How to Fix LG Dishwasher AE Error Code

An LG dishwasher error code AE (also E1) indicates that there is a leak inside the dishwasher. Typically, with an AE error code, the dishwasher will stop working until the issue has been resolved. If there is not a leak, the error code may show because the wrong type of detergent is used or because the float sensor or control board is defective. If there is a leak, you will need to find the leak and replace the part to resolve the AE error code.

This guide applies to most LG dishwasher models, such as:

LDF6810BB

LDF6810ST

LDF6810ST/01

LDF6810WW

LDF6920BB

LDF6920ST

LDF6920WW

LDF7551ST

LDF7774ST

LDF7810BB

LDF7810ST

LDF7810WW

LDF7811BB

LDF7811ST

LDF7932ST

LDS4821BB

LDS4821ST

LDS4821WW

LDS5540ST

LDS5811ST

LDS5811WW

What Triggers the AE Error Code?

The AE error code is triggered by the float sensor in the dishwasher detecting too much water in the bottom of the dishwasher. Depending on the model, the float sensor usually sits in a pan at the bottom of the dishwasher that collects water if the dishwasher has a leak. If there is too much water in the pan, the float sensor tells the control board to stop working until the pan is emptied.

Emptying or wiping up the water in the pan can resolve the AE error code; however, there may still be a leak that will need to be fixed to stop the AE error code from occurring again.

Is Your Detergent Causing the Error?

Before accessing the drain pan and the components that may be leaking, first check that the error code is not caused by using too much or the wrong detergent. If your dishwasher requires an HE detergent, make sure you are using one.

Generally, if you are using a detergent pod or tablet, it should contain the right amount of detergent. The only time you would want to use more or less of a pod or tablet is if the water supply to your home is overly hard or overly soft.

If you use a powdered detergent, the detergent dispenser should be marked to show you the right amount to use, with space to add more if your water supply is overly hard or reduce the amount if the water supply is overly soft. Liquid detergent should not be used, as it will cause excess suds.

Reset the Dishwasher

Occasionally, the AE error code can be caused by a control board glitch or a float sensor fault. In these circumstances, resetting the dishwasher by unplugging it for 10 minutes should resolve the error code. However, if the error code returns, you will need to continue troubleshooting the issue that is causing the error code.

Check the Water Inlet Line and Filter

Another possible cause of the AE error code is that the water inlet line, valve, or filter may be defective or clogged. If these components are causing the issue, it should be easy to spot by looking for leaking water or a rip or tear at the inlet valve. To check the filter and clear it of any debris, disconnect the water inlet line and then remove the small filter that fits inside the water line or inlet valve. Needle-nose pliers will usually be required to remove the filter. If there is any damage to the waterline, inlet valve, or filter, replace the component.

Diagnosing the Problem

Unfortunately, an AE error code may not have an easy fix, and it can be time-consuming to diagnose and fix. If you are lucky, adjusting the detergent, performing a reset, or inspecting the water inlet valve will resolve the error code. However, if the error code is caused by a leak inside the dishwasher, you will need to work out where the leak is and repair it.

Diagnosing the leak will likely require removing dishwasher access panels so that you can find the leak while the dishwasher is running. Unfortunately, there is no definite component that could be causing the leak; however, a damaged spray arm, door gasket, or drain hose are the most common causes.

To make sure there is a leak and not a fault, you should access the float sensor and pan to check that there is excess water in the pan. If there is no water in the pan or leaking from the dishwasher, the water has either evaporated or there is a component failure that will need to be fixed.

If the error code is instead caused by a control board fault, the difficult nature of testing a control board will likely require a trained technician to fix the issue.

Accessing the Float Sensor and Drain Pan

Accessing the float sensor and drain pan will depend on the model of LG dishwasher that you have. If you have a kick or toe panel, removing the panel may be enough to give you access to the float sensor and drain pan. On other models, the dishwasher door or an access panel on the side of the dishwasher may need to be removed.

Make sure to disconnect the power to the dishwasher before removing any access panels or touching any electrical wiring. For safety, the water to the dishwasher should also be turned off. If you need to run a dishwasher cycle to find the leak, be mindful of electrocution and take safety precautions.

Check the Float Sensor and Drain Pan

Once you have accessed the float sensor and discovered water in the pan, you can use a towel to wipe up the water. The float sensor can also be tested with a multimeter to determine if it is faulty and needs to be replaced. With the multimeter terminals touching the float sensor wires or terminals, and the multimeter set to ohms, the multimeter should read 0 ohms when the float is down and 1 ohm when the float is lifted up (or actuated).

Which Component Is Leaking?

As mentioned above, there are numerous components that could be leaking. The following components are the most common causes.

• Check that the dishwasher spray arms do not have a defect that is causing water to shoot directly at the door gasket or another component that may be draining the water to the drain pan.
• The dishwasher door gasket or door seal keeps water in the dishwasher while it is operating. If the gasket is loose or there is a tear, water could be leaking out and causing the AE error code.
• Leaks from hoses or their sockets are another likely cause of a leak. Check the hoses (some may have filters that need clearing) and replace any defective components. Note, it is best to replace a hose rather than try to patch it up.