tCE
LG Washing Machine
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
The tCE error means the water temperature inside the drum is not what the washer expected. The incoming cold or hot water is outside the normal operating range. This often happens in cold weather when water supply temperatures drop very low.
Affected Models
- WM3900HWA
- WM4000HWA
- WM3500CW
- WM3700HWA
- Most LG front-load washers
Common Causes
- Incoming cold water supply temperature is extremely cold (below 41°F / 5°C) in winter
- Hot water supply temperature is too low — water heater set too cold or far from washer
- Temperature sensor (NTC thermistor) inside the drum has failed
- Wiring harness to the thermistor is loose or damaged
- Heating element is stuck off and not raising water temperature to the selected setting
How to Fix It
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Check what time of year it is and how cold your water supply is.
In very cold climates in winter, water can be too cold for the washer's sensor to accept.
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Run the hot water tap near the washer for 30 seconds before starting a cycle.
This brings hot water closer to the washer through the pipes, improving inlet temperatures.
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Select a cycle that does not use temperature-sensitive settings, like Cold Wash.
If the cold wash works without error, the issue is with temperature-controlled cycle settings.
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Power cycle the washer — unplug for 5 minutes and restart.
A reset clears temporary sensor faults that can trigger tCE.
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If the error persists in normal temperatures, the thermistor or heating element needs testing.
Contact an LG certified technician to test and replace the faulty part.
When to Call a Professional
If the error appears only in winter with very cold water, it may resolve when temperatures rise. If it appears year-round or with normal water temperatures, the thermistor or heating element needs professional inspection. Expect repair costs of $80–$180.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does tCE only happen in winter?
Municipal water gets much colder in winter — sometimes below 41°F (5°C). LG washers have a minimum acceptable temperature for water inlet. Below that threshold, the sensor reports an error. It should resolve on its own as spring arrives.
Can I run my LG washer when it shows tCE?
You can try running a cold water cycle, which bypasses heating requirements. Avoid hot wash or sanitize cycles until the error is resolved. Continuing to force temperature cycles with a faulty thermistor may cause over-heating.
Is the tCE error the same as the TE error on LG washers?
They are related but different. tE (or TE) means the thermistor itself is faulty. tCE means the temperature reading is out of the expected range, which could be the environment or the sensor. A technician will test both when diagnosing.