The LO error on your Frigidaire washing machine means the machine has detected that draining is taking longer than it should. Fix hint: in most cases this points to a blocked drain hose, clogged pump filter, or kinked drain line restricting water flow.

Error code LO
Meaning Long drain detected — the washer is taking too long to pump water out during the drain cycle
Severity Medium — the machine won’t complete its cycle until the drain issue is cleared
Time to fix 15–40 minutes
Tools needed Towels, a shallow pan, pliers, flashlight

What the LO error means

Frigidaire washing machines monitor how long it takes to drain water out of the tub during each cycle. If the pump can’t clear the water within the expected time window, the control board flags this as an LO (long drain) error and pauses or stops the cycle to prevent damage or overflow.

This is almost always a mechanical restriction somewhere in the drain path rather than an electrical fault, so it’s usually something you can check and clear yourself before calling for service.

Common causes

  • Clogged drain pump filter full of lint, coins, or small items of clothing
  • Kinked, crushed, or pinched drain hose behind or under the machine
  • Drain hose routed too high or with a loop that traps water
  • Blocked standpipe or household drain the washer empties into
  • Failing or weak drain pump motor that can’t push water out fast enough
  • Overloaded wash load creating excess suds that slow drainage

How to fix the LO error

  1. Power down and unplug the washer: Cut power at the wall before touching any hoses or panels for safety.
  2. Check the drain hose for kinks: Pull the machine out slightly and straighten any bends or crushed sections in the hose running to the wall or standpipe.
  3. Clean the pump filter: Locate the small access panel at the bottom front of the machine, place a shallow pan underneath, and remove the filter cap to clear out lint, coins, and debris.
  4. Inspect the drain standpipe: Make sure the standpipe or laundry sink the washer drains into isn’t blocked or overflowing.
  5. Run a short test cycle: Plug the washer back in and run a quick rinse-and-spin cycle to confirm water drains normally and the LO code clears.
  6. Call a technician if it persists: If the error returns after clearing blockages, the drain pump motor itself may be failing and need replacement.

FAQ

Can I still run a cycle after the LO error appears?
No. The washer will pause the cycle until the drain issue is fixed, so it’s best to clear the blockage before restarting.

Is the LO error dangerous to ignore?
It won’t damage your home, but repeated long drains can strain the pump motor and eventually cause it to fail completely.

Do I need a repair technician for this?
Usually not — most LO errors are fixed by clearing the filter or straightening the hose. If the code keeps returning after that, a technician can test the pump motor.

If you’re troubleshooting other appliance error codes, these guides may help: Frigidaire EF Error Code: Causes and Fixes, Frigidaire CA Error Code: Causes and Fixes, Frigidaire CE Error Code: Causes and Fixes, and Maytag Washer F1 Error Code: Causes and Fixes.