Written by
Maya Chen Editorial TeamPublished September 5, 2026Updated October 20, 2026
Error codeFF, u51
ApplianceWasher
Quick answer
FF (u51) is the LG freeze failure code: the washer detected freezing in the inlet or drain hose.
Model compatibility: LG reuses codes across series and model years, so FF, u51 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
The washer detected freezing, usually a frozen inlet or drain hose.
An FF code on an LG washer, which some displays show as u51, is a freeze failure. The washer has detected freezing, usually water frozen in the inlet hose or the drain hose. This applies to front-load washers, WashTower units and top-load washers.
When the code appears
The manual says FF can appear when the temperature inside the washer drops below 1 degree Celsius. In continued cold weather, water in the drain or inlet hoses can freeze. All controls are disabled and the washer will not start until the machine warms above 4 degrees Celsius, so it has to be thawed. If FF shows up when the weather is not cold, request service.
Thaw the tub and drain hose
Open the door and take out all laundry.
Pour warm water (50 to 60 °C) into the drum, close the door and wait 1 to 2 hours for the drain pump to thaw.
Open the access cover on the lower side, remove the cap from the drain tube, let any water out and close the cap securely. If nothing comes out, ice may still be present, so wait a little longer and try again.
Switch the washer on and run a Rinse x1 cycle to confirm it works normally.
Do not pour boiling water into the drum. It risks a burn, so use warm water only.
If IE appears and the drum will not fill
The inlet hose may be frozen as well. Take the inlet hoses off the washer and open the taps to see whether water flows. If none does, wrap a cloth soaked in hot water around the taps for 5 minutes, and thaw the hoses in warm water below 50 °C before testing the washer again.
Once temperatures stay above zero, a frozen washer thaws gradually, and the manual recommends waiting out the cold before using it.
If FF comes back in mild weather, or the washer still will not clear after thawing, call us at (310) 742-8008 to talk through LG washer repair in Los Angeles. Have the code, the model number and the thawing steps you already tried ready.
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Seeing this code on your LG appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
