The LG error code OE simply means “the pump is blocked”. Presumably the water isn’t being emptied properly, but as with all error codes it is possible that there is a cause other than the error code explanation.
Basically this error means that the washing machine thinks the water isn’t pumping out. That’s probably the case, and a pump, or filter blockage is the most common cause. However, this error code could be caused by other faults such as a faulty pump, or even a blockage in the drain hose, or somewhere else in the pressure system etc.
Bizarrely, according to LG, “if the unit is not levelled properly, it will not drain properly. The front of the unit cannot be higher than the back or vice versa”. However, it probably doesn’t mean it would stop it draining the water at all, I’m assuming it just means there might be a little bit of water left in the machine.
If you have the OE error and you can see that there is a lot of water still inside the machine try this article washing machine won’t empty water. If it seems like the water has been pumped away then it could be that a pressure system fault has stopped the machine getting the signal that the water has gone and it’s ok to spin. This is more involved than dealing with not emptying though so unless you fully understand the way it works get an engineer – pressure system faults
Peter Tyson Appliances give high quality service coupled with special offers and competitive prices on carefully chosen white goods.
Brian says
had this error, almost made a colorful call to LG.
I found the little door on the front lower, and read pump filter; so I manually drained the washer and cleaned the filter basket(not for the faint of stomachs) washer works normally now.
mary says
Brian,
What do u mean you read pump filter? How did u clean the filter basket? I would greatly appreciate it if you could leave more details. Thanks!!
Washerhelp says
Mary: Brian meant he’d cleaned out a blocked pump filter. The “read” bit doesn’t make any sense, not sure what was actually meant.
The error code OE means the pump isn’t pumping out the water and the link I included in my article ( Washing machine won’t drain water ) which describes how to try and fix this problem. It may be useful if the fault is caused by a blocked filter. There’s also a link within that article to a section that describes how to check your pump filter (if one is fitted).
jujufish says
cleaned the filter, but still water won’t drain…..the pump is runnin but water not drainin
Washerhelp says
jujufish: If your washing machine pumps into the u-bend under the sink the blockage (if there is one) could be there. If not you’ll need to get an engineer. Have a look here – Pump has no blockages, filter is clear and it runs but it still won’t drain water
alex says
so cleaned the pump filter and pulled stuff blocked in th expeller i believe it is and tryed to get it working again but it freezes and makes a werd motor sound……. any help???????
Washerhelp says
Sorry Alex, all the help is on the links in the original article and subsequent comments. Sounds like something’s still jamming the impeller or the pump’s faulty though.
Mechellie27 says
I have the same issue, all i have ever done to get it to work again… unplug the machine while its in “pause” mode, leave it unplugged for 15-30 sec plug it back in, push ON, (dont turn knob) hit the SPIN button to highest level, push PLAY. And it seems to get back on track… dunno?
Annie says
Thank you so much for all of this info. I didn’t even know I had a filter on my LG washer. Emptying the water and cleaning the filter were indescribable but once it was done, the stink is gone and the washer is back to running !!!!!!! Thank you again !!!!
Louise Rowland says
I have had the OE error. I have cleaned the filter bit at the front, I have drained it, I have done this over and over again and it still doesnt work. There is no blockage in the pipe we have flushed it thru. What on earth is wrong with this machine. its only a year old and we have two people in our house!
If anyone has any ideas please help xx