In this guide, we will provide an overview of common error codes that can occur on all models of LG dishwashers, including those with features such as EasyRack Plus, ThinQ, Inverter Direct Drive, QuadWash, and TrueSteam.
We will also discuss how to troubleshoot and fix these error codes, so you can get your dishwasher back up and running smoothly.
LG Dishwasher Error Codes
Remember to always unplug the dishwasher and exercise caution when attempting any repairs.
AE: Water leaks error (Same as E1 error)
The dishwasher has a safety mechanism installed to prevent flooding the floor. The safety switch (aqua lock) will be activated if water leakage occurs inside the appliance.
Causes:
- Water leakage
- Damaged inlet hose
- Faulty microswitches
- Faulty safety switch
Solutions:
- Check the inlet hose and wire harness for loose connections or cuts.
- Check the Aqua lock.
- Check for damages to the door sealing, proper door closing, and the inside of the cabinet.
Still having the same problem:
- Check the impeller of the pump.
- Check the microswitch.
- Check the complete water path for leakages, and make sure that the hoses and gaskets are not damaged.
- Check the safety switch and replace it if necessary.
tE: NTC Thermistor error
The tE error indicates a problem related to the heating system.
Causes:
- Faulty NTC wire harness connector
- Faulty NTC thermistor
- Faulty main board
Solutions:
- Check the thermistor wire harness for loose connections or cuts.
- Check the NTC thermistor.
| Electric part name | Temperature | Ohmic value |
|---|---|---|
| Thermistor | 25°C | 77°F | ~ 11.8 KΩ |
- Check the heater assembly.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value | Abnormal value |
|---|---|---|
| Heating element | ~ 12–30 Ω | ~ 0.1 – 2.1 Ω | OL | ∞ Ω |
- Check the main board.
St: Sterilization notification
The sterilization is a notification that the program is finished and the sterilization cycle has started. The UV lamp will be on for 25 minutes, off for 95 minutes, and then on again for 25 minutes.
PF: Power Failure notification
The PF error is a notification that an external short-power outage has occurred. Restarting the appliance restores it to the stage where it stopped.
P0.~.8: Download program 0.~.8
A download program has been selected. Check the ThinQ app for the exact program. 0 is the first program listed, and 8 is the last.
OE: Water drainage error
The OE error indicates a problem with draining the water. Note: The appliance has a drain detection and correction system; the water level should be below a preset level after 10 minutes.
Causes:
- Kinked or clogged drain hose.
- Standpipe higher than 1m above the floor.
- Clogged pump filter.
- Insufficient pumping action
- Faulty drain pump
- Faulty main board
Solutions:
- Check that the standpipe height does not exceed the maximum height of 1 meter.
- A too-high hose can lead to a backflow of water into the appliance.
- Check for a kinked or restricted drain hose, pipe, or utility sink.
- Clean the dishwasher’s pump filter and ensure proper drainage.
- Check the drain connection path.
- Ensure proper drainage.
- Check the drain pump resistance using a multimeter.
- Check the main board.
nE: Nozzle error
The nE error indicates a problem with misalignment of the position of the Vario Cam for the chosen option.
As a result, the water distribution between the baskets cannot work properly.
Causes:
- Faulty wire harness connection
- Faulty Vario system
- Faulty micro-switch.
- Faulty micro-motor.
- Faulty main board
Solutions:
- Check the Vario wire harness connection.
- Check the Vario cam positioning.
- Check the vario motor and micro-switch resistance.
| Electric part name | Position | Ohmic value | Abnormal value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vario motor | – | ~ 12.6 KΩ | ~ 0.1 – 2.1 Ω | OL | ∞ Ω |
| Vario micro-switch | Normal: (Off) | OL | ∞ Ω | ~ 0.1 – 2.1 Ω |
| Vario micro-switch | Engaged: (On) | ~ 0.1 – 2.1 Ω | OL | ∞ Ω |
- Check the main board.
LE: Wash DD motor error
The LE error indicates a problem with the direct-driven circulation pump. If items block the impeller, the appliance attempts several times to start but will stop to prevent further damage.
Causes:
- Faulty washing motor.
- Faulty Hall sensor
- Faulty main board
Solutions:
- Check the hall sensor.
- Check the motor.
- Check the main board.
IE: Water inlet valve error
The IE error indicates a problem with the water supply. The dishwasher has a water inlet detection and correction system (hall sensor); a normal water level should be reached after 10 minutes.
Causes:
- Closed, clogged, not fully opened, or frozen water tap.
- Kinked inlet hose.
- Clogged inlet hose or filter after a longer period of use.
- Clogged dispenser.
- Faulty water inlet valve.
- Faulty Hall sensor
- Faulty main board
Solutions:
- Check that the water tap is not frozen or clogged and is fully open.
- Check the inlet hose so the water can flow normally.
- Check and clean the inlet filter.
- Remove any residue.
- Check the water inlet valve.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value | Abnormal value |
|---|---|---|
| Inlet valve | ~ 3.8 KΩ @ 220Vac | ~ 1.2 KΩ @ 120Vac | ~ 0.1 – 2.1 Ω | OL | ∞ Ω |
- Check the hall sensor.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value between black and red wire | Ohmic value between black and white wire |
|---|---|---|
| Hall sensor | ~ 9.4 KΩ | ~ 23 MΩ |
- Check the main board.
HE: Heater error
The HE error indicates a problem with the water not being heated at all or being overheated to 90°C.
Causes:
- Faulty thermistor.
- Faulty heater.
- Faulty main board
Solutions:
- Check the thermistor.
- Check the heater.
| Electric part name | Ohmic value | Ohmic value |
|---|---|---|
| Heating element | ~ 12–30 Ω | ~ 0.1 – 2.1 Ω | OL | ∞ Ω |
- Check the main board.
FE: Water overfilling error
The FE error indicates a problem with water overfilling. In normal operation, the drain pump is activated to prevent leakage.
Causes:
- Faulty water inlet valve.
- Faulty Hall sensor
- Faulty main board
Solutions:
- Check if there is a high water level after opening the door.
- Check the water inlet valve to see if water is still supplied.
- Check the drain pump.
- Check the hall sensor.
- Check the main board.
F: Auto-Program notification
Fuzzy logic is used for the dirt level, water temperature, and chosen options to set up the optimum program. The F error is a notification that the auto program is selected and that the appliance is starting.
End: End of program notification
The End error is a notification that the program is finished. The appliance can be opened and emptied.
dE: Door switch error
The dE error indicates a problem with the door lock system not closing the power circuit loop.
Causes:
- Not completely closed door
- Faulty door lock
- Faulty main board
Solutions:
- Check the door lock and close the door completely.
- Check the load; it should not push the door outward.
- For the best operation result, the baskets should be filled according to the guidelines in the user manual.
- Check the door lock assembly.
- Check the main board.
CL: Child Lock notification
The CL is a notification that the control panel is locked, which prevents the appliance from being turned on when cleaning and/or unsupervised children from using the dishwasher.
Solutions:
- To deactivate the Child Lock notification: Press and hold Half-Load and Energy Saver simultaneously for three seconds
It is recommended to verify the LG appliance’s user manual because each dishwasher requires its own settings.
Cd: Cool Down notification
The Cd error is a notification that the program is finished. Explain that when Cd is displayed, the appliance is cooling down, and warm air (steam) can flow out when the door is opened.
bE: Suds error
The bE error indicates a problem with foam detected in the appliance as a result of overdosing or using the wrong detergent. Never use detergent that is meant for washing dishes by hand!
Causes:
- Too much detergent
- Wrong detergent
Solutions:
- Check the type and amount of detergent used.
- Remove detergent residue and foam from the dishwasher tub.
- Check and clean the sump; ensure that no detergent residues remain in the water paths (wash and drain).
LG dishwasher steam generator error codes:
The error codes for the steam generator are not typically shown under normal circumstances and can be verified by following an extra procedure.
- To discover the steam generator error, press the SPRAY and HALF LOAD buttons at the same time.
- If there is no error code, SE0 will be displayed.
- Note: When the steam generator is faulty, the dishwasher will run the specified cycle without it.
Steam generator error codes:
| Error codes | Meaning | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| SE0 | Normal state | No further action is needed. |
| SE1 | Steam generator high temperature error | Check the steam water level sensor. Check the steam NTC thermistor. |
| SE3 | The steam generator did not reach the normal water level. | Check the water inlet valve. Check the steam water level sensor. |
| SE4 | Steam generator low-temperature error | Check the steam heater assembly. Check the steam NTC thermistor. |
Conclusion:
It is important to be aware of common error codes that can occur on your LG dishwasher and to know how to troubleshoot and fix them.
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.
