LG Dishwasher te error code
Thermal error. The water got too hot, above 194°F (90°C), or the temperature sensor (thermistor) failed.
Also shown as: te, tE, TE
Last updated: October 6, 2026
What causes the te error?
- Failed thermistor
- Water inlet temperature too high
- Heater relay stuck on
- Control board fault
How to fix LG te — step by step
Work through these in order, from simplest and safest first. Stop as soon as the code clears.
- Stop the cycle and let it cool
Cancel the cycle and let the water cool down before opening the door fully. Do not ignore overheating.Safety warning: Scalding water can burn you. Open the door slowly and stand back. - Check your water heater setting
Make sure your home water heater is not set above 120°F (49°C). Very hot inlet water alone can trigger tE. - Power reset once
Switch the breaker off for a minute and back on. If tE was a sensor glitch, it may clear.
When to call a technician
- tE returns after cooling and reset
- Water is steaming or scalding
- The thermistor needs replacing
- The heater seems stuck on
Frequently asked questions
Is tE dangerous?
It can be. Overheated water scalds and can damage the dishwasher, so stop the cycle and do not just reset and ignore it.
Can my water heater cause tE?
Yes. If your water heater runs very hot, the dishwasher sees inlet water near its limit and flags tE.
Will a reset fix a bad thermistor?
No. A failed sensor keeps misreading, so the code returns and the sensor needs replacing.
Sources
Every meaning and fix above was checked against official manufacturer documentation:
FixCode provides general troubleshooting information only — not professional repair advice. If you are unsure about any step, stop and call a qualified technician. Repairs done incorrectly can be dangerous and may void your warranty.