LG dishwasher error codes point to a specific system: drain, fill, leak, suds, heat, motor or the control lock. Below are seven common ones and what to check first. Codes and their exact meanings vary by model and series, so confirm yours in the owner's manual.
In this post:
- •OE: drain problem
- •IE: water inlet problem
- •AE: leak detected
- •bE: too many suds
- •HE: heating problem
- •LE: motor problem
- •CL: child lock is on
1. OE: drain problem
The dishwasher couldn't pump the water out of the tub in time.
How to tell: Standing water in the tub at the end of the cycle, sometimes with a gurgle from the sink drain.
What to do: Clean the filter, check the drain hose for kinks or a spot where it's pinched behind the unit, and on a new install connected to a disposal, make sure the disposal's knockout plug was removed.
2. IE: water inlet problem
Not enough water came in during the fill, so the cycle can't continue.
How to tell: Little or no water in the tub, often right after plumbing work or a water shutoff on the street.
What to do: Check that the supply valve under the sink is fully open and the inlet hose isn't kinked or crushed. If water is reaching the dishwasher and the code returns, the inlet valve needs testing.
3. AE: leak detected
A sensor in the base found more water than it should. LG lists over-sudsing, a unit that isn't level and a misaligned door among the common triggers, along with true leaks.
How to tell: Water under the dishwasher, or the code right after heavy suds.
What to do: Turn off power and water, look for leaks at the door and connections, and check that the dishwasher is level. A leak that reaches the wiring can also trip the outlet; see why a dishwasher keeps tripping the GFCI.
4. bE: too many suds
The dishwasher detected excess bubbles and stopped to prevent a leak.
How to tell: Foam in the tub, often after hand-dish soap went in, someone used too much detergent, or rinse aid spilled.
What to do: Use only dishwasher detergent in the recommended amount, wipe up spills, and run a rinse to clear the foam.
5. HE: heating problem
The water isn't heating as expected.
How to tell: Dishes come out cold and wet, and the code may appear partway through the cycle.
What to do: Book a technician. LG's own guidance sends this one to service, since the heater circuit involves internal wiring.
6. LE: motor problem
The wash motor isn't running correctly.
How to tell: Humming, no spray, or the code shortly after starting.
What to do: Check for objects jamming the spray arms or sump. If it continues, the motor needs a technician.
7. CL: child lock is on
This isn't a fault. The control panel is locked so nobody changes a cycle by accident.
How to tell: The buttons don't respond and CL shows on the display.
What to do: On many models you hold two buttons together for about three seconds to unlock it. Your manual names the buttons for your model.
When a technician is the better call
Repeat AE leak codes, HE and LE codes, or any code that returns after the basic checks need a pro. Our LG appliance service team works on LG dishwashers across LA County.
Marco's advice: Write down the exact code and when it appeared in the cycle before you call. That detail helps a technician arrive with the right part.
LG dishwasher still showing a code? Call ProFix LA at (818) 334-4526.