Understanding your appliance: Technical terms, common error codes, and parts explained by Lincoln's repair experts
Used in: Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners
The heart of your refrigerator's cooling system. Compresses and circulates refrigerant through coils to remove heat. When it fails, the appliance won't cool properly.
Professional repair required - refrigerant handling needs EPA certification
Used in: Refrigerators, washers, microwaves
Electronic control board that regulates motor speed for energy efficiency. Modern appliances use variable-speed motors controlled by inverter boards instead of simple on/off operation.
Common failure - requires factory diagnostic tools to pinpoint
Used in: Microwave ovens
The component that generates microwaves to heat food. When the magnetron fails, the microwave runs but doesn't heat. Failures often occur in high-use commercial units.
High-voltage component - professional replacement essential for safety
Used in: All modern appliances
The "brain" of the appliance. Manages all electronic functions, sensor inputs, and user interface. Today's appliances are essentially computers - control board failures are increasingly common.
Requires programming - must be calibrated to specific appliance model
Used in: Microwaves, dishwashers, dryers
Safety mechanism that prevents operation when door is open. Microwave door switches are critical safety devices - a failed switch can prevent the unit from running entirely.
Safety component - often multiple switches work in series
Used in: Refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers
Electronic temperature sensor that provides feedback to the control board. Refrigerators use multiple thermistors to monitor different zones. Failed sensors cause temperature regulation issues.
Common issue - inexpensive part but requires proper diagnosis
Used in: Dishwashers, washing machines
Removes water from the appliance at the end of cycle. When it fails, you'll see standing water or the appliance won't advance through cycles. Often fails due to debris blockage.
DIY check - inspect for clogs before calling for service
Used in: Ovens, dryers, dishwashers, water heaters
Converts electrical energy to heat. Dryer elements heat air, dishwasher elements heat water, oven elements provide cooking heat. Visible glowing when functioning properly.
Testable - can check resistance with multimeter
Used in: Refrigerators with ice makers
Complete unit that produces and dispenses ice. Includes water valve, mold/tray, motor, and sensors. Samsung ice makers have known design issues requiring full assembly replacement.
Brand-specific - some manufacturers have extended warranties on ice makers
Used in: Compressors, motors, power supplies
Stores electrical energy to help motors start and run efficiently. Microwave high-voltage capacitors store dangerous charge even when unplugged. Failed capacitors often cause motors not to start.
Dangerous component - can deliver lethal shock; professional service required
Used in: Refrigerators, freezers
Controls the defrost cycle to prevent ice buildup on evaporator coils. Modern appliances use adaptive defrost controlled by the main board. Failures cause excessive frost or temperature issues.
Diagnosis - requires checking multiple components in defrost system
Used in: Dishwashers
Pumps water through spray arms to clean dishes. Different from drain pump - this one recirculates water during wash cycle. When it fails, dishes don't get clean despite water filling normally.
Common failure - especially in hard water areas
1E / IE - Water Level Sensor Error
Washer: Water level sensor malfunction. Often requires control board replacement.
5E / SE - Drain Error
Washer: Water not draining. Check drain pump filter first, then pump motor.
11E - Ice Maker Error
Refrigerator: Ice maker malfunction. Known issue - often requires full ice maker assembly replacement.
OF OF (Cooling Off)
Refrigerator: Demo mode or cooling system off. May require service mode reset.
IE - Water Inlet Error
Washer: Water not entering properly. Check water supply valves and inlet screens.
OE - Drain Error
Washer/Dishwasher: Drainage problem. Inspect drain hose and pump for blockages.
LE - Motor Error
Washer: Motor locked or Hall sensor issue. Requires professional diagnosis.
CL / CO - Compressor Error
Refrigerator: Linear compressor issue. May be covered under extended LG compressor warranty.
F1 - Electronic Control Board
Oven: Control board failure. Common on Profile series - requires replacement and programming.
C6 / C7 - Communication Error
Dishwasher: Control board communication failure between UI and main board.
888 / 8888
Various: Demo mode. Requires specific button sequence to exit.
PF - Power Failure
Oven: Power interrupted during operation. Usually just needs reset.
F# E# Series
Various appliances: Fault codes - specific number combination indicates exact failure point.
Ld or Sud
Washer: Too many suds detected. Use HE detergent only, reduce detergent amount.
HC - Hot & Cold Reversed
Washer: Water connections reversed. Swap hot and cold hoses at connections.
dE / Door Error
Various: Door not properly latched. Check door switch and latch mechanism.
Seeing an error code? Write it down exactly as displayed and call us at (402) 466-9090. Our factory-authorized technicians have access to complete error code databases and can diagnose the specific failure.
Modern appliances are 70% electronics. Proper diagnosis requires manufacturer-specific diagnostic tools and software that only authorized service centers can access. We don't guess - we diagnose with factory precision.
Our factory-certified technicians can explain exactly what's wrong and provide honest repair recommendations.
Call (402) 466-9090