What does it mean and how to resolve error 03 on an LG washing machine?

LG washing machines are equipped with a letter code system that can tell the user which part has failed.

One of the most common errors on an LG washing machine is “OE”, which is mistaken for the digital designation “03”.

Depending on the cause of the code, repair may require either simple cleaning or a full repair.

What does it mean?

Error “OE”, or “03”, means that the automatic washing machine (CMA) unable to drain water within the required time. As a rule, this is 5 minutes, but in some models it can be up to 7-8 minutes.

The “OE” error can appear either when the drain is completely blocked or when the rate of water removal is insufficient, so before checking you need to pay attention to the amount of liquid in the tank.

How does it manifest?

If there is a display, the code appears a few minutes after the drain starts. Cars without an electronic display are also equipped with a self-diagnosis function.

Depending on the model, error O3 may manifest itself with the following symptoms:

• flashing or constant lighting of all rinse indicators;
• The spin buttons “500”, “800” and “No spin” are lit or flashing.

Causes, diagnosis and remedies

Most often, problems with water drainage occur when the pipes, drain filter or sewer pipes are clogged. If there are no blockages, error O3 may indicate a breakdown of the pump, pressure switch and electronic unit.

Drain filter or hose is dirty

The most common and easiest to repair cause of error “O3” is a clogged drain filter or hose. The hole may be blocked by small debris, stuck bones from laundry, clumps of hair, etc.

When error "O3" appears necessary:

1. Turn off the machine.
2. Find the drain filter handle at the bottom of the unit. Lay down rags and place a wide basin under the car. Turn the filter handle to the left and pull it slightly towards you.
3. Remove the filter from the hole and wait until the water flows out. Clean the part from dirt, hair and debris. Rinse the filter under running water; if there is limescale, soak it in a weak solution of citric acid.
4. Remove debris and dirt from the hole in which the filter is installed. Wipe inside with a damp cloth.
5. Disconnect the drain hose at the rear of the machine. Rinse it with a strong stream of water.
6. Reinstall the filter and hose and connect the unit. Select a washing or rinsing program, and after filling with water, press “Drain”.

Before diagnosing, you need to check the drain hose for kinks and damage.

Clogged sewer

First of all, you need to check the pipe to which the drain hose is connected. If the sewer is clogged, water will be blocked at the outlet of the SMA.

The verification procedure is as follows:

• disconnect the machine from the network;
• carefully remove the hose from the sewer pipe, holding its end over the basin;
• place the SMA drain pipe in the sink;
• launch the "Drain" program.

If there is no result, you should proceed to diagnosing the machine itself. If the drain is not blocked, but the water is removed more slowly than usual, then you need to check both the SMA and sewer systems.

Pump fault

To protect the pump (pump) from foreign objects, there is a drain filter. However, if this part is clogged or the debris is too small, the impeller may be damaged. The drain pump is located at the bottom of the tank. On SMA models without a bottom, you can access the pump without removing the side wall.

How to check the pump's functionality:

1. Disconnect the machine from the power supply. Remove water from the tank through a filter. Close the inlet valve, disconnect the inlet and drain hoses.
2. Take out the powder container.
3. Turn the machine on its side. Find the pump, inspect the impeller for damage and blockage. Turn it with your fingers. A working part should move with slight jerks.
4. Use pliers to remove the clamps and dismantle the tubes that fit to the pump. Record the order of connecting the contacts and disconnect the wires.
5. Turn the pump counterclockwise 180 degrees and remove it.
6. Carefully clean the impeller from dirt, lint and foreign objects. Use a slotted screwdriver to pry off the fastening of the part and remove it from the housing. Check the integrity of the internal cavity and the condition of the rubber seals. If necessary, replace the damaged part.
7. If the impeller is not clogged or damaged, check the pump with a multimeter.To do this, you need to switch the device to resistance mode and touch the pump contacts with the probes. Diagnostics of the electrical part of the device can be carried out without removing it from the machine. If the pump is burnt out or has cracks in the body, it needs to be replaced.
8. After diagnostics, reassemble the unit in the reverse order, connect the hoses and start the wash.

When checking the impeller, it is recommended to slightly shake it from side to side, and if there is strong play (mobility), replace the part without waiting for it to fail.

Electronic module failure

The electronic control unit (ECU) analyzes the sensors and sends a signal to the pump. If only the elements responsible for draining are damaged on the board, then the only sign of a breakdown will be the appearance of the “O3” error. For more serious problems, other codes may appear on the display during the wash cycle.

What to do if the ECU fails:

• check the selected washing mode (some programs for delicate fabrics require a stop with water for a more gentle hand rinse);
• disconnect the machine from the network;
• check hoses and pipes for blockages;
• after 15-20 minutes, turn on the unit;
• run a standard program that includes water removal (for example, “Spin”) or a special drain mode.

Problems with the water level sensor

A pressure switch is a sensor that is responsible for monitoring the water level in the tank. If this part malfunctions, the electronic module receives incorrect information and cannot send a signal to the pump.

The procedure for diagnosing the pressure switch is as follows:

1. Disable SMA.Remove the top cover by removing the fasteners.
2. Find the round relay to which the wiring fits. In LG washing machines, the level sensor is located at the top, near one of the walls.
3. Close the tap in front of the inlet hose. Remove the clamp from the tube that fits the pressure switch. In place of the inlet hose, install a tube of similar diameter and lightly blow out the sensor. The working part should make clicks.
4. Inspect all hoses and contacts. Reinstall the loose connectors. Wipe oxidized and dirty contacts with alcohol.
5. Connect the hose and tighten the clamp. Open the inlet tap, start the wash and drain program.

If you need to disconnect the sensor for inspection or replacement, you should note or photograph the correct wiring order.

How to find a specialist to repair SMA?

The cost of repairing breakdowns of the pump, sensor and electronic board starts from 1300-2600 rubles. The price of parts is included in the estimate separately. You can find a technician or repair service by searching an ad or using a search engine.

What you need to pay attention to:

• date of registration of the company in online directories;
• number and dates of reviews;
• presence of a branch of the company at the specified legal address;
• reviews about the company on thematic and city resources;
• cost and diagnostic conditions;
• availability of a guarantee for repair work.

When ordering a service you must:

1. Find out the cost of repairs for various causes of breakdown.
2. Find out the rules and cost of diagnostics in the absence of repairs.
3. When visiting a specialist, pay attention to the set of tools. Listen carefully to the technician’s explanation of the cause of the malfunction, how to eliminate it and the list of work.
4. Study the estimate.
5. Collect receipts for spare parts, a receipt for repair work and a certificate of work.A color stamp is placed on the receipt and act. The warranty period is indicated on a separate sheet or on the receipt.

Prevention of occurrence

How to prevent the appearance OE errors (O3):

• regularly clean the drain filter of the machine from dirt and foreign objects;
• before washing, check pockets for receipts, coins, bags, etc.;
• put laundry with metal and plastic bones into the tank only in special laundry bags;
• install a protective relay or voltage stabilizer in front of the SMA;
• Periodically rinse the filter under a strong stream of water and soak it in a warm solution of citric acid to remove deposits.

You will find a lot of important and useful information about error codes for LG washing machines in this section.

Video on the topic of the article

What does error code 03 mean on an LG washing machine and how to fix it, the video will tell you:

Conclusion

Thus, error “03” or “OE” on an LG washing machine indicates that the drain is blocked. The cause of the problem may be clogged filters, pipes and sewers, as well as malfunctions of the pump, electronic unit and pressure switch.

You can clean the systems yourself, but it is recommended to invite a specialist to disassemble and replace parts.