Seeing a blinking code on your LG dishwasher and wondering what went wrong? Don’t stress. These codes are like a text message from your machine, pointing to one of a few key problems—and most can be fixed without calling a repairperson.
Common Error Codes & What They Mean
- IE — Inlet Error (not enough water)
- OE — Outlet Error (won’t drain)
- AE or E1 — Leak Detected
- FE — Overfill (too much water)
- bE — Bubble Error (too many suds)
- LE or CE — Motor or circulation problem
- HE — Heater or temperature issue
- tE — Thermistor or temp sensor fail
- nE — Vario‑pump or diverter motor fail
- CR — Continuous run (test mode)
- PF — Power failure or interruption
- CL — Child lock is on (not an error)
🛠️ Why These Errors Happen & How to Fix Them
IE – No Water Coming In
Your washer didn’t get enough water in 10 minutes. Check if the water supply valve is open, the hose is bent or frozen, and the water pressure is above 20 psi. Also, avoid using flood‑safe hoses—they can block proper delivery. If all looks good but IE repeats, the inlet valve or control board may be faulty. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
OE – Won’t Drain
This means water couldn’t leave. Check the drain hose for bends or blockages, inspect the air gap or garbage disposal outlet, and clean filters and empty pump area. If blockage isn’t the issue, the pump or wiring may be at fault. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
AE / E1 – Leak Detected
This is more serious. Some water likely leaked into the base tray and tripped the flood sensor, or your motor speed was too high on low water. Unplug the machine, dry the base, and inspect hoses, door seals, the pump area and connections for leaks. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
FE – Too Much Water
Water filled above normal levels, and the pump is draining automatically to protect the floor. If that repeats, check for a stuck inlet valve or faulty control board. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
bE – Too Many Suds
This happens if you used hand-washing liquid or too much detergent. Stop the cycle, wipe out any suds, and run again with the right type of detergent—or use a glass of milk in the upper rack to absorb foam. Reset rinse aid to zero for that cycle. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
LE / CE – Motor Problem
These codes relate to the circulation motor (the part that moves water around). It may be jammed, blocked, or the wiring may be loose. If cleaning the pump area doesn’t help, it likely needs replacement. Press power off, wait, and restart—if the error persists, call service. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
HE / tE – Heating or Sensor Error
HE means either the water didn’t get hot enough or overheated above safe levels. tE specifically points to the thermistor (temperature sensor). Try resetting power, and if it returns, the heater or sensor may be faulty. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
nE – Diverter or Vario Motor Fault
If your LG model has a Vario spray arm system, nE means the diverter motor isn’t moving correctly or is unplugged. Check wiring and motor connections. If it still fails, replacement is needed. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
CR – Test Mode
This isn’t an error — it means the unit is in test or demo mode, often used by technicians. To exit, turn off power for a minute, then restart normally. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
PF – Power Interruption
Power failure happened mid-cycle. Clear it by pressing any button and waiting a few seconds for the display to reset. Don’t use extension cords and make sure the dishwasher is on a dedicated circuit. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
CL – Child or Control Lock
Not a fault—means buttons are locked. Open the door and press & hold the lock or rinse and spray buttons for 3 seconds to turn it off. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
🧾 Quick Troubleshooting Summary
| Code | Problem | What to Try First |
|---|---|---|
| IE | No water inlet | Ensure valve on, hose straight, pressure OK |
| OE | Drain failure | Clear hose, check pump & filters |
| AE / E1 | Leak or water in base | Dry base, inspect seals & hoses |
| FE | Overfill | Check inlet valve & control board |
| bE | Excess suds | Use correct detergent, add milk if needed |
| LE / CE | Motor error | Clean or replace circulation motor |
| HE / tE | Heater issue | Reset power, test thermistor/heater |
| nE | Vario motor fail | Inspect diverter wiring, replace motor if needed |
| CR | Test mode | Power cycle to reset unit |
| PF | Power failure | Restart cycle after power restored |
| CL | Control lock active | Press and hold lock buttons to unlock |
🏡 Why These Happen—And What You Can Do
Most LG dishwasher faults are simple: use wrong detergent, hose bends, or sensor triggers. Using the wrong soap can cause a bE error, while a sagging hose may trigger IE or OE codes. Things like leaks or motor faults often happen with age or after using harsh cleaners.
Start with easier fixes like using proper detergent, cleaning filters, or ensuring hoses are clear. Power-down resets often fix HE, tE, or PF. But if an error persists after simple fixes, it’s time to consider replacing parts—or calling a technician.
🔧 When to Call a Professional
- If you get AE/E1 or FE repeatedly—even after drying and cleaning.
- If there’s no water flow (IE) after verifying hoses and pressure.
- If motor, heater, or diverter faults repeat after resetting.
- If error codes come on with no visible cause after resets.
✅ Final Takeaway
LG dishwasher error codes make troubleshooting easier. Most errors point to a familiar cause—no water (IE), no drain (OE), too many suds (bE), overfill (FE), or leaks (AE/E1). Use proper detergent, level the unit, and keep hoses clean. That solves most problems.
If an error persists after simple fixes—especially motor, heater, or leak warnings—it may be time for part replacement or professional help. But knowing what the codes mean saves time and avoids unnecessary service calls.
Need help with a specific error code on your LG model—or troubleshooting steps for a particular issue? I can help you step by step!