Even though LG is known for making high-quality equipment, your LG dishwasher may have a problem that keeps it from working right. If the dishwasher has a problem, it should show you an error code that tells you what the problem is. By reading our guide to LG dishwasher error codes, you can figure out what’s wrong and maybe even fix it yourself. If you don’t know how to fix the problem, call LG Customer Service to arrange a service team to do it for you.
Most of the time, you can get rid of error codes by turning off the power to the dishwasher for a few minutes.
LG dishwasher error codes
list of common LG dishwasher error codes along with their meanings:
- OE Error Code: This error indicates a drain problem. It means that the dishwasher is not able to drain water properly.
- LE Error Code: The LE error code suggests a motor or circulation pump issue. The dishwasher might be unable to spray water during the wash cycle.
- FE Error Code: An FE error points to a water inlet problem. It occurs when the dishwasher is not getting enough water supply.
- HE Error Code: This error indicates a heating problem. The dishwasher’s water is not reaching the desired temperature during the wash cycle.
- IE Error Code: The IE error code signals a water inlet issue. The dishwasher is not getting enough water to perform the wash cycle.
- TE Error Code: TE error means a problem with the dishwasher’s thermistor or temperature sensor. It can’t detect the water temperature properly.
- LE1 Error Code: The LE1 error is related to a water leakage issue. The dishwasher’s leak sensor detects water at the base.
- AE Error Code: AE error signifies a leak in the dishwasher. Water leakage has been detected.
- FE Error Code: The FE error code points to a float error. The dishwasher’s float assembly might be stuck or not working correctly.
- PE Error Code: This error indicates a problem with the dishwasher’s circulation pump. It might not be working correctly.
- CE Error Code: The CE error code suggests a communication problem between the dishwasher’s main control board and display panel.
- PF Error Code: PF error means a power failure occurred during the dishwasher’s operation.
- E1 Error Code: The E1 error points to a water leakage issue detected by the dishwasher’s leak sensor.
- E2 Error Code: An E2 error signifies a problem with the dishwasher’s temperature sensor or thermistor.
- E3 Error Code: The E3 error code indicates a problem with the dishwasher’s water heater.
WHAT DOES A BUZZING SOUND MEAN?
When the dishwasher door is opened, if it makes a buzzing sound, that means the inside is very hot. This alarm will probably go off if you open the dishwasher right after a run is done. If it’s not because of the high temperature, you may need to change the control board or the temperature sensor.
WHAT DOES 2H MEAN?
If your LG dishwasher shows the number 2H, it is not an error code. Instead, it means that the run still has at least two hours to go. When there are less than 99 minutes left, the 2H will change to 99 and start counting down until the cycle is over.
WHAT DOES CL STAND FOR?
CL means that the child lock or control lock on the dishwasher has been turned on. The instructions for turning off the child lock or control lock vary from model to model, so you may need to look in the guidebook to find out how to do it. But if your dishwasher has a Dual Zone button, hold it down for three seconds to turn the child lock on and off.
On many LG dishwashers, you can turn on the child lock by choosing a mode and pressing and holding the Rinse and Spray buttons for three seconds.
LG DISHWASHER ERROR CODES AE: POSSIBLE LEAK
If your LG dishwasher gives you an AE error code, it may be leaking. If you can’t find any signs of a leak, there may be too much water in the bottom of the dishwasher. Usually, there is a basin and a leak gauge under the bottom panel.
When a dishwasher leaks or the leak alarm goes off, it’s often because too much detergent was used, the spray arms were broken, the door gasket was broken, or a hose or pump was clogged.
BE: WRONG DETERGENT OR THE DISHWASHER IS NOT LEVEL
If the detergent is not right for the dishwasher, like if you used dish soap instead of washing detergent, a bE error code may show up on the screen. Even if you used the right soap, the dishwasher might not be level. Make sure the dishwasher is level by using a tool for levelling. Fix the problem by adjusting the legs that keep the dishwasher level.
If there are a lot of soap suds in the dishwasher, it means the wrong detergent was used, and the bE error number will be shown. LG says to put a bowl with 4–7 ounces of milk on the upper dish rack and run the dishwasher on Auto to get rid of the suds.
CE: MACHINE MISTAKE
A CE error number on an LG dishwasher means that the motor is broken or that the wiring harness for the motor is loose. You might be able to get rid of the error code and keep using the dishwasher if you turn off the power to it for ten seconds. But if the error code comes back, the motor and its wiring harness will need to be checked, fixed, or changed in order to keep the error code from coming back.
E1: POSSIBLE LEAK
See trouble code AE above.
FE: FILL ERROR
If your LG dishwasher shows the number FE, it means that there is too much water in it. Most of the time, this error code is caused by a broken water inlet valve, a broken float switch, or a draining problem.
HE: HEATER FAILURE
If your LG dishwasher gives you a HE error code, it means that it couldn’t heat the water or that the water temperature was higher than 149 degrees Fahrenheit. Most likely, the heating element in the dishwasher has broken and will need to be changed to fix the problem.
I.E.: WATER SUPPLY IS SLOW OR NOT ENOUGH
An LG dishwasher IE error number means that after ten minutes of filling, the water level was not high enough. The error code could be caused by low water flow, a drain hose that wasn’t put in correctly, or a dishwasher that isn’t level.
LE: MOTOR ERROR
An LG dishwasher LE motor mistake means that the motor is broken. See trouble code CE above.
NE: VARIO MOTOR ERROR
A nE error number on an LG dishwasher means that the motor that controls the spray arms is broken. Most of the time, the nE error number can be fixed by turning the power off for a few minutes.
But if the error code comes back, you’ll need to use a voltmeter to check the motor to see if it’s broken and needs to be replaced. Before you replace the motor, make sure the error code isn’t caused by a loose wiring cable or something else that is getting in the way of the motor.
OE: DRAINAGE PROBLEM
If you see “OE” on the screen of your LG dishwasher, it’s having trouble clearing. Checking for food particles in the bottom of the dishwasher or in the dishwasher filter, making sure the drain hose isn’t kinked or blocked, checking the air gap, or making sure the drain pump isn’t clogged or broken can fix the error code.
PF: POWER FAILURE
If your LG dishwasher gives you a PF error code, it means that the power has been cut off. It can happen if the power goes out or if the dishwasher doesn’t have a specific circuit breaker at 120 volts, 60 hertz, AC only, and at least 15 amps. The PF error number can also happen if you use an extension cord to power the dishwasher or if the dishwasher is not grounded.
Most of the time, you can get rid of the error code by hitting any key on the control panel and waiting 10 seconds. If that doesn’t work, try taking the power out for a few minutes.
TEMPERATURE MISTAKE
A TE error number on an LG dishwasher means that the water temperature is above 194 degrees Fahrenheit or that the thermistor is broken. Most of the time, you’ll need to change the thermistor to fix the problem.
If you see an error code on your LG dishwasher, you should consult the dishwasher’s manual to determine the specific cause of the error. In some cases, you may be able to fix the problem yourself. However, if you are not comfortable troubleshooting dishwashers, you should contact a qualified technician for assistance.