VERIFIED
Error code
E3
Appliance
Washer
On an LG top-load washer, E3 reports a problem with the drain motor. Freezing is a possible cause: in cold weather the water left in the washer may turn to ice.
Start with a power reset
- Unplug the washer, plug it in again and run it.
- If E3 keeps coming back, the drain motor might need inspection.
Thawing steps for a frozen washer
- Take out all laundry, then scoop out any water that remains in the tub.
- Add warm water at 50 to 60ºC to the tub, shut the door, and let it sit for 1 to 2 hours. Depending on conditions it may take longer.
- Soak a cloth in warm water and wrap it around the drain hose. A frozen hose can also bring up OE, the drainage code.
- Power the washer on and run a Spin cycle (Spin Only) to remove leftover water. If nothing drains, ice is still there, so give it more time.
- Turn the washer on once more and run Rinse (once) + Spin to confirm normal operation.
If it was not ice
A fault that stays after a reset, with no freezing involved, may mean the unit needs a repair.
Other top-load codes
Washer repair help in San Francisco
Call (415) 223-7887 for LG washer repair anywhere in San Francisco or the Bay Area when E3 outlasts the reset. We will want the code, your model number and a description of the thawing steps you already did.
Model compatibility: LG reuses codes across series and model years, so E3 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
