How to Fix LG Dishwasher AE Error Code Fast

When your LG dishwasher displays the AE error code, the appliance will stop functioning until the error is resolved. There are a few reasons this error code can occur, all of which I will cover in this guide. If your LG dishwasher displays the AE error code, read on to find out what it means and how to fix it fast. 

What Does LG’s AE Error Code Mean

When you see the AE error code on the digital display of your LG dishwasher, it means there is a leak somewhere in the appliance. The leak may be caused by normal wear and tear or the failure of a component. 

Is The AE Error Code the Same As E1

Yes, the AE and E1 error code mean the same thing: there is a leak inside the dishwasher. Which code your dishwasher displays when a leak occurs depends on the model you have. 

What Can Causes the AE Error Code

Several things can cause your LG dishwasher to display the AE error code. From an actual leak inside the appliance through to a faulty component. Let me explain each possible cause, before we move onto diagnosing your specific problem and outline how to go about fixing it.

A Leak Inside the Dishwasher

The AE error code will only show if there is a leak detected inside the dishwasher. When the code appears, it means that water has overflowed into the base of the appliance below the tub. 

The cause of the leak can be anything from using the wrong type of detergent, the dishwasher not being level to a faulty float sensor, or a malfunctioning control board. 

Using The Wrong Type Of Detergent

Most modern dishwashers require the use of HE (high efficiency) detergent. This type of dishwasher detergent produces fewer suds to keep it from overwhelming the appliance. If you are using detergent pods or tablets, they contain just the right amount of detergent to clean your dishes without producing ‘excessive suds’. 

If you choose to use powdered detergent, make sure it says “HE” on the label. You also need to follow the manufacturer’s guideline for the dosage. Pods and tablets are a fixed dose of detergent whereas powdered products can be overused leading to excessive suds. 

If you look closely at the detergent compartment, you should see fill lines that tell you how much powdered detergent to use for your particular appliance. Do not exceed the limit.

Finally, if your water is overly hard or soft, you can adjust the amount of detergent you put in the appliance by approximately 20% (use more for hard water; less for soft water), but don’t go overboard as you could end up damaging some of the components inside your dishwasher, which will eventually result in the AE error code. 

Note: If you can avoid it, do not use liquid detergent in your LG dishwasher as it typically produces more suds that can potentially damage major components and cause the AE error code. 

Dishwasher Not Level

If the appliance is not leveled properly during installation, water can flow towards one side or the other in the tub and potentially overflow into the base of the unit. Check that the appliance is level using a bubbler level, making any height adjustments necessary to clear the AE error code. 

Faulty Float Sensor

Your LG dishwasher contains a float sensor that controls the amount of water that enters the appliance. If the sensor fails, it could result in too much water entering the tub, causing an overflow into the base of the unit, triggering the AE error code. 

Defective Control Board

The control board is the “brain” of the dishwasher. It controls all the electronic aspects of the unit, reading and sending signals to each component. A faulty control board can lead to all kinds of error codes including the AE code, as the appliance effectively becomes confused and misreads signals or fails to pick up any signal at all.

[LG Dishwashers] Resolving AE & E1 Error Codes On An LG Dishwasher

How to Fix LG Dishwasher AE Error Code

Now you have a basic understanding of the most common reasons we see the AE error code, let’s work through the troubleshooting process. We will start with the easiest fault to diagnose and fix and work our way towards the more complex issues. 

Depending on the nature of the AE error code showing on your LG dishwasher, you may be able to resolve the issue yourself. In some instances, such as component failure, it is available to call in a professional appliance repair technician for diagnosis and repair work. 

1. Reset the Dishwasher

The first troubleshooting step you should take when you see the AE error code is to reset the dishwasher. This will help you determine whether the issue is simply a glitch in the control board. To reset your LG dishwasher, follow the steps below. 

1. Unplug the dishwasher from the power source. 
2. Leave it for 5-10 minutes for the electric signal to dissipate.
3. Plug the appliance back in and try running a cycle. 
4. If the error code does not reappear, you are good to go. The error code was likely caused by a glitch in the control board. 
5. If the error code reappears, continue with the the next step below.

2. Check the Dishwasher Is Level

If your dishwasher is not level, water can leak from one side or the other into the base of the unit. Here’s how to check if your LG dishwasher is level. 

1. Get a bubble level.
2. Open your LG dishwasher so that the door is open as far as it goes. 
3. Place the level inside the dishwasher at the top. Note the reading. 
4. Place the level on the open door. Note the reading. 
5. Lift the door to close it, but leave it open a few inches.
6. Look at the space between the appliance and the door. Are both sides of the door the same width apart from the unit? 
7. Run a normal cycle on the appliance. After it has filled, open the door to check if the water in the bottom of the unit is equal and level from side to side. If the water leans more to one side than the other, the unit may not be level. 
8. Make any adjustments necessary to bring your appliance to a level position. 

3. Initially Check the Water Inlet, Valve and Filter

The water inlet valve opens and closes to allow water to enter into the appliance. The tiny gauze filter catches any sediment or debris in the water before it enters the dishwasher. If either of these components becomes damaged or clogged, leaking can occur, and the AE error code may be seen. To check these parts, follow these steps. 

1. Inspect the area where the water hose enters the dishwasher. If there is any leaking or you see visible damage there, the water inlet valve may need to be replaced. 
2. To check and clean the filter, remove the hose from the dishwasher and use needle-nose pliers to remove the small filter from inside the hose connector. 
3. If you can clean it, do so with a small scrub brush. If the filter is too blocked or damaged, replace it with a new filter, before reattaching the hose to the connector.

You may also like to read Dishwasher Stuck On Drain Cycle, Even When Empty

It May Be Time To Call A Professional

Diagnosing an AE error code can be tricky. It may require more time and know-how than you have. If nothing has resolved your AE error code thus far, a more serious issue is likely to blame. At this point, you may need to enlist the assistance of a trained professional to resolve the problem. 

Unfortunately, diagnosing an AE error code at this point may require dismantling the dishwasher or uninstalling it partially or completely to access the necessary parts. There is no way to visually diagnose faulty components, so they will need to be accessed and tested to find out which part is the problem. We will continue with the float sensor and the drain pan. 

Inspecting the Float Sensor and Drain Pan

Inspecting the float sensor and drain pan may give you a better idea of whether there is an actual leak or if a faulty component is to blame for the AE error code. Take the steps below to inspect this area. 

1. Turn the water to the dishwasher off. 
2. If your dishwasher has a front kick panel, remove it to see the base pan. If it doesn’t have a kick panel, you may need to take off a side panel to access the float valve and base pan. 
3. If you see water in the pan, there is a leak somewhere. If you don’t see water in the pan, it either means the water has already evaporated or that a faulty component is to blame. 

Test the Float Sensor and Drain Pan

If you can get to it, you can test the float sensor with a multimeter. 

1. Remove any standing water from the pan using a towel or sponge. 
2. Set a multimeter to “OHM” and touch the float sensor’s wires or terminals. The meter should read 0 ohms if the float is down and 1 ohm if the float is up. 

Confirm Which Component Is Leaking

Your LG dishwasher has many parts that could be leaking. Below, however, are three of the most common that can trigger the AE error code should they falter. 

Damaged Spray Arms: If the spray arms are shooting water directly at the door seal or some other component, it could cause water to drain into the base pan. 

Damaged Door Seal Gasket: The door seal gasket creates a water-tight seal around the dishwasher’s door while in operation. If this gasket is damaged or becomes cracked due to normal wear and tear, it can result in leaking which triggers the AE error code. 

Leaking From The Hoses: Water leaking from any of the hoses or their connectors can cause the dishwasher to give the AE error code. You should check the hoses periodically for wear and replace any hoses that show damage. Note: It is always better to replace a damaged hose rather than try to patch it. 

Replace or Repair Faulty Components

If, after troubleshooting the AE error code from your LG dishwasher, you determine that it is caused by a faulty component, you should contact a reputable repair technician to fix your appliance. This is especially important if your dishwasher is still under warranty. 

The AE error code can be difficult and time-consuming to diagnose, so don’t hesitate to enlist professional help if simple troubleshooting steps fail to identify the problem.

Reference

LG – AE and E1 Error Codes