Solving the Dreaded “OE” Error: A Guide to Fixing Your LG WM3170CW Washer

It’s a moment that can disrupt your entire day. You return to your laundry room expecting clean clothes, but instead, you find your LG WM3170CW washer has stopped mid-cycle, full of water, with a blinking “OE” error code on its display. This error means your washer has a drain problem and can’t pump out the water.

The good news is that this is one of the most common washer issues, and it’s often a problem you can solve yourself. The team at Fred’s Appliance wants to help you save time and money. This guide will walk you through the most common fixes for the OE error.

What Does the OE Error Code Mean?

The OE error code on your LG washer stands for “Outlet Error” or “Obstruction Error.” It’s the machine’s way of telling you that it tried to drain the water from the tub but couldn’t finish the job in time. In almost every case, this is due to a blockage in the drainage system.

Step 1: Safety First!

Before you begin any work on your appliance, your safety is the top priority.

• Unplug the washing machine from the wall outlet.
• You will be dealing with trapped, soapy water, so be sure to have a shallow pan and a few old towels on hand.

Step 2: The Most Common Culprit, The Drain Pump Filter

We see this every day. More often than not, the OE error is caused by a clogged drain pump filter. Small items left in pockets like coins, keys, and hair clips, or even built-up lint and pet hair, can get trapped and stop water from draining.

1. Locate the Access Panel: On your LG WM3170CW, look for the small, square access door on the bottom-left corner of the machine’s front panel.
2. Prepare for Water: Place your towels down and have your shallow pan ready to catch the water that will drain out.
3. Drain the Excess Water: Open the panel. You’ll see a small, black rubber tube and a large, round cap. Carefully pull out the small rubber tube, remove the white plug at its end, and let all the water from the tub drain into your pan.
4. Remove and Clean the Filter: Once the water has stopped flowing, twist the large round pump filter cap counter-clockwise to unscrew and remove it. Inspect the filter for any debris and wash it thoroughly under a sink. Use your finger to feel inside the filter housing itself for any trapped objects that didn’t come out with the filter.
5. Reassemble: Screw the clean filter cap back in clockwise until it’s tight. Put the plug back in the small drain hose and tuck both components back into place before closing the access panel.

Step 3: Inspect the Drain Hose

If the filter was clean or cleaning it didn’t solve the problem, the next step is to check the main drain hose that runs from the back of your washer to your wall’s standpipe or laundry sink.

• Check for Kinks: Gently pull the washer away from the wall. Make sure the corrugated drain hose isn’t bent sharply, pinched, or crushed behind the machine.
• Check for Clogs: With the hose aimed into a bucket, check the end for any stubborn clogs of lint that might have formed where it enters your home’s plumbing.

Step 4: Time to Test

With the filter clean and the hose straightened, plug your washer back into the outlet. To see if your work paid off, run a “Rinse & Spin” cycle without any laundry. If it drains completely and the cycle finishes without an error, you’ve fixed it!

When DIY Isn’t Enough: Time to Call Fred’s Appliance

If you’ve completed all the steps above and the OE error code persists, it’s a sign of a more serious issue. This could mean you have:

• A failed drain pump motor.
• A faulty water level pressure sensor.
• An internal wiring or control board issue.

These are jobs that require professional diagnosis and repair. Guessing can lead to more expensive problems. That’s where the honest, reliable team at Fred’s Appliance comes in. For over 30 years, our family has provided expert washer repair services to homeowners throughout Mentor, Willoughby, Painesville, and the surrounding communities in Lake, Geauga, and Cuyahoga counties.

Don’t let a broken washer disrupt your life. We offer fast, friendly, and affordable service to get your appliance, and your routine, back on track.

Call or Text Fred’s Appliance today at 888-453-7337 or easily schedule your service online!