The LG dishwasher FE error code indicates an overfill condition, meaning too much water has entered the dishwasher. This guide provides a comprehensive troubleshooting process to help you diagnose and resolve the issue.
Understanding the LG dishwasher FE error code
When the dishwasher detects excessive water, the drain pump activates to remove the excess. The FE error can be triggered by several factors related to water intake and sensing.
Troubleshooting Steps for the LG dishwasher FE error code
Here’s a breakdown of the potential causes and how to check them:
- Water Pressure Issues:
- Problem: Incorrect water pressure (outside the 20-120 psi range) can cause the water inlet valve to malfunction, either by leaking (low pressure) or remaining open too long (high pressure). Grit or debris from new plumbing can also interfere with the valve’s operation.
- Solution:
- Check Water Pressure: Use a water pressure gauge at a nearby faucet or hose bib. If the pressure is outside the 20-120 psi range, you’ll need to contact a plumber to adjust your home’s water pressure.
- Inspect the Inlet Valve: If you’ve recently had plumbing work done, check the inlet valve for any visible debris or damage.
- Water inlet valve malfunction:
- Problem: The water inlet valve itself might be defective, allowing water to flow continuously even when it shouldn’t.
- Solution:
- Check Valve Resistance: Use a multimeter to measure the resistance across the valve’s coil.
- Older (120 VAC) Valves: Should read approximately 1.1 kOhms.
- Newer (8VDC) Valves: Should read approximately 25 Ohms.
- A significantly different reading indicates a faulty valve that needs replacement.
- Check Valve Resistance: Use a multimeter to measure the resistance across the valve’s coil.
- Flow Meter Problems:
- Problem: The flow meter measures the amount of water entering the dishwasher. If it’s malfunctioning, it won’t accurately report the water level to the control board.
- Solution:
- Check Flow Meter Resistance: Disconnect the flow meter connector. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the following wires:
- Orange to Blue: Approximately 9 kOhms ± 10%.
- Orange to Purple: Approximately 20 kOhms ± 10%.
- Out-of-range readings suggest a faulty flow meter.
- Check for 5VDC Signal: With the flow meter connected and the dishwasher powered on (but not necessarily running a cycle), measure the voltage between the Purple (ground) and Orange wires. You should measure approximately 5VDC. If this voltage is absent, the main PCB is likely defective.
- Check Flow Meter Resistance: Disconnect the flow meter connector. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the following wires:
- Main PCB (Control Board) Issues:
- Problem: The main PCB might be sending constant voltage to the water inlet valve, forcing it to stay open.
- Solution:
- Check for Voltage at the Valve: With the dishwasher off and unplugged (an important safety step!), carefully disconnect the wires to the water inlet valve. Then, plug the dishwasher back in and start a cycle. Use a multimeter to check for voltage at the valve connector during the fill cycle. If voltage is present even when the dishwasher shouldn’t be filling, the main PCB is likely the culprit and needs replacement. Exercise extreme caution when working with live voltage. If you are not comfortable with this test, contact a qualified technician.
LG Dishwasher FE Error Code: Overfill Error – Summary Table
| Problem | Check | Expected Value/Result | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Pressure | Pressure gauge at faucet/hose bib | 20-120 psi | Adjust home water pressure (plumber) |
| Inlet Valve Resistance | Multimeter across valve coil | ~1.1 kOhms (120VAC) or ~25 Ohms (8VDC) | Replace inlet valve |
| Main PCB (Voltage) | Multimeter at valve connector (check for voltage when the dishwasher is not filling) | If voltage is present when the dishwasher is not calling for water, the main PCB is defective | Replace main PCB |
| Flow Meter Resistance | Multimeter (Orange to Blue) | ~9 kOhms ± 10% | Replace flow meter |
| Flow Meter Resistance | Multimeter (Orange to Purple) | ~20 kOhms ± 10% | Replace flow meter |
| Flow Meter Signal | Multimeter (Purple to Orange) | ~5VDC | Replace main PCB |
Important Safety Notes:
- Always disconnect power to the dishwasher before working on any internal components.
- If you are uncomfortable performing any of these tests, contact a qualified appliance repair technician.
- Working with electricity can be dangerous. Take necessary precautions.
By systematically following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the FE error code and get your LG dishwasher back in working order.
I am a master Appliance Repair technician with over 35 years of experience in the field. I am passionate about helping people troubleshoot their appliances and fix common problems. My website, appliancemode.com, provides a wealth of information on troubleshooting common appliance issues and deciphering error codes. This website aims to empower people to tackle appliance repairs themselves and save money on service calls.
