An LG WM4500HBA that will not fill shows IE, the inlet error, and LG's manual gives four causes in order: faucets not fully open, inlet hoses kinked or crushed behind the washer, inlet filters clogged and water pressure too low. One more is specific: leak-limiting hoses. LG does not recommend them because they can trip falsely and stop the washer filling. The specification table asks for 20 to 120 psi (138 to 827 kPa).
Differential
Likely causes of “LG front-load or top-load washer will not fill with water or fills too slowly”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Faucets that are not fully open or hoses that are kinked or crushed
What separates it IE shows and only a trickle or no water enters
How to confirm Open both faucets fully and check each hose behind and under the washer for a kink or a crushed section
- 2
Clogged inlet filters on the fill valves
What separates it IE returns with the hoses straight and strong water flow at the faucet
How to confirm Turn off the water, unscrew the hoses and pull the filter screens out with pliers to look at them
- 3
Low household water pressure
What separates it Another faucet in the house also runs weakly at the same time
How to confirm Check another faucet; flush the hoses into a bucket; call a plumber if the flow is low
- 4
Leak-limiting hoses
What separates it The washer stops filling even though the faucets, hoses and filters are clear
How to confirm Look at the hose ends; LG says these hoses can trip falsely and prevent the washer filling
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the display shows IE and whether it appears at the start or partway through the fill
- How strongly water runs from each faucet into a bucket and whether both faucets are fully open
- Whether the hoses are the leak-limiting type and when the filters were last cleaned
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedCheck faucets and hoses first
ReversibleFully open the hot and cold faucets and follow each inlet hose behind and under the washer for a kink or a crushed section. LG warns to be careful moving the washer during cleaning because that is how hoses get pinched.
Test the household pressure
ReversibleOpen another faucet in the house and see whether the flow is normal, then disconnect the inlet hoses from the washer and run a few gallons through them to flush out dirt. Call a plumber if the flow stays low.
Clean both inlet filters
ReversibleTurn off the washer and the water, unscrew the hoses from the back, pull each filter from its valve with pliers, remove debris, soak the filters in white vinegar or a lime scale remover, rinse and press them back in.
Replace leak-limiting hoses
ReversibleIf the hoses are the type designed to limit leaks, fit standard hoses. LG says leak-limiting hoses can trip falsely and prevent the washer filling.
Reconnect and run a fill
ReversibleTighten the hoses by hand, open the faucets, plug the washer in and start a cycle. If IE comes back, stop and call service.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Fill system
- Hot and cold inlet valves at the back, each with a filter screen. The filters are pulled out with pliers and soaked in white vinegar or lime scale remover.
- Tools and supplies
- Pliers, a bucket to test the flow, towels and a flashlight.
- Parts for this problem on the WM4500HBA (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
- water valve, part number 5220FR2006Z, at $65.73; sensor assembly, part number EBD48922836, at $107.89; inlet hose, part number 4738ER1004B, at $41.94.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models WM6500HBA, WM5500HWA, WM4200HWA, WM4000HWA, WM3600HWA, WM3400CW, WM8900HBA, WM9500HKA, WM6998HBA, WKEX200HBA, WKEX300HBA, WT8405CW, WT7900HBA, WT7400CW, WT7300CW, WT7150CW, WT6105CW, WD300CV.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If water enters the drum with the washer off, close both faucets and unplug the washer and call service
- !If IE returns after the filters are clean and the hoses are straight, stop and call LG service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
LG USA support page listing this model's manuals and warranty.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-20.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does IE mean on an LG WM4500HBA?+
An inlet error: the washer is not getting enough water. The manual lists faucets not open, hoses kinked, inlet filters clogged, low pressure and leak-limiting hoses.
Can I run the washer without the filters?+
No. LG says a valve could open continuously, causing flooding, and that the washer will leak and malfunction.
Why is the water level low?+
This is a high-efficiency washer; the water will not normally cover the clothes, because the fill level is optimized for the wash motion.
Do hard water areas need more cleaning?+
Yes. The manual says a hard water area can clog the filter with lime buildup and require more frequent cleaning.
Are leak-limiting hoses fine?+
LG does not recommend them because they can trip falsely and prevent the washer filling.
What if the door is open?+
The washer will not fill; close the door and make sure nothing is caught under it.