LG washing machine displays DE error - what does it mean?

#lg-washing-machine-errors

Published: 11 Nov 2020

You got ready to do the laundry, put things in the drum, closed the door and turned on the program, but the washing did not start, and the dE code lit up on the display of the LG washing machine. You pulled the hatch handle and found that the hatch was not locked. What happened to your car? Let's figure it out.

Error interpretation

Error DE means the washing machine door is not closed or the door lock is not working. The main cause of the malfunction is the hatch locking device (HLD), but the hinges, handle, latch hook, or control module may also be faulty.

On LG washing machines without a display, the DE code is indicated: all temperature indicators, wash mode and rinse indicators flash or light at the same time.
Such signals indicate that the hatch door is not closed. See also -
PF error in LG washing machine - what to do, how to decipher it?

What do errors DE, DE 1, DE2 mean on an LG washing machine?

The abbreviation DE on the LG washing machine screen literally stands for Door Error. The code indicates that the machine cannot lock the door and start the specified program. If the unit is not equipped with a display, a fault is indicated by flashing or continuous lighting of all wash, rinse and temperature indicators.

Problem DE, DE2 or DE1 in an LG machine can occur at any stage of the device’s operation

How to fix the error yourself

It would seem that the cause of the malfunction is known and all you need to do is close the hatch more tightly. Often, such actions are enough and the problem disappears. Otherwise, the malfunction occurs for a more serious reason:

• Breakage of the latch hook, hatch locking device
• Displacement of the spring or clamp, hatch blocking device
• Malfunction of the electronic sensor of the sunroof locking device
• Washing machine control board malfunction

Important:

The most common causes of the error are listed here; other lesser-known breakdowns are also possible, and to accurately determine them, it is recommended to call a specialist.

In cases where the DE code occurs, it is recommended to carry out a series of sequential actions that can help get rid of the error yourself.

• First, you should check the tightness of the hatch; it may not be closed. To do this, you just need to press it harder.
• You should also inspect the entire door for external obstructions.
• Inspect the hatch door from the inside; clothing may have gotten between the loading hatch and the drum and is preventing it from closing tightly. You should also pay attention to the locking tab; there may be objects on it that interfere with closing.
• Check the hatch door for any distortions; if any are found, it is necessary to tighten the side hinges.
• If none of the above is found or does not help, you should completely reset the washing machine. To do this, perform the following steps in sequence: open the hatch, disconnect the machine from the network by unplugging the plug from the socket, wait 15-20 minutes, then plug the machine back in and close the hatch.

If after performing the above steps the error persists, then it makes sense to consider other causes of the malfunction.

Why does my LG washing machine display a DE error?

If DE appears on the screen, there may be several reasons for the failure. Most often the problem occurs:

• due to the excessive amount of laundry in the drum, it is simply impossible to close the door tightly, it rests against an obstacle;
• due to small items or hard items of clothing getting stuck between the hatch and the body;
• due to mechanical distortion of the washing unit door as a result of damage;
• due to a malfunction or physical breakdown of the lock's locking mechanism.

In the last two cases, the washing machine must be sent for service so that the problem can be fixed by a qualified technician. In other situations, you can repair the machine yourself, since it does not require complex repairs.

Attention! Sometimes the DE error appears randomly due to a faulty control board. The machine itself remains fully operational.

Malfunctions requiring repair

Use the following table to determine the cause of the error:

Preventive measures

You can prevent the DE code from appearing on your washing machine by following the prevention rules. When operating the unit you must:

• carefully check the pockets of clothes before washing and empty them of all small items;
• do not overload the machine and ensure that the total weight of things does not exceed the maximum values ​​​​specified in the manufacturer's manual;
• do not place heavy objects and equipment on top of the device to avoid distortion of the body and door;
• Protect the machine from excess humidity and constant vibrations during the washing process.

If the DE error cannot be resolved using simple measures, you must contact a service center for repairs. Attempts to repair the hatch or locking mechanism yourself may result in the complete failure of the unit. As a result, you will have to pay much more for repairs.

Mate UBL

In addition to the hook, in the counter part of the locking mechanism, which is located inside the hatch, there is also:

• spring;
• metal pulley;

• plastic handle;
• fastening.

Most often, the handle used to open the hatch breaks. The fact is that most washing machines are equipped with a locking device, which is based on a thermal plate that bends during operation and holds the hook. But after finishing washing, it needs time to cool down and straighten out. As a rule - 2-3 minutes.

The device of the counter part of the lock

Actions that cause damage:

• Sometimes the owners are in a hurry and pull the handle before the signal. Over time, this leads to the appearance of microcracks and its breakdown. Then the entire assembly needs to be replaced.

• Also, the reason for the lack of locking can be a spring or pulley jumping out of the mount. To fix this, you need to disassemble the door and put everything back.

The worst option is to destroy the fasteners that secure the locking mechanism inside the door. If they break, then you need to purchase a hatch or part of it.

Repair algorithm

If damage was found during the diagnostic process and its correction is available to the user of the washing machine, at this step we proceed to repair.

If the contact with the sunroof lock sensors malfunctions, turning on every once in a while, then it is enough to clean it and the malfunction will be eliminated.

If the sunroof latch is faulty, it can be replaced by purchasing a new one and installing it. If you want to do this, you can repair it yourself or have it done by a specialist.

If you find damage or traces of burnt contacts on the small control board, you need to thoroughly clean it, then resolder the connections that looked faulty.

Dismantling the hatch

Let's look at the step-by-step actions:

1. First of all, the hatch must be dismantled. To do this, unscrew the two screws.

   Unscrew the fastenings

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2. Then we turn the hatch over and place it on the table. Unscrew all the screws in a circle.
3. Use a slotted screwdriver to pry off one half. We go like this along the diameter. Then, you need to pull it out of the grooves.
4. Supporting the glass, carefully separate it.

   Remove the screws in a circle

5. After this the castle will be visible.
6. Having replaced or corrected, repeat the steps in reverse order.

Getting to the lock mechanism

Important! We photograph the hatch from all sides. And the location of the hook!

Helpful information

To cope with the problem on your own, you can use the following recommendations:

1. Try to press the door tighter. The error may have occurred because the lock simply did not latch properly. If, after pressing the hatch, the usual click is heard, it closes, and the inscription disappears, the wash cycle continues.
2. You can try opening and closing the hatch again. Sometimes this simple method solves the problem.
3. Calculating the amount of laundry will help make sure that the drum is not overloaded. Approximate values ​​are indicated in the technical data sheet of the washing machine. It is better to perform two wash cycles than to run a program with a full drum.

You will find a lot of important and useful information about error codes for LG washing machines in this section.

Checking the wiring

It happens that the wires connecting the lock to other elements burn out. This may be due to overload, or operation of the washing machine without interruption. You can try it yourself using a multimeter in ringing or resistance testing mode. If damaged, replace them with ones of the same cross-sectional diameter.

Expert opinion

I work in the household appliance repair industry. Extensive experience in restoring washing machines and dishwashers.

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Important! Sometimes the reason for the incorrect operation of the UBL is oxidation of the contacts. Sanding or treating with a special solution can solve the problem.

Replacing the electrical controller

If you can determine exactly why the washing machine is giving the DE error and the reason lies in a faulty controller, there is no need to change the entire blocking device. It is enough to replace the controller. To carry out this repair, you need to do the following:

• Remove the plastic panel that covers the controller.
• Unscrew the fixing screws holding the required element.
• Remove the large controller board.
• We inspect the smaller board and find visible damage.
• If damage is found, the board will need to be replaced.
• If the problem cannot be found, you will have to contact a specialist.

Often the machine produces an error code DE due to factory defects in the boards. But it is impossible to determine marriage at home. Only a master, using a special device, will be able to identify the defect.

Brief repair instructions

An LG machine is a reliable device, so when the first problems appear, you should try to eliminate the cause of the problem without opening the device. For example, if a washing machine does not work, then most often this is due to a simple lack of electricity in the power supply.

Causes and solutions to simple problems

Rattling, knocking in the drum and vibrations often occur due to the unstable position of the legs. If you rearrange the machine, the problem will go away on its own.

Also, periodic knocking noises during washing may indicate wear of the bearings and the seal that seals the drum. You can replace them yourself.

To be sure of the cause of the noise, you should independently turn the drum of the machine left and right with your hands. If noise, crackling or rumble appears, then the reason is definitely faulty bearings.

A properly installed washing machine will not “snort”! Over time, the balance adjusted during installation may be disrupted due to body movement during spinning.

If the machine jumps or jumps, then this malfunction is explained by violations in the structure of the counterweight fastening.

Water leaks occur due to worn hoses or improper connection. In this case, you can simply tighten the couplings in problem areas.

It often happens that even after cleaning the drain pump filter, the machine “refuses” to drain water. It is possible that the reason is a clogged drain hose, which just needs to be cleaned

If water does not drain from the washing machine drum, you need to repair the drain system: clean the filter, check the drainage hose and pump.

Features of diagnostics of heating element operation

If the machine begins to heat the water poorly, then you need to diagnose the heating element. The fact is that during prolonged use, scale forms on the heating element, preventing its normal operation. The heating element can be easily cleaned even at home, for example, with acetic and citric acid.

Cleaning heating elements using citric acid:

• the washing mode without laundry is set (temperature 60-90 degrees);
• Instead of powder, you should add citric acid (about 100 grams, but it all depends on the degree of contamination of the device).

This procedure can also be used for preventive purposes - once every six months or quarter, depending on the intensity of washing. For detailed instructions on cleaning a washing machine with citric acid, read this material.

Cleaning with vinegar:

• also sets the washing mode without laundry;
• 2 cups of vinegar are poured into the powder receiver;
• run the wash program for the longest possible time;
• 5-10 minutes after starting work, you should pause the machine and keep it in this position for about an hour;
• after an hour, you should resume washing and rinse the tank thoroughly to completely rinse off the vinegar solution;
• After this, wipe the hatch doors with a piece of cloth soaked in acetic acid.

But it will be more effective to prevent scale formation. Pollution can be prevented by installing specific magnetic water softeners (softener filters), which purify the incoming water from calcium and magnesium salts.

Magnetic softeners are not affordable for everyone, so you can install a regular mechanical cleaning reagent filter on the pipe leading to the washing machine, which prevents rust and sand from entering the washing machine

To increase the service life of the heating element, you should adhere to certain rules: do not wash clothes in boiling water (if possible) and do not let things become worn out and very dirty, because particles will enter the heating element and form scale.

It is also recommended not to use cheap counterfeit detergents, but to be more selective when choosing washing powders and gels.

I.E.

IE - water does not flow into the tank.

After the set time (4 minutes) the device was unable to draw the required amount of water. The cause of such a failure may be simple inattention or problems in the operation of the water valve.

Causes:

• There is no water supply.
• The water intake valve is closed (fully or partially).
• The water pressure in the water supply is below normal.
• Mechanical damage and kinks in the water intake hose.
• The filter of the water intake valve is clogged with limescale.
• The water supply hose is not connected correctly (the gasket is skewed and the inlet is partially blocked).

Methods for solving the problem

If the reason for the DE code in a Samsung or LG washing machine is the wear of the rubber seal, clamp or spring, you can replace these elements yourself.

If you discover a breakdown of a small electrical controller board, you can also fix the problem yourself.

However, if the inspection fails to identify the cause, you should not dismantle the unit and penetrate deep into the system. In this case, it is rational to call a specialist. Firstly, it will save time, and secondly, it will allow you to quickly find and repair the faulty part. You can watch the video about the nuances of eliminating errors under code DE.