The LG dishwasher displaying “L0, L1, L2, L3 and L4” on the control panel is not an error code. It indicates the current setting of the rinse aid dispenser. This guide explains how to interpret and adjust the rinse aid level on your LG dishwasher.
Rinse aid level on your LG dishwasher: What L0, L1, L2, L3 and L4 means?
The “L” followed by a number (0-4) represents the rinse aid dispensing level. A higher number indicates more rinse aid is dispensed during the drying cycle. The factory default setting is L2. Therefore, L1 signifies a lower-than-default rinse aid dispensing level.
Why adjust rinse aid level on your LG dishwasher?
Rinse aid helps water sheet off dishes during the drying cycle, reducing water spots, streaks, and improving overall drying performance. Adjusting the rinse aid level is important to optimize performance based on your water hardness and dishwashing habits:
- Hard Water/Calcium Buildup: If you have hard water or notice calcium deposits on your dishes, increasing the rinse aid level (higher number) is recommended.
- Spotting/Streaking/Poor Drying: If your dishes have spots, streaks, or are not drying well, increasing the rinse aid level may resolve the issue.
- Foaming/Poor Wash Performance: If you notice excessive foaming during the wash cycle, the rinse aid level might be set too high. Reduce the setting (lower number) in this case.
How to Adjust the Rinse Aid Level on Your LG Dishwashe:
- Enter Rinse Aid Setting Mode: Press the “Dual Zone” and “Power” buttons simultaneously. The current rinse aid level (L0-L4) will be displayed.
- Change the Setting: Press the “Delay Start” button to cycle through the rinse aid levels. Each press increases the level by one step (L0, L1, L2, L3, L4, then back to L0).
- Save the Setting: Once the desired rinse aid level is displayed, press the “Start” button to save the new setting.
Rinse Aid Level Settings Explained:
- L0: Rinse aid dispenser is off (no rinse aid dispensed).
- L1: Lowest rinse aid dispensing level.
- L2: Factory default rinse aid dispensing level.
- L3: Higher rinse aid dispensing level.
- L4: Highest rinse aid dispensing level.
Troubleshooting the rinse aid level on your LG dishwasher:
If you are experiencing issues even after adjusting the rinse aid level, consider these possibilities:
- Empty Rinse Aid Dispenser: Ensure the rinse aid dispenser is filled.
- Dispenser Malfunction: The rinse aid dispenser itself might be faulty. Consult your dishwasher’s user manual or contact a service technician.
- Other Issues: Problems with water temperature, wash cycles, or other dishwasher components can also affect drying performance.
Rinse aid level on your LG dishwasher: Summary table
| Display on Control Panel | Meaning | Adjustment Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| L0 | Rinse aid dispenser off | Increase setting if experiencing spotting, streaking, or poor drying. |
| L1 | Lowest rinse aid dispensing level | Increase setting if experiencing spotting, streaking, or poor drying. |
| L2 | Factory default rinse aid dispensing level | Adjust as needed based on water hardness and drying performance. |
| L3 | Higher rinse aid dispensing level | Decrease setting if experiencing excessive foaming. |
| L4 | Highest rinse aid dispensing level | Decrease setting if experiencing excessive foaming. |
| None (No L# displayed) | Not in Rinse Aid Setting Mode | Press “Dual Zone” and “Power” simultaneously to enter setting mode. |
| Persistent drying issues even after adjustments | Check rinse aid dispenser, water temp, wash cycles | Potential dispenser malfunction or other dishwasher component issues. Consult user manual or service technician. |
Mike Walker is an appliance repair technician with 15 years of experience dedicated to helping homeowners understand and fix their appliances. On this site, I break down complex error codes and offer easy-to-follow troubleshooting solutions.
