LG Washer dE Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Door error: the washer can't confirm the door or lid is closed and locked.
- Can I fix it?
- Yes, usually a DIY fix
- Also shown as
- dE1, dE2
- Seen on
- LG front-load and top-load washers. Front-load models may show dE1 (door open or not fully closed) or dE2 (door closed but not locking).
LG lists three reasons for dE: the door isn’t fully closed, the door is out of line with the latch, or the latch itself is faulty. On front-loaders the code may show as dE1, meaning the door is open or not fully closed, or dE2, meaning the door is closed but not locking. Start by closing the door firmly and clearing the seal.
Try this first
- Open the door and close it firmly until it clicks.
- Check the door seal and the latch for clothing, a zipper or lint.
- Turn the washer off, unplug it for one minute and start again.
- On a top-load washer, make sure the lid closes flat and nothing sits on it.
What causes dE
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Door or lid not pushed fully shut | dE right after pressing Start | Close firmly and listen for the click |
| Item caught in the seal or latch | Door looks shut but doesn't latch | The door seal and the latch opening |
| Door hook out of line | Door has dropped or the hook is bent | The hook on the door against the latch |
| Door not fully closed or laundry caught in the gasket | dE1 on the display | Close firmly and clear the gasket |
| Door closes but the lock doesn't engage | dE2, or no lock click when the cycle starts | Needs the lock assembly tested |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
-
Reset the washer
Turn the washer off and unplug it. Press and hold Start/Pause for 5 seconds, then plug it back in and press firmly on the door.
-
Clean the latch area
Open the door. Pull back the edge of the rubber seal and remove anything caught in it. Wipe lint out of the latch opening with a dry cloth.
Safety: If water is still in the drum, try Spin Only. If the washer won't run it, drain the water through the small drain hose behind the lower front cover.
-
Check the door hook
Close the door slowly and watch the hook meet the latch. It should go straight in. If the door sags or the hook is bent, it won't lock.
-
Test the lock
Start a Rinse+Spin cycle. Within a few seconds you should hear the lock click and see the lock light come on.
When to call a technician
If the door latches by hand but the washer still shows dE, dE1 or dE2, the door switch or lock assembly is the likely cause. It usually means taking panels off, so it's a technician job.
Questions people ask
What's the difference between dE, dE1 and dE2 on an LG washer?
All three are door faults. dE is the general door error. dE1 means the door is open or not fully closed, and dE2 means the door is closed but not locking. The first checks are the same for all three.
My LG washer shows dE and the door won't open. What do I do?
The door stays locked while water is above the bottom of the door, while the drum is hot, or while it's spinning. Drain the water, let it cool for a few minutes, unplug the washer for 1 to 2 minutes, then push the handle in and pull it open. Don't force it: hot water or steam can cause burns.
Can a dirty door seal cause dE?
It can if lint, hair or a small item sits where the hook enters the latch. Wipe the seal and the latch opening, then try again.