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LG Washing Machine Error Code SE

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Hall sensor error — motor speed sensor fault

The most common cause of the SE error on a LG washing machine is hall sensor failure (~70% of cases); start with: replace the hall sensor.

💰 DIY cost: $15–$30 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $200–$380 Save $185+ by doing it yourself
LG Washing Machine error code SE on the display panel
How the SE code appears on a LG washing machine display

What Does Error Code SE Mean on a LG Washing Machine?

Hall sensor error — motor speed sensor fault.

SE indicates the motor control board is not receiving a valid signal from the hall sensor, the device that reports rotor position and speed on LG's direct-drive motor. Without reliable speed feedback, the board halts spin to avoid running the motor blind. It differs from LE, which flags a locked or overloaded motor, and from CE, which signals an overcurrent condition — SE points specifically to missing or erratic sensor data rather than a mechanical or current fault.

Models affected: LG direct-drive top-load and front-load washers, including models such as the WM3900HWA, WM4000HBA, WM3400CW, WT7300CW, and WT7900HBA
What owners report: Owners commonly report SE appearing during or just before the spin cycle, sometimes after the machine has been moved or serviced, which can loosen the 3-wire connector at the motor. Reseating that harness before buying parts is a frequently mentioned quick win, since a partially unplugged connector can mimic a failed sensor.

What Causes Error Code SE?

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

  1. 1
    Hall sensor failure 70% of cases
  2. 2
    Hall sensor wiring harness damaged 20% of cases
  3. 3
    Motor control board fault 10% of cases

How to Fix LG Washing Machine Error Code SE

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Replace the hall sensor

    The most cost-effective repair for SE on LG direct-drive washers.

    🔩 LG hall sensor ($15–$30)
    ⚠️ Lay washer on front — motor is at the back.
  2. 2

    Check 3-wire harness

    Inspect the 3-wire connector from hall sensor to control board.

How to Reset Error Code SE

After hall sensor replacement, unplug 1 minute and restart.

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

Full LG washer reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If new hall sensor and error persists, control board hall sensor input circuit has failed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $200–$380

Related Error Codes

CE
Over-current error — motor drawing too much current
⚠ High Severity
LE
Motor locked — hall sensor or stator fault
⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

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

Samsung logo
Samsung Washing Machine SE
Motor tachometer / hall sensor error
Samsung logo
Samsung Oven SE
Keypad/touchpad short — stuck button on control panel
Samsung logo
Samsung Microwave SE
Touchpad keypad error — button stuck or panel failure

Find Replacement Parts

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

🔩
Search PartSelect
LG Washing Machine repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

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

More LG Washing Machine Error Codes

OE Drainage error — water not draining within expected time UE Unbalanced load — cannot complete spin cycle IE Water inlet error — water not filling within expected time dE Door open or door lock failure tCL Tub clean reminder — drum needs cleaning FE Water overflow error — drum overfilling

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my LG Washing Machine when error SE appears? +
It is not advisable. The washing machine may still power on, but running it while SE is active can worsen the sensor fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes SE on a LG Washing Machine? +
Across reported LG washing machine repairs, the most frequent is hall sensor failure (70% of cases), hall sensor wiring harness damaged (20%), then motor control board fault (10%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
SE keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored SE fault; if it returns, the sensor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — replace the hall sensor, then check 3-wire harness — 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 Washing Machine error SE? +
A DIY repair typically runs $15–$30 in parts, versus $200–$380 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $185. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.
Which LG Washing Machine models show error SE? +
SE is documented on LG direct-drive top-load and front-load washers, including models such as the WM3900HWA, WM4000HBA, WM3400CW, WT7300CW, and WT7900HBA. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

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

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