What tE means (lg te error)
An lg te error on an LG dishwasher indicates a thermal fault — the temperature sensor (thermistor) is reading out of range, often a high-temperature condition near 194°F. The control raises tE to protect the dishwasher and the dishes, which points to the thermistor or the heating circuit.
Symptoms to look for
The signs below help confirm you are dealing with this condition rather than a different fault on your LG Dishwasher. You may see one of them or several together, and they can build up gradually or appear suddenly after a power event, a long door opening, or recent service.
- The display shows “tE”
- Cycles stop during the heating phase
- The water may run hotter than expected
- Dishes may show heat damage on a hot cycle
Common causes
Several different faults can produce these symptoms. Working through the most likely causes in order helps separate a quick, owner-level check from a problem that needs trained service and the correct LG parts.
- Thermistor fault — the temperature sensor reads out of range
- Heating element stuck on — the element overheats the water
- High-limit fault — the safety thermostat misbehaves
- Control fault — the board mismanages temperature
Troubleshooting steps you can try
Work through these checks in order before calling for service. Stop wherever you are unsure, or where high-voltage parts, gas, the sealed refrigeration system, or a heat-pump compressor are involved, and hand the rest to a qualified technician.
- Power the dishwasher off at the breaker for several minutes, then restore.
- Avoid sanitize or high-temperature cycles until the cause is found.
- Note whether the water seems unusually hot with the code.
- If tE persists, leave it for service to test the thermistor and heater.
Parts a technician may replace
Depending on what the diagnosis shows, a technician may inspect, test, or replace the thermistor, heating element, high-limit thermostat, and control board. The correct part for your LG Dishwasher is matched from the model and serial number, and genuine LG components are fitted rather than generic substitutes so that performance, safety, and the appliance’s long working life are all protected. Confirming the failed part before ordering avoids replacing more than the fault actually requires.
When to call a technician
tE needs a technician to test the thermistor and heating circuit and replace the failed component. When the fix calls for trained service, book a visit through our scheduling page and an experienced, qualified technician will diagnose and repair it. For manufacturer documentation and model lookup, see the manufacturer at lg.com/us.
Prevention and care
Regular care keeps this condition from returning on your LG Dishwasher. Keep filters, vents, and the condenser or exhaust path clean, avoid overloading or blocking airflow, check that doors and seals close cleanly, and follow the LG maintenance guidance for your model. Because this unit relies on electronic control, protect it with a stable, correctly rated power supply and have any built-in or laundry installation done to LG specification so the control never sees an out-of-range condition. If a code appears, note exactly what was shown before you reset the appliance — that record helps the technician reach an accurate diagnosis and avoid replacing parts unnecessarily.
Related help and LG resources
Browse other LG Dishwasher diagnostics, read about professional LG Dishwasher repair, look up your unit in the LG models reference, or the related HE heater error, or schedule a service visit. For LG manufacturer documentation and model lookup, visit the manufacturer at lg.com/us.
