LG Dishwasher Error Code tE

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026

⚠ Medium Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Temperature sensor failure

The most common cause of the tE error on a LG dishwasher is thermistor open circuit (~65% of cases); start with: test thermistor.

💰 DIY cost: $15–$40 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$280 Save $135+ by doing it yourself

LG Dishwasher error code tE on the display panel — How the tE code appears on a LG dishwasher display

What Does Error Code tE Mean on a LG Dishwasher?

Temperature sensor failure.

The tE code fires when the control board reads an out-of-range signal from the NTC thermistor monitoring wash-water temperature — either an open circuit (resistance too high) or a short (resistance too low). Because the board can't verify heat safely, it disables the heating element, leaving dishes washed in cold water with poor drying. This distinguishes tE from HE, which flags an actual heater circuit fault rather than a bad temperature reading. The thermistor or its connector is the usual culprit.

Models affected: LG dishwashers with an NTC wash-water temperature sensor, which covers most modern models including LDFN4542S, LDTS5552S, and LDF5545ST

What owners report: Owners commonly notice tE alongside cold dishes and weak drying rather than a hard stop mid-cycle. A loose or corroded sensor connector can falsely trigger it, so many report the code clearing after simply reseating the plug before buying a new sensor.

What Causes Error Code tE?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

1

Thermistor open circuit 65% of cases
2

Connector loose 25% of cases
3

Wiring fault 10% of cases

How to Fix LG Dishwasher Error Code tE

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min

⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.

1

Test thermistor

~6k–7k ohms at room temp.

🔩 Multimeter
2

Replace NTC sensor

Located near heating element.

🔩 LG NTC sensor ($15–$40)

How to Reset Error Code tE

Turn off the dishwasher's breaker for 60 seconds (LG dishwashers are typically hardwired), then restore power. After replacing the sensor, run a normal cycle and confirm the water heats without tE returning.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full LG dishwasher reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If new NTC and error persists, control board sensor input failed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$280

Related Error Codes

Heater failure — water not heating

⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code tE appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows tE →

Samsung Washing Machine tE

Temperature sensor (thermistor) fault

Samsung Dryer tE

Thermistor (temperature sensor) failure

Samsung Dishwasher tE

Temperature sensor failure — NTC thermistor fault

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your LG Dishwasher:

🔩

Search PartSelect

LG Dishwasher repair parts

🔧

Search RepairClinic

Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More LG Dishwasher Error Codes

AE Leakage detected — water found in base tray OE Drain error — dishwasher not draining IE Water inlet error — not filling with water FE Water overflow — overfill protection triggered LE Leakage detected — flood protection activated CE Motor/pump over-current error

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my LG Dishwasher when error tE appears? +

You often can for a cycle or two, but the sensor issue behind tE will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.

What most commonly causes tE on a LG Dishwasher? +

Across reported LG dishwasher repairs, the most frequent is thermistor open circuit (65% of cases), connector loose (25%), then wiring fault (10%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.

tE keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +

A reset only clears the stored tE fault; if it returns, the sensor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — test thermistor, then replace NTC sensor — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.

How much does it cost to fix LG Dishwasher error tE? +

A DIY repair typically runs $15–$40 in parts, versus $150–$280 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $135. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.

Which LG Dishwasher models show error tE? +

tE is documented on LG dishwashers with an NTC wash-water temperature sensor, which covers most modern models including LDFN4542S, LDTS5552S, and LDF5545ST. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

• LG Support — Help Library — official manufacturer documentation
• Our editorial & verification policy

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

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