FixByModel
tE

LG tE: Thermal error — water temperature/thermistor fault

The dishwasher detected an abnormal water temperature or an out-of-range temperature-sensor reading. It appears if water exceeds about 194°F or the thermistor/heater circuit misbehaves.

May need a technician

By the FixByModel editorial team · Verified 2026-09 · Researched against manufacturer support & repair references (below)

Most likely causes

  1. Faulty or shorted thermistor (temperature sensor)
  2. Loose or corroded connection at the thermistor or its harness
  3. Heater circuit not warming water correctly
  4. Damaged or pinched wiring harness
  5. Control board fault
Before you start — unplug the appliance and turn off the water supply. You'll be working near water and electrical parts, and drained water can be hot. If a step involves the pump, wiring, or opening the cabinet and you're unsure, stop and call a qualified technician.

Step-by-step fix

1Power resetSwitch the dishwasher off at the breaker for about 10 seconds, restore power, and start a new cycle to clear a possible glitch.
2Inspect the thermistor connectionWith power off, check the temperature sensor's plug and harness for loose, corroded, or heat-damaged connections.
3Check the heater circuitLook for signs the heating element or its wiring is damaged, since a heater fault can skew the temperature reading.
4Test or replace the sensorA thermistor reading far out of range typically means the sensor needs replacement.
5Call for serviceIf tE persists, have a technician diagnose the thermistor, heater, or control board.

Still showing tE?

If you’ve worked through every step and tE keeps returning, an internal part likely needs testing and replacement. That’s a job for a qualified appliance technician, who can measure the suspect part against the service-manual spec before replacing it.

Which models this applies to

LG dishwashers. Most LG dishwashers; tE (thermal) is distinct from the temperature codes used on LG washers.

FAQ

What does LG tE mean?

Thermal error — water temperature/thermistor fault. The dishwasher detected an abnormal water temperature or an out-of-range temperature-sensor reading. It appears if water exceeds about 194°F or the thermistor/heater circuit misbehaves.

What causes LG tE?

The most likely cause is faulty or shorted thermistor (temperature sensor). Other causes include Loose or corroded connection at the thermistor or its harness; Heater circuit not warming water correctly; Damaged or pinched wiring harness; Control board fault.

Can I fix LG tE myself?

Some checks are DIY, but this code often points to an internal component, so it may need a qualified technician.