LG Microwave Error Code E-13

E-13 is a Sensor T1 maximum time error. It means the humidity and temperature sensor inside the microwave did not detect the expected change during a sensor cook cycle within the allowed time limit. The most common reason is that no food, or insufficient food, was placed in the oven before the sensor cooking program was started. If food was present, the sensor or its wiring may be at fault.

The E-13 error halts the sensor cook cycle, so the microwave is not completing cooking as expected. You should not rely on sensor cooking programs until the issue is resolved, as food may be undercooked. Manual timed cooking modes may still function, but you should address the underlying fault before continued regular use.

If the fix is simply adjusting how food is placed or covered, there is no cost involved. If the T1 humidity sensor needs replacement, parts typically range from $20 to $60 depending on the model, plus labor if a technician performs the repair. A professional repair visit for this type of sensor fault generally runs in the range of $100 to $200 total, though costs vary by region and service provider.

If the error occurred because the microwave was run without food, you can simply place food inside and restart the cycle with no repair needed. If the error persists with food present, a technician or experienced DIYer should inspect the T1 sensor and its wiring harness. Replacing the sensor is a moderate-difficulty repair that requires disassembling the microwave cabinet. Always discharge the high-voltage capacitor before working inside any microwave.

Unplugging the microwave for a minute and plugging it back in will clear the error code from the display. However, if the root cause is a faulty sensor or wiring problem, the error will return the next time a sensor cook cycle is attempted. A reset is only a lasting fix if the error was triggered by running the microwave without food.