Samsung Washing Machine Error Code LE

What Does Error Code LE Mean on a Samsung Washing Machine?

Motor locked — drum cannot rotate.

The washer motor has stalled or is drawing excessive current, preventing the drum from spinning. This can be caused by an overloaded drum, a foreign object jamming the motor, or a failed motor or hall sensor. This is a high-severity error that will stop the cycle.

What Causes Error Code LE?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

1. 1
   Drum overloaded with too much laundry 40% of cases
2. 2
   Foreign object (bra wire, sock) jammed between drum and tub 30% of cases
3. 3
   Worn or failed motor brushes (older models) 15% of cases
4. 4
   Hall sensor (motor position sensor) failure 10% of cases
5. 5
   Faulty motor control board 5% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Washing Machine Error Code LE

1. 1

   Reduce the load

   Turn off the washer. Remove several items from the drum and try restarting. LE from overloading is very common.

2. 2

   Check for foreign objects

   Slowly rotate the drum by hand. If it feels stuck, remove all laundry and check around the drum gasket seal for items caught in the space between drum and door seal.

3. 3

   Reset the washer

   Unplug for 5 minutes, then restart. If the motor stalled from a momentary overload, this may clear it.

4. 4

   Inspect motor brushes (top-load models)

   On older top-load Samsung models, the motor brushes wear down and cause stalling. If you hear the motor trying to start but failing, brushes are likely worn.

   🔩 Samsung motor brush set ($20–$50)

   ⚠️ Requires accessing the motor — unplug first.
5. 5

   Replace the hall sensor or motor

   If drum rotation is physically free but the error persists, test the hall sensor with a multimeter. If resistance is out of spec, replace it. As a last resort, the motor itself may need replacement.

   🔩 Hall sensor ($15–$40) 🔩 Direct drive motor ($150–$300)

How to Reset Error Code LE

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

When to Call a Professional

Related Error Codes

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code LE appears on these other brands too. Click to compare:

LG Washing Machine LE

Motor locked — hall sensor or stator fault

LG Dishwasher AE

Leakage detected — water found in base tray

LG Dishwasher LE

Leakage detected — flood protection activated

Kenmore Washing Machine LE

Motor locked (LG-platform Kenmore models)

Find Replacement Parts

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Frequently Asked Questions