LG IE
Water Inlet Error
Low severityExpert Guide
SeverityLow
What Your Machine Is Actually Telling You
IE means the washer didn't detect water filling within 8 minutes. LG's pressure sensor didn't register the expected water level rise within the time limit.
LG's inlet system: Two solenoid valves (hot and cold) open when the board commands fill. Water passes through mesh filter screens at each inlet port before entering the machine.
Common causes:
1. Water taps closed (30%) — someone turned them off.
2. Inlet filter screens clogged (25%) — mineral/sediment deposits.
3. Kinked inlet hoses (15%) — hose crimped behind machine.
4. Low water pressure (10%) — house-wide issue.
5. Inlet valve failure (10%) — solenoid won't open.
6. Frozen pipes (5%) — cold installation.
7. Main board (5%) — not sending signal to valves.
LG's inlet system: Two solenoid valves (hot and cold) open when the board commands fill. Water passes through mesh filter screens at each inlet port before entering the machine.
Common causes:
1. Water taps closed (30%) — someone turned them off.
2. Inlet filter screens clogged (25%) — mineral/sediment deposits.
3. Kinked inlet hoses (15%) — hose crimped behind machine.
4. Low water pressure (10%) — house-wide issue.
5. Inlet valve failure (10%) — solenoid won't open.
6. Frozen pipes (5%) — cold installation.
7. Main board (5%) — not sending signal to valves.
What You're Probably Seeing Right Now
- IE appeared right after pressing Start.
- Drum is completely empty — no water entered.
- You can hear valve clicking but no water flow.
- Other fixtures in house have normal water pressure.
- IE started happening in cold weather.
DIY Fix — From Easiest to Hardest
1
Check Water Taps (30 seconds — Fixes 30%)
1. Find hot and cold taps behind washer.
2. Turn both fully counterclockwise (open).
3. Restart cycle.
2. Turn both fully counterclockwise (open).
3. Restart cycle.
2
Clean Inlet Filter Screens (10 minutes — Fixes 25%)
1. Turn off both taps.
2. Unscrew hoses from washer.
3. Find the small mesh screens in each inlet port.
4. Pull out with needle-nose pliers.
5. Rinse under running water.
6. Reinstall, reconnect hoses.
7. Turn on taps — check for leaks.
**Clean every 6 months** in hard water areas.
2. Unscrew hoses from washer.
3. Find the small mesh screens in each inlet port.
4. Pull out with needle-nose pliers.
5. Rinse under running water.
6. Reinstall, reconnect hoses.
7. Turn on taps — check for leaks.
**Clean every 6 months** in hard water areas.
3
Check Hoses for Kinks (2 minutes)
1. Pull machine forward.
2. Inspect both inlet hoses.
3. Straighten any bends or kinks.
4. Replace if cracked or bulging ($15-30 pair).
2. Inspect both inlet hoses.
3. Straighten any bends or kinks.
4. Replace if cracked or bulging ($15-30 pair).
4
Test Water Pressure (2 minutes)
1. Disconnect a hose from the washer, point into bucket.
2. Turn on that tap.
3. Strong flow (fills bucket in 10 seconds) = adequate.
4. Trickle = water supply issue.
5. LG needs minimum **14 psi (1 bar).**
2. Turn on that tap.
3. Strong flow (fills bucket in 10 seconds) = adequate.
4. Trickle = water supply issue.
5. LG needs minimum **14 psi (1 bar).**
5
Test the Inlet Valve (10 minutes)
If water supply is fine:
1. Unplug.
2. Access valve (back panel, top).
3. Disconnect one solenoid.
4. Measure: **800-1500Ω** = good. OL = dead.
5. Replace valve assembly: $25-60.
1. Unplug.
2. Access valve (back panel, top).
3. Disconnect one solenoid.
4. Measure: **800-1500Ω** = good. OL = dead.
5. Replace valve assembly: $25-60.
When to Call a Pro
- •Inlet valve — $80-$200 installed.
- •Main board — $150-$400.
- •Plumbing — frozen/damaged lines.
What It'll Cost You
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