Quick answer: IE on an LG washer means not enough water is coming in. Open both water faucets all the way, straighten the fill hoses and clean the small filters where the hoses connect to the washer. That fixes most IE errors in a few minutes.
What does the IE error code mean on an LG washer?
IE stands for an inlet error: the washer didn’t reach the right water level in the time it expected. LG lists inadequate water supply as the cause: faucets not fully open, kinked hoses, clogged inlet filters or low water pressure. If all of those are fine, the water inlet valve or the water level (pressure) sensor may be faulty.
How to fix the LG washer IE error, step by step
1. Open the faucets fully
Turn both the hot and cold faucets behind the washer all the way open. If someone worked on the plumbing recently, make sure the main water supply is on.
2. Straighten the fill hoses
Pull the washer out a little and check both hoses for kinks or crushed spots, especially after the washer was pushed back against the wall.
3. Clean the inlet filters
- Turn off both faucets and unplug the washer.
- Unscrew the fill hoses from the back of the washer (keep a towel handy).
- Gently remove the mesh filters in the washer’s inlet ports with needle-nose pliers.
- Rinse them and brush off sand, rust or limescale with an old toothbrush.
- Put them back, reconnect the hoses, open the faucets and check for leaks.
4. Check your water pressure
LG says the water pressure should be between 14.5 and 116 psi. A quick check: open another faucet in the house. If its flow is also weak, the problem is the water supply, not the washer, and a plumber can help.
5. Test the inlet valve
If water pressure is good but little or no water enters, the inlet valve may have failed. With the washer unplugged, remove the top panel and measure each valve coil with a multimeter on ohms. A reading of “OL” (open) means the coil is dead and the valve should be replaced. Order it with your model number.
6. When water comes in but IE still appears
If you can hear water filling but the code still shows, the washer may be misreading the water level. Check that the drain hose isn’t pushed too far into the standpipe (it can siphon water out as it fills), then have the pressure sensor and its small hose checked.
How to reset an LG washer after an IE error
- Turn the washer off and unplug it (or switch off the breaker).
- Wait at least 10 seconds; for motor-related codes, LG suggests letting it rest longer.
- Plug it back in, turn it on and start a short cycle, like Rinse+Spin.
A reset clears the code but not the cause. If the same code keeps coming back, LG recommends closing the water faucet, unplugging the washer and calling for service.
LG washer IE error: frequently asked questions
Can low water pressure cause IE?
Yes. LG recommends 14.5 to 116 psi. Below that, the washer can’t fill in time.
Why does IE appear after I installed a new washer?
Check that the faucets are fully open, the hoses aren’t kinked and the hot and cold hoses are connected to the right inlets.
Other LG washer error codes
See the full list of LG washer error codes, or jump to the most common ones:
Sources: LG US Help Library (washer error code list and troubleshooting guides). Always unplug the washer before opening any panel.