall sensor test fine, inspect the rotor magnet for cracks — a cracked magnet prevents the motor from being sensed correctly and requires replacing the rotor.
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Test motor coil resistance
Measure the stator windings (U-V, V-W, W-V): normal reads 5–15 Ω. Infinite resistance means an open coil — replace the motor/stator.
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Check the IPM in the controller
If the motor and sensor both test good, a shorted IPM (motor driver) on the control board can still prevent the motor from running — this points to replacing the main PCB assembly.
Which Models This Applies To
Documented across the LG top-load MFL40322141 and WT5070C service manuals and the WM0742HGA front-load training manual — LE is used as the locked-motor code on both washer families, with an identical hall-sensor test procedure (5-pin connector, 10 kΩ resistance checks) described in the front-load training documentation. Per the training manual, pressing START/PAUSE clears most error codes including LE and returns the machine to PAUSE; if not cleared, the washer shuts off automatically after 4 minutes and blinks the code.
Related code: UE — Unbalance Error, a laundry-distribution/leveling issue, not a motor fault — don't confuse the two. Full list: all LG washer error codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to keep using the washer with an LE code?
No — LE means the motor isn't responding, so the washer can't spin the drum safely. Don't force additional cycles until the connector, hall sensor, or motor has been checked.
Can I test the hall sensor myself?
Yes, with a multimeter and the washer unplugged: an open resistance reading (infinite) across the sensor's pins confirms it has failed and needs replacing — no special tools beyond a multimeter are needed.
What's the difference between LE and UE on an LG washer?
LE is a Locked Motor Error — a motor, connector, or hall-sensor fault. UE is an Unbalance Error caused by uneven laundry distribution or an unlevel machine — a completely different, non-electrical issue.
How do I clear the LE code after fixing the cause?
Press START/PAUSE to clear the display, then restart the cycle. If the underlying fault isn't actually fixed, LE will reappear once the motor is asked to run again.
Based on the LG service documentation for the WT5070C and MFL40322141 washer series, and the WM0742HGA training manual. Last updated: .