If your LG Washer is showing error code PE, the machine has detected a fault with the water level pressure sensor (also called the pressure switch or water level sensor). Error PE means the control board is not receiving a valid signal from the pressure sensor to determine how much water is in the drum. Here is how to diagnose and fix it.
Error PE stands for Pressure sensor Error. The LG Washer uses a pressure sensor to monitor the amount of water inside the drum. As water fills the tub, air pressure builds in a connected hose, and the pressure sensor reads this pressure to tell the control board how much water is present. When the pressure sensor fails, the board cannot tell when the correct water level has been reached, causing it to stop the cycle and display error PE.
Without a working pressure sensor, the LG Washer cannot safely control the fill cycle — it could overfill (triggering FE) or underfill (triggering IE) if the sensor fails open. Error PE is the machine’s way of halting operation before either of those conditions develops.
Follow the steps below one at a time — many error codes can be fixed faster than they look.
Press Power to turn the washer off. Unplug the power cord from the wall and leave it disconnected for 10–15 minutes. Plug it back in and try running a short wash cycle. If PE does not return, the error was caused by a temporary fault and has cleared itself.
Unplug the washer before performing any internal inspection. Remove the top panel of the machine (typically secured by two or three screws at the rear). Look for the pressure sensor — it is a small round disc or cylinder, usually white or grey, mounted near the top of the machine. A thin hose (approximately 5–8mm diameter) connects it to a port on the outer tub. Check the hose for: kinks or tight bends, cracks or holes, blockages from lint or detergent residue, and loose connections at either end. If the hose is blocked, remove it, blow through it to clear any debris, and reattach securely.
Disconnect the wiring connector from the pressure sensor. Set a multimeter to the continuity or resistance setting. Touch the probes to the sensor terminals and blow gently into the pressure hose inlet on the sensor — the reading should change as air pressure is applied. If the sensor shows no change or reads open circuit at all times, it is faulty and needs to be replaced. LG pressure sensors are available for most models — search your model number plus “pressure sensor” or “water level sensor” to find the correct part.
With the washer unplugged, check the wiring connector at the pressure sensor for corrosion, bent pins, or loose fit. Trace the wire back towards the control board and look for damaged insulation or breaks. Reconnect any loose connectors firmly. If the wiring is visibly damaged, the harness section will need to be replaced or repaired.
If the hose and wiring are intact but the PE error persists, replace the pressure sensor. Disconnect the power, unplug the hose from the sensor, disconnect the wiring connector, and unscrew or unclip the sensor from its mounting bracket. Install the new sensor in reverse order. Ensure the hose is firmly seated on the sensor inlet and the wiring connector clicks into place securely.
After fixing the underlying cause, press the Power button to turn the washer off and back on. Run a test cycle — select Cotton or Normal and allow the washer to fill. If the sensor is reading correctly, the fill cycle will start and stop normally without displaying PE. If PE returns immediately, check that the hose is fully connected and the new sensor is correctly installed.
Try these recommended tools — used by thousands to solve the same issue:
As an Amazon Associate / affiliate partner we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Browse More Fixes