CE3
LG Washing Machine
Severity: CriticalWhat Does This Error Mean?
The CE3 error on an LG washer means the motor is drawing too much current — more electrical power than it should. This usually happens when something is preventing the drum from spinning freely. The motor struggles and draws excess current, which the control board detects and shuts down to prevent motor burnout. Check for a jammed drum or overloaded machine first.
Affected Models
- WM3900HWA
- WM4500HBA
- WM3500CW
- WM2650HRA
- Most LG front-load washers with direct drive motors
Common Causes
- Overloaded drum with too many heavy items preventing the motor from spinning freely
- Foreign object (bra underwire, bone, coin) jammed between the drum and the drum housing
- Drum bearing failure causing excessive friction and motor strain
- Worn or damaged drive motor that draws high current even under normal load
- Control board fault causing incorrect power delivery to the motor
How to Fix It
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Stop the cycle immediately. An overworked motor can overheat. Unplug the washer and let it rest for 15 minutes before doing anything else.
The motor thermal protection should shut it down, but giving it time to cool prevents additional heat stress.
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Remove all laundry from the drum and reduce the load size. LG washers have a maximum capacity rating — exceeding it strains the motor significantly. For front-loaders, fill the drum no more than three-quarters full.
Heavy items like wet denim jeans, towels, and blankets are the most common overload culprits.
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Manually rotate the drum by hand with the door open. It should spin smoothly and with little resistance. If it feels stiff, grinds, or catches at a certain point, there may be a foreign object or a bearing problem.
A grinding or rumbling sound when you spin the drum by hand points strongly to worn drum bearings.
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Check the drum for foreign objects. Look around the drum opening seal, under the drum lip, and if accessible, around the drum paddles (the fins inside the drum). Bra underwires and coins are notorious for jamming between the drum and housing.
Use a flashlight to see into the gap between the drum and the outer tub. Metal objects often leave rust marks where they have been rubbing.
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If the drum spins freely with no foreign objects and a normal-sized load still triggers CE3, the motor or bearings are likely failing. Have a technician test the motor's current draw with a clamp meter to confirm.
LG's direct drive motors are generally reliable, but bearings typically need replacement after 8–12 years of regular use.
When to Call a Professional
If reducing the load and clearing foreign objects doesn't fix CE3, the drum bearings or motor may be failing. Bearing replacement is a major repair — $300–$600 at most shops. Motor replacement on LG direct drive washers costs $200–$400 for the part plus labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CE, CE2, and CE3 on LG washers?
All three relate to motor overcurrent conditions. CE (or CE1) typically indicates a general motor current fault. CE2 indicates a second motor current threshold has been exceeded. CE3 indicates an even higher level of overcurrent or a specific phase of the motor is drawing too much power. All three codes require similar diagnostic steps.
Can I prevent CE3 by not overloading the washer?
Yes, overloading is the most preventable cause. Follow LG's recommended load weight for your model. For a typical 4.5 cu.ft. front-loader, that is about 18–20 lbs of dry laundry. Divide large loads into two smaller ones. Your machine will last longer and clean better too.
How do I know if my LG washer drum bearings are failing?
Failing bearings produce a grinding, rumbling, or roaring sound during the spin cycle. The noise gets louder at higher spin speeds. You may also feel vibration through the floor. If you manually spin the empty drum and feel roughness or hear grinding, the bearings are worn. Ignoring bad bearings will eventually damage the drum shaft and outer tub — making the repair much more expensive.