LG Dishwasher tE Error Code — What It Means
The tE error on your LG dishwasher tells you the control board is not receiving a valid temperature reading from the thermistor (temperature sensor). The control has detected that the water-temperature signal is abnormal or out of the expected range. In practical terms, this is a thermistor circuit problem rather than a generic heating fault. The dishwasher may stop mid-cycle or refuse to start until the fault is corrected.
Common Causes
- Failed thermistor The temperature sensor itself produces out-of-range or erratic resistance readings and can no longer tell the control board the actual water temperature.
- Loose or corroded wiring Connections between the sensor and the control board become loose, corroded, or suffer water intrusion, breaking the signal circuit.
- Damaged sensor connector The plug at the sensor or control board has bent pins, poor terminal fit, or corrosion that prevents a stable electrical connection.
- Pinched or chafed harness Wiring to the thermistor gets pinched during installation or rubs against a sharp edge, creating an intermittent open circuit.
- Control board sensor-input fault The circuit on the main control board that reads the thermistor signal is damaged, even though the sensor and wiring test correctly.
- Excessively hot incoming water Water temperature above normal range can trigger the fault, though this is less common than a true sensor or wiring issue.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Disconnect power at the circuit breaker or unplug the dishwasher completely before opening any panels or touching electrical components.
- Verify the symptom by running a short cycle to confirm that the tE code appears consistently and is not a one-time glitch.
- Locate the thermistor (check your service manual for exact position, often near the sump or heating element) and inspect its harness for loose terminals, corrosion, pinched wires, or water damage.
- Check the connector at both the sensor and the control board for bent pins, poor fit, or signs of heat or moisture intrusion.
- Measure the thermistor resistance with a multimeter and compare the reading to the specification table in your model’s service sheet (values vary by model and temperature).
- Replace the thermistor if resistance is out of spec, unstable, or open, and reconnect the harness securely.
- Inspect the main control board connector and circuit traces if the sensor and wiring test correctly but the tE code persists, because LG states that persistent tE requires repair service and the control input may be at fault.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| LG Dishwasher Thermistor / Temperature Sensor | Amazon | Match the part number stamped on your existing sensor or use your full model number to cross-reference the correct replacement. |
| Dishwasher Wiring Harness Connector Terminals | Amazon | If only the plug or individual terminals are damaged, replacement terminals or a pigtail connector may save the full harness. |
| LG Dishwasher Main Control Board | Amazon | Required only if the sensor and wiring pass all tests but tE remains, indicating a fault in the control’s sensor-input circuit. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a professional if you are not comfortable working with live electrical circuits, if your multimeter readings do not match service data and you are unsure how to interpret them, or if you have replaced the thermistor and checked all wiring but the tE code still appears. LG notes that persistent tE errors require repair service, so technician-level diagnostics of the control board or hidden wiring faults may be necessary. A qualified technician has access to model-specific resistance tables, factory harness diagrams, and board-level test procedures that are not published in consumer materials.