Understanding Your LG Dishwasher Error Codes

LG Dishwasher Error Codes Explained: Your Guide to Troubleshooting and Fixing Issues

Experiencing issues with your LG dishwasher? Don’t worry, many common problems are indicated by specific error codes displayed on the control panel. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of these error codes for all LG dishwasher models, including those featuring technologies like EasyRack™ Plus, ThinQ®, Inverter Direct Drive™, QuadWash™, and TrueSteam®.

We’ll break down what each code means, explore the potential causes, and provide actionable troubleshooting steps to help you diagnose and fix the issue. Our goal is to get your LG dishwasher back to running smoothly as quickly as possible.

Important Safety Note: Before attempting any troubleshooting or repairs, always unplug your LG dishwasher from the power outlet and turn off the water supply. Exercise caution and consult your owner’s manual for model-specific information. If you are uncomfortable performing any of the steps, it is recommended to contact a qualified appliance technician.

Common LG Dishwasher Error Codes and How to Address Them

Here are the most frequently encountered error codes and their associated troubleshooting steps:

AE / E1: Water Leaks Error

This error indicates that the dishwasher’s internal safety mechanism (often an aqua stop or leak sensor) has detected water leakage, activating a safety switch to prevent flooding.

• Causes:
  • Actual water leakage inside the appliance.
  • Damage to the water inlet hose.
  • Faulty microswitches related to the leak detection system.
  • Malfunctioning safety switch (aqua lock).
• Solutions:
  • Inspect the water inlet hose for any visible damage, kinks, or loose connections at both the tap and the dishwasher. Also check the wire harness connected to the aqua lock.
  • Examine the Aqua lock safety mechanism for any signs of damage or activation.
  • Check the door seal for any damage or debris preventing a proper seal. Ensure the door is closing completely and securely. Inspect the interior cabinet for any visible water accumulation.
• If the problem persists:
  • Check the impeller of the circulation pump for any obstructions.
  • Test the microswitch(es) associated with the leak detection system.
  • Carefully inspect the entire water path, including hoses and gaskets, for any leaks or damage.
  • Check the safety switch itself and replace it if it appears faulty.

tE: NTC Thermistor Error

The tE error signifies a problem with the dishwasher’s heating system, specifically related to the NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor which monitors water temperature.

• Causes:
  • Loose or damaged wire harness connection to the NTC thermistor.
  • Faulty NTC thermistor.
  • Problem with the main control board.
• Solutions:
  • Check the wire harness connected to the thermistor for any loose connections, cuts, or damage.
  • Test the resistance of the NTC thermistor using a multimeter.
    • Thermistor Resistance: Approximately 11.8 KΩ at 25∘C (77∘F).
  • Inspect the heating element assembly for any visible damage.
    • Heating Element Resistance: Approximately 12–30 Ω. Abnormal values are typically <2 Ω or an open circuit (∞ Ω).
  • If the above components test correctly, the issue might lie with the main control board.

OE: Water Drainage Error

This error indicates that the dishwasher is having trouble draining water. The appliance has a system to detect and correct drainage issues, expecting the water level to be below a certain point after 10 minutes.

• Causes:
  • Kinked, twisted, or clogged drain hose.
  • The drain standpipe (if used) is higher than the recommended 1 meter (3.3 feet) above the floor.
  • Clogged drain pump filter.
  • Insufficient pumping action from the drain pump.
  • Faulty drain pump.
  • Problem with the main control board.
• Solutions:
  • Ensure the drain hose is not kinked, twisted, or crushed. Verify that the drain standpipe (if applicable) is no higher than 1 meter above the floor to prevent backflow.
  • Check for blockages in the drain hose, the connection to the household drain pipe, or the utility sink.
  • Clean the dishwasher’s drain pump filter. Refer to your user manual for instructions on accessing and cleaning the filter.
  • Verify that the drain connection path is clear and allows for proper water flow.
  • Test the resistance of the drain pump using a multimeter to check if it’s within the expected range (refer to your manual or online resources for specific values).
  • If other components are functional, the main control board might be the issue.

nE: Nozzle Error

The nE error points to a problem with the Vario Wash system, specifically the misalignment of the Vario Cam position. This system controls water distribution to different spray arms, and misalignment affects wash performance.

• Causes:
  • Faulty wire harness connection to the Vario system components.
  • Problem with the Vario system itself (Vario Cam).
  • Faulty micro-switch associated with the Vario system position sensing.
  • Faulty Vario motor.
  • Problem with the main control board.
• Solutions:
  • Check the wire harness connections to the Vario motor and micro-switch for looseness or damage.
  • Inspect the Vario Cam for any visible damage or obstructions preventing proper movement.
  • Test the resistance and functionality of the Vario motor and micro-switch using a multimeter.
    • Vario Motor Resistance: Approximately 12.6 KΩ. Abnormal values are typically <2 Ω or an open circuit (∞ Ω).
    • Vario Micro-switch (Normal/Off): Open circuit (OL or ∞ Ω). Abnormal values are typically <2 Ω.
    • Vario Micro-switch (Engaged/On): Approximately 0.1−2.1 Ω. Abnormal values are typically OL or ∞ Ω.
  • If the Vario components appear functional, the main control board could be the cause.

LE: Wash Circulation Pump Motor Error

The LE error indicates an issue with the Direct Drive (DD) circulation pump motor, which is responsible for spraying water during the wash cycle. The dishwasher will attempt to start the motor several times and stop if it detects an obstruction to prevent damage.

• Causes:
  • Faulty wash (circulation) motor.
  • Faulty Hall sensor (which detects motor rotation).
  • Problem with the main control board.
• Solutions:
  • Check for any obstructions around the wash motor’s impeller that might be preventing it from spinning freely.
  • Test the Hall sensor. (Specific testing procedures may require a service manual or technical knowledge).
  • Test the wash motor. (Specific testing procedures may require a service manual or technical knowledge).
  • If the motor and Hall sensor seem functional, the main control board could be the issue.

IE: Water Inlet Valve Error

The IE error signals a problem with the water supply to the dishwasher. The appliance uses a Hall sensor to monitor the water level and expects a normal level to be reached within 10 minutes of starting the fill cycle.

• Causes:
  • The water tap connected to the dishwasher is closed, clogged, not fully opened, or frozen.
  • Kinked or twisted water inlet hose.
  • Clogged filter screen at the dishwasher’s water inlet connection (common after prolonged use).
  • Clogged detergent dispenser (though less common for this error).
  • Faulty water inlet valve.
  • Faulty Hall sensor (which detects water flow).
  • Problem with the main control board.
• Solutions:
  • Ensure the water tap supplying the dishwasher is fully open and not frozen or clogged.
  • Check the water inlet hose for any kinks, twists, or obstructions that would restrict water flow.
  • Turn off the water supply, disconnect the inlet hose from the dishwasher, and inspect and clean the small filter screen at the connection point.
  • Test the resistance of the water inlet valve using a multimeter.
    • Inlet Valve Resistance: Approximately 3.8 KΩ at 220 Vac or 1.2 KΩ at 120 Vac. Abnormal values are typically <2 Ω or an open circuit (∞ Ω).
  • Test the Hall sensor. (Specific testing procedures may require a service manual or technical knowledge).
  • If the above components are functional, the main control board might be the issue.

HE: Heater Error

The HE error indicates a problem with the dishwasher’s heating element. This could mean the water is not heating at all or is overheating (e.g., exceeding 90∘C).

• Causes:
  • Faulty NTC thermistor (incorrect temperature reading).
  • Faulty heating element.
  • Problem with the main control board.
• Solutions:
  • Test the resistance of the NTC thermistor (see tE error for values).
  • Test the resistance of the heating element using a multimeter.
    • Heating Element Resistance: Approximately 12–30 Ω. Abnormal values are typically <2 Ω or an open circuit (∞ Ω).
  • If both the thermistor and heater test correctly, the main control board could be the issue.

FE: Water Overfilling Error

The FE error signifies that the dishwasher has overfilled with water. The drain pump is typically activated in this situation to prevent flooding.

• Causes:
  • Faulty water inlet valve (allowing water to enter when it shouldn’t).
  • Faulty Hall sensor (incorrectly reporting water level/flow).
  • Problem with the main control board (incorrectly controlling the inlet valve).
• Solutions:
  • Open the dishwasher door and check if the water level is abnormally high.
  • With the power unplugged, check the water inlet valve to see if it’s leaking or allowing water to pass even when closed.
  • Check the drain pump to ensure it is functioning correctly and can effectively remove water.
  • Test the Hall sensor. (Specific testing procedures may require a service manual or technical knowledge).
  • If the inlet valve, Hall sensor, and drain pump appear functional, the main control board might be the issue.

dE: Door Switch Error

The dE error indicates a problem with the door latch or switch system, meaning the dishwasher is not detecting that the door is securely closed and locked, preventing the cycle from starting.

• Causes:
  • The dishwasher door is not completely closed.
  • Something inside the dishwasher is obstructing the door from closing properly.
  • Faulty door latch or door switch assembly.
  • Problem with the main control board.
• Solutions:
  • Ensure the dishwasher door is fully closed and latched. Give it a firm push.
  • Check the dishwasher racks and their contents to ensure nothing is protruding and preventing the door from closing completely. Refer to your user manual for proper loading guidelines.
  • Inspect the door latch assembly on the door and the corresponding strike on the dishwasher body for any visible damage or misalignment.
  • If the latch mechanism appears fine, the issue could be with the door switch itself or the main control board.

LG Dishwasher Notification Codes

These are not error codes indicating a fault, but rather notifications about the dishwasher’s status or selected cycle.

St: Sterilization Notification

This is a notification that the main wash program is complete and the sterilization cycle has begun. The UV lamp (if equipped) will operate in intervals to sanitize the contents.

PF: Power Failure Notification

The PF notification appears after a power interruption (a short power outage). The dishwasher typically retains its cycle progress and will resume from where it left off once power is restored.

P0 to P8: Download Program Notification

This indicates that a downloaded cycle from the LG ThinQ® app has been selected. The number (0 through 8) corresponds to the specific downloaded program chosen in the app. Consult the ThinQ app for details on each program.

F: Auto-Program Notification

The F notification appears when the Auto program is selected. The dishwasher’s “fuzzy logic” system will use sensors to determine the soil level, water temperature, and other factors to automatically set the optimal wash cycle parameters.

End: End of Program Notification

The End notification simply indicates that the selected wash cycle is complete and the dishwasher can be opened and emptied.

CL: Child Lock Notification

The CL notification signifies that the control panel is locked. This feature prevents accidental starting or changing of cycles, which is useful during cleaning or to prevent unsupervised use by children.

• Solution: To deactivate Child Lock, press and hold the designated buttons simultaneously for three seconds. Note: The specific buttons vary by model; consult your LG dishwasher’s user manual for the correct combination (often marked on the control panel itself, like “Half-Load” and “Energy Saver”).

Cd: Cool Down Notification

The Cd notification means the dishwasher is in a cool-down phase after a hot wash or drying cycle. Warm air or steam may be released when the door is opened during this time.

bE: Suds Error

The bE error indicates that excessive foam (suds) has been detected inside the dishwasher. This is typically caused by using too much detergent or using a type of detergent not suitable for automatic dishwashers (like liquid dish soap for handwashing).

• Causes:
  • Using too much dishwasher detergent.
  • Using the wrong type of detergent (e.g., hand dish soap).
• Solutions:
  • Check the type and amount of detergent you are using. Always use automatic dishwasher detergent and follow the manufacturer’s and your dishwasher’s recommended dosage.
  • Manually remove as much detergent residue and foam from the dishwasher tub as possible.
  • Clean the sump area at the bottom of the dishwasher, ensuring no detergent residues are blocking the water paths for washing and draining. Running a rinse-only cycle without detergent can help clear residual suds.

LG Dishwasher Steam Generator Error Codes

These error codes are specific to LG dishwasher models equipped with the TrueSteam® feature. They are not typically displayed during normal operation and require a specific procedure to access.

• To view Steam Generator error codes: Press and hold the SPRAY and HALF LOAD buttons simultaneously for a few seconds. If no steam generator errors are present, the display will show SE0.
• Note: If a steam generator error exists, the dishwasher will usually still operate, but the steam function will be disabled.

Here are the Steam Generator error codes:

• SE0: Normal state. No steam generator error detected. No action is needed.
• SE1: Steam generator high temperature error.
  • Check: Steam water level sensor, steam NTC thermistor.
• SE3: The steam generator did not reach the normal water level.
  • Check: Water inlet valve (specifically the steam generator’s supply), steam water level sensor.
• SE4: Steam generator low-temperature error.
  • Check: Steam heater assembly, steam NTC thermistor.

Conclusion

Understanding the common error codes and notifications on your LG dishwasher empowers you to quickly identify and often resolve issues yourself. Remember to prioritize safety by disconnecting power before attempting any inspections or repairs. Always consult your LG dishwasher’s user manual for the most accurate and model-specific information, including detailed troubleshooting steps and component testing values.