On the covered LG washer platform, FE, E04, E12 means water overfilling — LG's own wording. LG states the drain pump is activated during normal operation to prevent leaks, and that additional water may have entered the drum, possibly through the detergent dispenser. First, check whether extra water is being supplied through the detergent dispenser.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG washer code FE, E04, E12”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A leaking water inlet valve that keeps filling the tub
What separates it The drain pump runs constantly and water fills the drum with the washer off
How to confirm The Wi-Fi table says to check whether the tub fills with water while the power cord is unplugged; if it does, the inlet valve is leaking
- 2
Extra water coming through the detergent dispenser
What separates it Water is visible entering through the drawer, which points to extra water coming through the detergent dispenser
How to confirm LG says to check whether extra water is being supplied through the detergent dispenser
- 3
A clogged drain filter
What separates it Water does not drain smoothly, which points to a clogged drain filter
How to confirm LG's support material says a clogged drain pump filter slows the drain
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact characters shown on the display: FE, E04 or E12
- Whether the tub fills when the washer is unplugged
- Whether water enters through the dispenser
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleCheck whether extra water is being supplied through the detergent dispenser.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleUnplug the appliance, wait 60 seconds, restart it and run a Quick 30 program.
Check the dispenser and unplug
ReversibleLG says FE, E04 and E12 indicate water overfilling; during normal operation the drain pump is activated to prevent leaks. Check whether extra water is entering through the detergent dispenser, then unplug the appliance and wait 60 seconds.
Test with a Quick 30 program
ReversibleRestart, start a Quick 30 program, and watch: if the program does not start with a drain action, stop the program and turn off the appliance.
Test the inlet valve
ReversibleThe Sears front-load table says the drain pump runs constantly with FE and to check that the inlet water valves shut off the water after the washer is filled; the Wi-Fi table says a tub that fills while unplugged means a leaking inlet valve.
Replace the inlet valve if it leaks
ReversibleIf the valves are defective, replace the inlet water valve assembly; if the code persists, LG says the unit will require inspection.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- FE, E04 or E12.
- Parts named by the service tables
- Inlet water valve assembly.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Close both water taps and unplug the washer if water is overflowing, and keep towels ready
- !Have the water inlet valve replaced before you use the washer again if it leaks through
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The Quick 30 test is LG's own.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does FE, E04, E12 mean on a LG washer?+
water overfilling — LG's own wording. LG states the drain pump is activated during normal operation to prevent leaks, and that additional water may have entered the drum, possibly through the detergent dispenser.
What do FE, E04 and E12 mean?+
Water overfilling.
Why does the pump run non-stop?+
The drain pump runs constantly to drain the excess water, according to the Sears table.
How do I check the valve?+
Unplug the washer and see whether the tub still fills; if it does, the inlet valve leaks.