LG Ice Maker TE Error: Ice maker temperature sensor fault
LG ice maker error — here’s what you need to know. The tE error code on your LG ice maker indicates an ice maker evaporator or mold temperature sensor fault. This is a Medium severity issue. What Does tE Mean on an LG Ice Maker? The tE code signals that the temperature sensor monitoring the […]
~50%
DIY Fixable
From 10
Typical Repair Cost
45 min–2 hours
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Maybe. The refrigerator sections operate normally. Turn off the ice maker until the tE fault is resolved to prevent the production cycle from running with inaccurate temperature data and potentially jamming the harvest mechanism
Can I reset the code?
Yes. The test/reset button clears the tE fault code. If the thermistor is genuinely failed the code will return during the next freeze cycle once the board reads the out-of-range sensor value again
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Ice maker produces watery or completely unfrozen cubes — harvest is triggering without proper freezing, tE code returns within one production cycle of being reset.
Symptoms You May Notice
Ice production stops completely
Without a valid temperature signal the control board cannot determine when the mold has reached freezing temperature, so it halts the production cycle as a failsafe
Ice maker initiates harvest at wrong intervals
If the sensor fails to a fixed value rather than going open-circuit, the board may trigger harvest cycles too early or too late, producing malformed or unfrozen cubes
tE code on the appliance display
The tE fault code is shown on the display panel during the ice maker's self-diagnostic check, indicating a sensor circuit anomaly
Inconsistent temperature performance
The ice maker runs too hot, too cold, or cycles erratically because the control board receives inaccurate temperature readings from the faulty sensor.
Possible Causes
Failed ice maker thermistor
The sensor element has aged past its tolerance band from repeated exposure to freeze-thaw cycling between mold fill and harvest temperatures
Requires ProfessionalCorroded or loose sensor connector
Moisture has corroded the sensor wiring connector or the connector has loosened from vibration, creating an intermittent or open circuit
DIY PossibleFrost encasing the sensor probe
Ice or frost has built up around the sensor probe, insulating it from the actual mold temperature and causing the reading to fall outside the expected range
DIY PossibleSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Defrost the ice maker and clear frost from the sensor
Turn off the ice maker and allow it to sit for 30 minutes with the freezer door open. Use a warm damp cloth to gently clear any frost from around the sensor probe and its mounting point on the mold
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2
Reseat the sensor wiring connector
With the ice maker off, locate the sensor connector (a small plug at the side or rear of the ice maker module). Disconnect it, inspect for moisture or corrosion, and firmly reconnect it
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3
Run the ice maker test cycle
After clearing frost and reseating the connector, press the ice maker test/reset button for 3 seconds. Allow a full production cycle (about 90 minutes) to complete and verify the tE code does not reappear
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Thermistor resistance at room temperature is outside the model's specified range — replacement required
- Sensor and connector test good but tE fault persists — ice maker module or main board at fault
- On craft ice models, sensor is integral to the assembly — full module replacement may be needed
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
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