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How to Enter Diagnostic Mode on a LG Washing Machine

LG washers show two-letter codes on the display and have a service test mode plus SmartDiagnosis tone transmission on most models.

Step-by-Step: LG Washing Machine Diagnostics

  1. 1

    Read the active code from the display — LG codes (OE, IE, UE…) display automatically.

  2. 2

    Use SmartDiagnosis: on models with the logo, call up the LG ThinQ app, hold the phone to the marked spot on the control panel, and press the SmartDiagnosis sequence shown in the app — the washer transmits its fault log as audio tones the app decodes.

  3. 3

    Service test mode on most front-loaders: power off, then hold Spin Speed + Soil Level together and press Power. Each subsequent Start/Pause press steps through component tests (fill, drum, drain, etc.).

  4. 4

    Test mode steps vary slightly by series — the exact sequence is on the tech sheet inside the lower access panel.

💡 Good to know: In test mode the washer actuates one component at a time — listening for the drain pump during its step is the fastest way to separate a dead pump from a clogged filter on OE codes.

Found a Code? Look It Up

Once diagnostics shows you a stored code, find its meaning and fix guide in the full LG washing machine code list. These are the highest-priority codes on this platform:

OE
Drainage error — water not draining within expected time
⚠ High Severity
LE
Motor locked — hall sensor or stator fault
⚠ High Severity
FE
Water overflow error — drum overfilling
⚠ High Severity
CE
Over-current error — motor drawing too much current
⚠ High Severity
SE
Hall sensor error — motor speed sensor fault
⚠ High Severity
E6
Clutch motor error (top-load models)
⚠ High Severity

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my LG washer out of CL mode? +
CL is Child Lock, not an error. Press and hold the Child Lock button (marked CL, often shared with another button) for 3–5 seconds until the display returns to normal.
What is LG SmartDiagnosis? +
A feature where the washer transmits its fault history as audio tones to the LG ThinQ app. Hold your phone near the marked spot on the panel and follow the app prompts.
How to Reset a LG Washing Machine → ← All LG Washing Machine Error Codes