UK Appliance Error Codes

Error code

LG Washing Machine Error Code SE

Motor drive or drum movement issue The most likely cause is motor or carbon brush wear. Check first: check for an overloaded drum or items trapped between the door seal and drum area.

Last updated: 2 April 2026

Quick answer

SE: what does it mean and how to fix

high severity

What does it mean?

Motor drive or drum movement issue

How to fix first

Turn the machine off and unplug it from the mains.

Why is this happening?

Motor or carbon brush wear

When should I call an engineer?

Repeated motor-related faults usually need a repair engineer because the motor circuit and drive components are not user-service checks.

What does this error code mean?

LG washing machine error code SE usually points to a problem with drum rotation, the motor drive system, or how the machine is monitoring motor speed.

In practice, SE is commonly linked to Motor or carbon brush wear, Drive circuit or wiring issue, or Drum movement being blocked or misread.

Start with this safe check: Turn the machine off and unplug it from the mains. If the code returns, the fault worsens, or the appliance does not behave normally, repeated motor-related faults usually need a repair engineer because the motor circuit and drive components are not user-service checks.

Why is this happening?

  1. Motor or carbon brush wear
  2. Drive circuit or wiring issue
  3. Drum movement being blocked or misread

How to fix this safely

  1. Turn the machine off and unplug it from the mains.
  2. Check for an overloaded drum or items trapped between the door seal and drum area.
  3. Do not keep retrying spin cycles if the drum is struggling to move.

Reset steps

  1. Restore power only after reducing the load if it appears overfilled.
  2. Test a short spin or rinse cycle once and stop if the code returns.

When to call an engineer

Repeated motor-related faults usually need a repair engineer because the motor circuit and drive components are not user-service checks.

Safety warning

Disconnect the appliance from the mains before checking the drum area and do not remove external panels yourself.

Useful hub links

Related motor drive fault codes

After resolving this fault, use the right wash setting to help prevent repeat issues.

Relevant guide

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep using a LG washing machine with SE showing?+

It is best not to keep using the machine while SE is showing, because the fault can lead to repeated cycle failure or further stress on the appliance.

Will resetting clear SE for good?+

A reset may clear a temporary interruption, but if SE comes back after the first safe checks, the underlying fault still needs attention.