LG Washer · Code OE / E03 / E21

LG Washer OE code: Drain error

The washer tried to pump the water out but the tub did not empty in the time allowed. The cycle stops with water still in the drum.

Most common causes

  1. Kinked, crushed or clogged drain hose
  2. Drain pump filter blocked by lint, coins or small items
  3. Too many suds from using too much or non-HE detergent
  4. Drain hose pushed too far down the standpipe or a clogged house drain
  5. Failed drain pump motor

What you can safely check yourself

  1. Unplug the washer, then pull it out and straighten any kinks in the drain hose
  2. Make sure the hose is not jammed too deep into the standpipe and the house drain is not backing up
  3. On front-loaders, use the small access door at the bottom front to drain leftover water into a shallow pan and clean the pump filter (have towels ready)
  4. Use only HE detergent in the recommended amount, then run a Rinse+Spin to clear suds
  5. Plug back in and run a Spin Only cycle; if you hear no pump hum at all, stop and call for service

Unplug the appliance before moving or cleaning anything. Do not open panels, touch gas connections or bypass safety switches.

Checked against: lg.com · lg.com. Meanings can vary by model; check your owner’s manual.

Quick answers

What does OE mean on a LG Washer?

The washer tried to pump the water out but the tub did not empty in the time allowed. The cycle stops with water still in the drum.

Can I clear the OE code myself?

Try these first: Unplug the washer, then pull it out and straighten any kinks in the drain hose Make sure the hose is not jammed too deep into the standpipe and the house drain is not backing up On front-loaders, use the small access door at the bottom front to drain leftover water into a shallow pan and clean the pump filter (have towels ready) Use only HE detergent in the recommended amount, then run a Rinse+Spin to clear suds Plug back in and run a Spin Only cycle; if you hear no pump hum at all, stop and call for service Call a technician if the filter and hose are clear but the washer still will not drain, or if you hear no humming from the pump during a spin cycle.

How much does it cost to fix a OE code?

It depends on the cause. At FixPro the diagnostic visit is $79.00 and is credited in full to the repair; you get a flat-rate quote before any work starts.

Other LG Washer codes

dE · Door or lid lock errorIE · Water fill errorLE · Motor locked / overloadedtCL · Tub clean reminderUE · Unbalanced loadAE · Water leak detectedCE · Motor current / speed errorCL · Child lock onFE · Overfill errorPE · Water level sensor errorPF · Power failureSud · Too many sudstE · Heating error

Still showing the code?

A FixPro technician will find the cause and give you a flat price. $79.00 diagnostic, credited toward the repair.

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