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Severity: Moderate

LG Washing Machine Error FE – Overfill – Too Much Water in the Tub

LG detected an overfill, usually from a water inlet valve that won't shut. Turn off the water supply first.

Safety first · Consult a professional

Close the hot and cold supply valves as soon as FE appears, then unplug the washer. Mop up water before touching the plug or the outlet, and keep the valves closed until the cause is fixed.

  • Unplug the appliance or switch off the breaker before opening any panel. Mains voltage can kill.
  • Water and electricity: unplug first, keep towels ready and never stand in water while the appliance is connected.

At a glance

Severity: 3/5 – Moderate3/5

Severity: Moderate

Meaning
Overfill – Too Much Water in the Tub
Typical repair cost
$0–$500
DIY difficulty
Easy

FE stands for fill error in the sense of overfilling: the pressure sensor reports more water than the program should ever allow. LG washers respond by stopping the cycle and running the drain pump, and LG's own guidance links FE mainly to a faulty water valve. Inside the valve, a rubber diaphragm is held shut by water pressure; a grain of sand or scale under it, or a worn diaphragm, lets water keep passing even without power. Less often the pressure sensor under-reads, so the washer keeps filling because it thinks the tub is still low.

How it looks on the display

LG Washing Machine display showing error FE

Model families & display variants

Model familyShowsNote
LG front-loaders and WashTowerFEInlet valve sits at the top rear under the top panel.
LG top-loadersFESame meaning; the valve is at the back under the console, and a top-loader can spill over the tub rim.
Base-pan leak modelsAESome LG models show AE when water reaches the base; after an overfill, check for AE too.

Symptoms

  • FE on the display while the drain pump runs on its own
  • Water level far above normal, sloshing near the door glass
  • Drum slowly refills after the washer is turned off
  • Water dripping from the detergent drawer or front of the cabinet
  • PE shown before or together with FE

Possible causes

Ranked by how often each cause is behind this code (editorial estimate).

  1. Water inlet valve not closing – debris under the diaphragm or valve worn 42%
  2. Pressure sensor or its tube under-reading, so filling never stops 20%
  3. Control board holding a valve coil energized 12%
  4. Heavy foam from too much detergent confusing the level reading 10%
  5. Very high or surging supply pressure 8%
  6. Drain hose or house drain pushing water back into the tub 8%

Fix it step by step

Diagnostic flow: FE1Shut off the water2Empty the drum3Find out which valve leaks through4Test the valve coils5Check the pressure sensor tube6Replace the valve

  1. Shut off the water

    Close both supply valves behind the washer, then press Power and unplug it. Let the washer drain first if the pump is running and the floor is dry.

    Tools: Flashlight

  2. Empty the drum

    With the valves closed, plug back in and run Spin Only. If the pump can't cope, drain a front-loader through the small drain tube behind the bottom-front cover into a shallow pan.

    Tools: Towels & shallow pan

  3. Find out which valve leaks through

    With the washer unplugged and empty, open only the cold valve and watch the drawer area for five minutes, then repeat with only the hot valve. Water arriving with no power means the inlet valve has failed on that side.

    Tools: Flashlight

  4. Test the valve coils

    Unplug, remove the top panel and pull the wires off the inlet valve at the top rear. Each coil on a 120 V valve typically reads around 1 kΩ; an open or shorted coil also needs a new valve. Normal readings with water leaking through still mean a mechanical failure.

    Tools: Multimeter, Screwdriver

  5. Check the pressure sensor tube

    While the top is off, make sure the pressure sensor's thin tube is attached and not blocked. A sensor that reads too low lets the washer keep filling even with a good valve.

    Tools: Flashlight

  6. Replace the valve

    Turn off the water, disconnect the hoses, photograph the wires and remove the valve's screws from the back panel. Fit the new valve with the wires in the same positions and check for drips before closing up.

    Tools: Screwdriver, Pliers, Towels & shallow pan

How to reset FE

  1. Keep the supply valves closed and unplug the washer for a minute.
  2. Plug in and run Spin Only to empty the tub.
  3. Open the valves only when you can supervise, and start a short cycle.
  4. If FE returns or the drum fills with the power off, keep the valves closed until the valve or sensor is replaced.

Where the parts are

Washing machine: drain filter, pump and door lock – FE12345678
Washing machine: drain filter, pump and door lock
  1. 1Door lock
  2. 2Water inlet valve
  3. 3Water level sensor
  4. 4Filter
  5. 5Drain pump
  6. 6Motor
  7. 7Heating element
  8. 8Temperature sensor

Repair options & costs

RepairDIY?Estimated cost
Extra rinse and correct detergent dose Yes $0
Water inlet valve (DIY part) Yes $35–$90
Inlet valve replaced by a technician No $160–$290
Pressure sensor (DIY part) Yes $25–$65
Main board diagnosis and replacement No $250–$500

Rough US estimates; technician call-out fees vary by region. Not a quote.

When to call a technician

Call LG service or an appliance tech if water enters the unplugged washer and you're not replacing the valve yourself, or if FE returns with a dry power-off test. Until then, keep the supply valves closed between loads.

Frequently asked questions

Is FE dangerous?

It can lead to water on the floor, especially if the valve leaks while nobody is home. Closing the supply valves removes the risk until the washer is repaired.

Why does my LG keep draining with FE showing?

That's intentional. When the tub is overfilled, the washer runs the drain pump to lower the level and keep water inside the tub.

Can I clean the valve instead of replacing it?

You can clean the inlet screens, which helps prevent new debris, but grit already inside the valve and a worn diaphragm can't be fixed reliably. A new valve is the dependable repair.

What's the difference between FE and IE?

IE means the washer couldn't get enough water in time; FE means it got too much. They point in opposite directions: supply problems for IE, a valve that won't close or a sensor misreading for FE.

Sources