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Error code reference

LG Microwave Error Code E-44

Easy/PH sensor dry up error

LG codesLG microwave codes

Easy/PH sensor dry up error - no food or dried food.

First step from the service manual

Insert food and restart.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What E-44 means on a LG microwave

E-44 on an LG microwave indicates that the Easy Clean or PH sensor has detected a dry-up condition, meaning the control board received a signal from the sensor suggesting it fired without detecting adequate moisture or food load. The PH sensor (also called a humidity or vapor sensor) monitors steam released during cooking to adjust cook times automatically. When the sensor activates but reads no humidity response, the board logs this fault and halts operation to prevent a runaway cook cycle or sensor burnout.

For homeowners, this error typically means the microwave tried to run a sensor-based cooking program without food inside, or with food that released no detectable steam. LG sensor cook modes rely on humidity rising from the food to know when cooking is complete. If the cavity is empty, or if very dry food with no moisture content is used, the sensor gets no feedback and triggers E-44.

In most cases this is not a hardware failure. Simply placing food in the microwave and restarting the cycle clears the error. If E-44 appears repeatedly during normal cooking with food present, the PH sensor itself may be contaminated with grease or food residue, or the sensor has failed and requires replacement.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of E-44

  1. 01

    Microwave started without food inside

    Wiring / connection

    Running a sensor cook program on an empty cavity gives the PH sensor no humidity to detect, immediately triggering the dry-up fault. Placing food inside and restarting resolves this without any parts.

  2. 02

    Contaminated or grease-coated PH sensor

    Wiring / connection

    Grease and food splatter can coat the PH sensor window, blocking it from accurately detecting steam. This causes false dry-up readings even when food is present and cooking normally.

  3. 03

    Failed or degraded PH humidity sensor

    Part replacement

    Over time the PH sensor element can degrade or fail outright, causing it to report no humidity signal regardless of food load. A faulty sensor will trigger E-44 consistently and requires sensor replacement to resolve.

  4. 04

    Faulty wiring or connector to the PH sensor

    Part replacement

    A loose, corroded, or broken connector between the PH sensor and the control board can interrupt the signal, causing the board to read a dry-up condition even when the sensor itself is functional.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about E-44

What does E-44 mean on an LG microwave?
E-44 means the LG microwave's PH humidity sensor detected a dry-up condition, meaning it received no moisture signal during a sensor cook cycle. The control board interprets this as the cavity being empty or the sensor being unable to detect steam. This is a protective fault to prevent the microwave from running a cook cycle without proper feedback from the sensor.
How do I fix E-44 on my LG microwave?
Start by placing food inside the microwave and restarting the cooking cycle. If E-44 appeared because the unit was run empty, this clears the error immediately. If the code returns during normal cooking, clean the PH sensor window with a damp cloth to remove grease buildup. If the error persists after cleaning with food in the cavity, the sensor likely needs to be tested and possibly replaced.
Is it safe to use my LG microwave when E-44 is showing?
The microwave will not operate while E-44 is active, so there is no immediate safety risk from the error itself. The unit halts the cook cycle to prevent operating without sensor feedback. Once you place food inside and restart, normal operation resumes. Do not attempt to bypass or ignore a persistent E-44 that keeps returning, as repeated sensor faults can indicate an underlying component problem.
Can E-44 on an LG microwave be fixed without replacing any parts?
Yes, in the majority of cases. If the error was triggered by running the microwave empty or using a sensor cook mode on very dry food, simply adding food and restarting clears E-44 with no parts needed. Cleaning a grease-coated PH sensor also costs nothing. Only if the PH sensor itself has failed or wiring is damaged will a physical repair and parts be required.
How much does it cost to repair E-44 on an LG microwave?
If the cause is an empty cavity or dirty sensor, the repair costs nothing. If the PH humidity sensor has failed, the replacement sensor part typically ranges from $15 to $40 depending on the model. A technician labor charge for sensor replacement generally runs $75 to $150. Because microwaves involve high-voltage capacitors that retain charge even when unplugged, professional service is advisable if you need to open the cabinet and are not experienced with appliance repair.

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