What Does Error Code tE2 Mean on an LG Washing Machine?

LG Updated 28 March 2026
Quick Fix

Check that the thermistor wiring harness connector is firmly seated on the sensor — unplug the machine, locate the connector at the back of the drum, press it firmly home, then restore power and run a short cycle to see if tE2 clears (takes about 10 minutes).

Fault description

The tE2 error code on an LG washing machine points to a problem with the secondary thermistor — a small sensor that monitors the temperature of the water inside the drum. LG machines use two temperature sensors as a safety measure; tE2 specifically relates to the second of these. When the machine cannot get a reliable reading from this sensor, it stops the cycle to prevent overheating or incorrect wash temperatures.

When tE2 appears, the wash programme will typically pause or abort mid-cycle, and the error code will display on the control panel. The machine is not necessarily broken beyond repair — in many cases the fault is caused by a loose electrical connection or a failed sensor rather than any damage to the drum or motor. Working through the checks below in order will help you identify whether this is something you can resolve yourself.

Causes

  • Loose or disconnected wiring connector — The thermistor connects to the main wiring harness via a small plastic connector. Vibration during spin cycles can work this connector loose over time, breaking the electrical circuit and triggering tE2.
  • Failed secondary thermistor — The thermistor itself can fail due to age, heat exposure, or manufacturing defect. When the sensor's resistance value falls outside the expected range, the control board logs tE2 and halts the programme.
  • Damaged or broken wiring — The wires running between the thermistor and the main PCB can become chafed, pinched, or broken — particularly where they pass through the cabinet frame. A break anywhere in this circuit produces the same error as a faulty sensor.
  • Main PCB fault — If the control board's input circuit for the secondary thermistor is damaged, it will misread or fail to read the sensor signal entirely. This is less common but should be considered if the sensor and wiring both test as good.
  • Water or moisture ingress — Condensation or a minor internal leak can cause corrosion at the thermistor connector or along the wiring, increasing resistance in the circuit and producing an out-of-range reading.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. 1

    Power cycle the machine

    Switch the machine off at the mains and leave it unplugged for at least 5 minutes. This allows the control board to fully reset. Plug back in, select a short wash cycle, and check whether tE2 returns. If the error is gone, monitor the machine over the next few washes to confirm it does not reappear.

  2. 2

    Inspect and reseat the thermistor wiring connector

    Unplug the machine from the mains before doing anything else. Remove the rear panel (usually held by two or three screws along the top edge). Locate the secondary thermistor — it sits against the outer drum and has a two-wire connector. Press the connector firmly until you feel or hear it click into place. Restore power and test.

  3. 3

    Check the wiring for visible damage

    With the rear panel still off, trace the two wires from the thermistor back towards the main PCB. Look for any sections where the insulation is worn, pinched against a metal edge, or discoloured from heat. If you find a damaged section, the wiring loom will need to be repaired or replaced — this is a job for a service technician unless you are confident with electrical repairs.

  4. 4

    Test the thermistor resistance with a multimeter

    Disconnect the thermistor connector and set your multimeter to the resistance (Ohms) setting. At room temperature (around 20°C), a healthy NTC thermistor typically reads between 10,000 and 15,000 ohms — check your model's service data if available. A reading of zero, infinity, or wildly outside this range confirms the sensor has failed and needs replacing.

  5. 5

    Replace the secondary thermistor

    If the sensor has failed, order a replacement thermistor matched to your specific LG model number. The sensor is usually held in place by a single retaining clip or screw and unplugs from the wiring harness. Fit the new sensor, reconnect the wiring, refit the rear panel, and run a full test cycle to confirm the error has cleared.

  6. 6

    Check for moisture or corrosion at the connector

    If the connector pins look green or white with corrosion, clean them carefully with electrical contact cleaner and a small brush. Allow to dry completely before reconnecting. If corrosion is severe, the connector block itself may need replacing to ensure a reliable contact.

  7. 7

    Consider the main PCB if all else checks out

    If the thermistor tests within range, the wiring is intact, and the connectors are clean and secure, the fault may lie with the main control board's sensor input circuit. At this point, further diagnosis requires specialist equipment and the job should be passed to a service technician.

Affected models

When to call a service technician

Contact a service technician if you have replaced the thermistor and checked all wiring but tE2 continues to appear. This pattern strongly suggests the main PCB is at fault, and board-level diagnosis or replacement is not a practical DIY task. Similarly, if you find wiring that has been burned, heavily corroded, or damaged close to the drum heater, do not attempt to run the machine — have it inspected before use.

You should also call a technician if you are not comfortable removing the rear panel or working near electrical components. The steps above are straightforward, but working on any appliance while it is connected to the mains carries a risk of electric shock. If in doubt, leave it to a professional.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my LG washing machine while it shows tE2?

It is not advisable. The machine has stopped the cycle because it cannot monitor drum temperature reliably. Running it in this state risks washing at the wrong temperature or, in a worst case, overheating. Resolve the fault before using the machine again.

Is tE2 the same as tE1 on an LG washing machine?

No. tE1 relates to the primary drum temperature sensor, while tE2 points specifically to the secondary thermistor. Both sensors monitor water temperature, but they are separate components. The diagnostic steps are similar, but you need to identify and test the correct sensor for the code shown.

How much does it cost to replace an LG thermistor?

A replacement NTC thermistor for an LG washing machine typically costs between £10 and £25 for the part alone. If a service technician carries out the replacement, you will also pay a call-out fee and labour, which varies by region. Replacing the sensor yourself is straightforward and keeps costs low.

Will tE2 clear itself after the machine cools down?

Occasionally a tE2 error caused by a temporary electrical glitch will clear after a full power cycle. However, if the sensor or wiring has genuinely failed, the error will return as soon as the machine tries to read the temperature again. A code that keeps coming back needs a physical repair, not just a reset.

Which LG washing machine models are affected by tE2?

The tE2 code appears across a range of LG front-loader models including the F0712WS, F0812WS, F1056MD, F1056ND, F1056QD series, F1056QP, F1068LD series, F1068QD series, F1073TD, F1091TD series, F1096Q/TDW1, and F1096QDA series. If your model is not listed, check your user manual — the fault description and repair approach will be the same.