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LG Dishwasher Error Codes: AE, OE, IE, bE and the Rest

What the codes on an LG dishwasher mean, from AE leaks and OE drain faults to IE and bE suds, with LG's own checks and the codes that need service.

By Appliance Error Codes editorial teamUpdated 3 min readHow we research

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A dishwasher with both racks pulled out, seen from the side

LG dishwasherAE

The most common LG dishwasher codes are AE (a leak or overfill), OE (not draining), IE (no water coming in) and bE (too many suds). LG’s fixes for those four are things you can do: dishwasher detergent only, a clean filter, straight hoses and an open water valve. tE, HE, LE and PE need service.

Every code below comes from LG’s own dishwasher code guide. Codes can differ between models, so if your display shows something not listed here, check the owner’s manual for your model number (where to find it).

LG dishwasher codes at a glance

Code What LG says it means What you can do
AE, EI, FE A leak was detected, or more water came in than standard Use dishwasher detergent only; check the dishwasher is level and the door is aligned
OE Not draining: residue clogging the filter, or the drain hose pressed or bent Clean the filter, straighten the hose, run a force drain
IE No water supply: hose bent or water valve closed Open the supply valve; straighten the inlet hose
bE Bubble error: too many suds Less detergent, no dish soap; LG’s suds routine below
tE Temperature sensor Request service
HE Water is not being heated Request service
LE Wash motor Request service
PE Water level sensor Request service
nE Vario pump Request service
CL Control lock is on, not a fault Hold the CL button (or the two keys your model uses) for 3 seconds
PF Power failure, not a fault Press Start/Pause

AE: the leak code

LG says AE (also EI or FE) means a leak was detected or the water supply exceeded the standard amount. Its list of causes is short:

  • Dish soap or too much detergent, which makes suds that push water where it should not go.
  • A dishwasher that is not level, or a door that is misaligned.
  • Water poured into the Heat Dry blower on models that have one.

Load big plates and pots upside down so they do not hold water. If the dishwasher is not level, LG says to request service; if AE persists when it is level, LG says the same. Leaks inside the base are not a home repair.

OE: the drain code

LG gives two causes: residue clogging the filter, or a drain hose that is pressed or bent. Its steps:

  1. Remove the lower rack. Turn the filter handle counterclockwise and lift the filter out.
  2. Separate the inner filter from the stainless steel filter and rinse both under running water.
  3. Refit them until the filter clicks into place.
  4. Straighten the drain hose under the sink. LG says the end connected to the dishwasher should be at least 30 cm (about 12 inches) above the floor.
  5. Run a force drain: hold Start for at least three seconds. LG says it runs for two to three minutes.

LG recommends cleaning the filter every one or two weeks. If the filter is cracked or will not lock in place, a replacement is matched to your model number.

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IE: no water coming in

LG’s causes: no water supply, a bent supply hose, or a closed water valve. Check that the household water is on, straighten the inlet hose, and open the supply valve under the sink by turning it counterclockwise.

bE: too many suds

LG’s bubble error comes from dish soap or too much detergent. LG’s routine to clear the suds:

  1. Set the rinse aid level to L0.
  2. Add no detergent. Put a bowl with 200 ml (7 oz.) of milk in the upper rack.
  3. Run the Standard cycle with Extra Dry and Rinse, and repeat if suds remain.
  4. Reset the rinse aid level afterwards.

Then use a small amount of dishwasher detergent, or switch to powder or tablets.

LG dishwasher service codes

tE, HE, LE, PE and nE point at a sensor, the heater, the wash motor or a pump. LG lists each one as needing a technician. Note the code and your model number before you call. For LG washer and dryer codes, go back to the LG hub.

Other dishwasher brands use different codes for the same faults: Samsung shows LC for a leak, and Bosch shows E24 for a drain fault and E15 for water in the base.

Frequently asked questions

What does AE mean on an LG dishwasher?

LG groups AE with EI and FE: the dishwasher detected a leak or took in more water than standard. LG names oversudsing from dish soap, a dishwasher that is not level and a misaligned door as causes. If it is not level, or the code persists when it is, LG says to request service.

How do I force an LG dishwasher to drain?

LG's OE steps include a force drain: press and hold the Start button for at least three seconds. LG says the force drain runs for two to three minutes. Clean the filter and straighten the drain hose as well, or the code will return.

Can I use dish soap in an LG dishwasher?

No. LG lists dish soap as a cause of both the AE leak code and the bE bubble code. Use dishwasher detergent only, and not too much of it.

Filed under LGStart with LG Error Codes: Washer, Dryer and Dishwasher Codes Explained

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