mypros+
Error code reference

LG Washer Error Code 15C

Drain error (Upper washer)

Avg. service call
$285
National average. Trip fee plus diagnostic plus labor. Before parts.
MyPros+ 3-day pass
$9.95
Same diagnostic steps, on your phone. Start now.
You keep in your pocket
~$275
Even before you buy the part.
Skip the service call. Fix it yourself.
Full procedure unlocks instantly.
Get Started

What the 15C error code actually means

Your LG washer is having trouble draining water from the upper wash tub. Something may be clogged in the drain pump, or there could be a loose wire connection preventing the pump from getting the signal it needs to run. Until this is resolved, the washer will not complete its cycle.

Diagnostic procedure

The full 15C procedure

Step 1 is visible so you can confirm you are on the right page. The remaining steps, the ones that tell you whether to actually replace a part, unlock with any pass.

MyPros+ · DiagnosticsStep 1 preview
1
First diagnostic step
Check if drain pump revolutions are restrained by foreign material, and check wire connectors on Main PB and Drain Pump assembly.
More steps, wiring diagram references, and verified part numbers
Includes expected resistance and voltage values, connector pinouts, and supersession notes for replacement parts.
Unlock 15C procedure $9.95

Or subscribe: $29/month for unlimited access to all codes plus Max AI diagnostics.

Most common causes of 15C

Ranked by how often they cause this code
  1. 1Foreign material blocking the drain pump
  2. 2Loose or faulty wire connectors
  3. 3Failed drain pump motor
  4. 4Main PB fault

Most DIYers save hundreds by diagnosing before ordering parts.

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

Questions people ask about 15C

What does 15C mean on a LG washer?
The 15C code signals a drain error on the upper washer unit of your LG washer. It indicates the drain pump has failed to operate correctly, which can be caused by a foreign material blockage in the pump, loose wiring connections, a defective pump motor, or a fault on the main control board. The washer will halt its cycle until the issue is resolved.
Is it safe to keep using my LG washer when the 15C code is showing?
No, it is not recommended to continue running the washer while the 15C code is active. The washer cannot complete the drain cycle, which means water may remain in the drum and could overflow or cause secondary issues. Address the drain fault before running another cycle.
Will resetting my LG washer clear the 15C error code?
A reset may temporarily clear the 15C code, but if the underlying cause has not been fixed, the error will return as soon as the washer attempts to drain again. Resetting is useful for confirming whether the fault is intermittent, such as a loose connector, but it does not resolve a blocked pump or a failed component. Always diagnose and correct the root cause before relying on a reset.
How do I fix a 15C error on my LG washer?
Start by checking the drain pump for any foreign objects such as coins or debris that may be restricting the impeller. Next, inspect the wire connectors at the drain pump and the main PB to make sure they are fully seated and undamaged. If the pump is clear and connections are secure but the code persists, the pump motor or main control board may need to be tested and replaced.
How much does it cost to repair a 15C error on a LG washer?
If the issue is simply a clogged pump or a loose wire connector, repair costs can be minimal, potentially just a service call fee in the range of $75 to $150. If the drain pump motor needs replacement, parts and labor typically run between $150 and $350 depending on your location and the specific pump assembly required. A main control board replacement is generally the most expensive repair, often ranging from $250 to $500 or more.

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass