LG Dishwasher “tE” Error Explained
The tE (temperature error) code on an LG dishwasher indicates the appliance is detecting a problem with its temperature sensing or heating circuit. In many LG models this is reported when the control board receives an out-of-range or inconsistent signal from the temperature sensor (thermistor/NTC), or when the heating element and associated wiring fail to bring water up to the expected temperature. The error may appear during the wash or dry portion of a cycle and commonly causes interrupted cycles, longer drying times, incomplete sanitization, poor cleaning performance, and repeated cycle restarts. While tE itself is not usually an immediate fire hazard, a malfunctioning heater or damaged wiring can introduce safety risks (electrical shorts, overheating), so it should be diagnosed and fixed promptly.
Common Causes
- Faulty temperature sensor (NTC thermistor) that reads incorrectly or intermittently.
- Loose, corroded, or damaged wiring/connectors between the sensor and control board.
- Failed or shorted heating element that doesn’t heat water to expected temperature.
- Defective main control board (PCB) misreading the thermistor input or failing to drive the heater.
- Cold water supply or unusually low incoming water temperature causing repeated out-of-spec readings.
- Blocked or fouled sensor area (scale, debris) interfering with proper temperature sensing.
- Intermittent door/latch or float faults indirectly affecting cycle logic (less common).
Troubleshooting Steps
- Reset the dishwasher: Turn off power at the breaker for 1–2 minutes or unplug the unit, then restore power and try a short cycle to see if the tE clears. Temporary glitches can be resolved by reset.
- Run a hot-water test: Before starting a cycle, run the kitchen tap until the water at the sink is hot. Then start the dishwasher to rule out cold incoming water as the cause.
- Inspect visible wiring and connectors: With the power turned off, check the wiring harness and connectors at the bottom access panel and around the control board for loose pins, burn marks, or corrosion. Reseat any connectors.
- Check the heater for continuity: With power off, disconnect the heating element and use a multimeter to measure continuity/ohms. No continuity or short to ground indicates a faulty heater that should be replaced.
- Test the temperature sensor (thermistor): Locate the thermistor (consult your model schematic), disconnect it, and measure resistance at room temperature. Compare readings to the specification in your service manual; a wildly out-of-range or fluctuating reading indicates a bad sensor.
- Look for scale or deposits: If the sensor sits near the heater and is coated in limescale or grime, gently clean it (power off) and retest; deposits can insulate and cause false readings.
- Swap or inspect the control boar