Complete List of LG Dishwasher Error Codes and Quick Fixes

LG Dishwashers are a godsend, they have made our lives so much easier by taking away the most boring chore that no one wants to do. But, this convenient appliance sometimes throws tantrums or just doesn’t work. With this, it starts to send messages in numerical alphabets that are called error codes. So, when your LG dishwasher displays an error code, simply know that it is trying to tell you something specific about what’s wrong. You should understand these codes as they will save you time, money, and frustration by helping you troubleshoot problems before you even call for a technician. We bring you this detailed guide that explains every LG dishwasher error code and provides practical solutions that you can easily try at home.

At a Quick Glance

Error Code	Problem	Quick Fix
IE (1E)	Water Not Filling	Check the water supply valve, clean the inlet filter.
OE	Drainage Issue	Clean drain hose, inspect drain pump.
HE	Heating Problem	Verify hot water supply, check heating element.
LE	Motor Malfunction	Redistribute dishes, reset dishwasher.
AE,F1,FE	Water Leak Detected	Check door seal, level dishwasher, reduce suds.
tE, E1	Temperature Sensor Issue	Reset dishwasher, check sensor wiring.
NE, E9, PE	Pump Motor Failure	Remove obstructions, inspect pump motors.
bE, DE	Control Panel Issue	Press all buttons, dry panel, reset power.
CL	Child Lock Activated	Press and hold the Child Lock button for 3 seconds.
PF	Power Failure	Restart dishwasher, check electrical connections.

Common LG Dishwasher Error Codes List

Water-Related Error Codes

IE or 1E Error Code

This error indicates a water intake problem. Your dishwasher is not getting enough water to work properly.

Possible Causes:

The water supply valve is closed or partially open.
Kinked or blocked inlet hose.
Clogged inlet filter screen.
Low water pressure in your home.
Faulty water inlet valve.

Quick Fixes:

Check that the water supply valve is fully open.
Inspect the inlet hose for kinks or blockages.
Clean the inlet filter screen located where the water hose connects to the dishwasher.
Verify your home has adequate water pressure (should be at least 20 psi).
If all else fails, the water inlet valve may need replacement.

OE Error Code

This indicates a drainage problem. The dishwasher is unable to drain water properly.

Reasons Behind this Issue:

Clogged drain hose or filters.
Improper drain hose installation.
Blocked drain pump.
Faulty drain pump motor.

Quick Fixes:

Clean the appliance’s filters fully.
Check the drain hose for kinks, bends, or any blockages.
Make sure the drain hose is properly installed (should have a high loop or air gap).
Clean the drain pump filter of any debris or food particles.
Inspect the drain pump for proper operation.

HE Error Code

This code shows up when the dishwasher detects a water heating failure.

Possible Explanations:

Faulty heating element.
Temperature sensor malfunction.
Control board issues.

Quick Fixes:

Verify that hot water is supplied to the dishwasher.
Run hot water in your sink before starting the appliance.
If the problem continues, the heating element or temperature sensor might need replacement.

Mechanical and Sensor Error Codes

LE Error Code

If this shows up, then there is a motor operation problem.

Likely Causes:

Motor overloaded due to a lot of dishes or improper loading.
Motor malfunction
Control board issues

Quick Fixes:

Make sure the dishes are not blocking the spray arms from rotating.
Redistribute to avoid overloading.
Check the spray arms if there are any blockages.
Reset the dishwasher by disconnecting power for 10-15 minutes.

AE, F1, or FE Error Codes

These codes relate to water leakage or overflow detection.

Typical Causes:

Water leak in the base of the dishwasher.
Excessive suds from using the wrong detergent.
Faulty water level sensor.
Dishwasher not level causing improper water distribution.

Quick Fixes:

Checks for leaks around the door seal.
Use only dishwasher-specific detergent, never dish soap.
Make sure the machine is properly leveled.
Check the float switch in the base of the appliance.

tE or E1 Error Code

This means there is a temperature sensor problem.

Common Causes:

Faulty temperature sensor
Wiring issues between sensor and control board
Control board malfunction

Quick Fixes:

Reset the appliance by shutting off the electricity for some minutes.
If the error continues, professional service may be needed.

NE, E9, or PE Error Codes

These error codes tell you about the pump motor issue.

Underlying Problems:

Obstructions in the pump
Motor burnout
Electrical connection issues

Quick Fixes:

Check for and remove any foreign objects in the pump area.
Reset the appliance by cutting off power.
If problems continue, you might need to replace the pump.

Control System Error Codes

bE or DE Error Code

This means either a button or the control panel has malfunctioned.

What Could Be Causing It:

Stuck button on the control panel.
Control panel moisture or water damage.
Electronic control board failure.

Quick Fixes:

Check all the buttons to make sure none are stuck.
Dry the control panel if moisture is present.
Disconnect the electrical supply for 10-15 minutes to reset the system.

CL Error Code

This is actually not an error but a notification that Child Lock is activated.

Solution:

Press and hold the Child Lock button for 3 seconds to deactivate.

PF Error Code

This shows a power failure or interruption occurred during a cycle.

Solution:

Simply press the Start/Pause button to resume the cycle.
If the errors continue, check your home’s electrical system.

How to Reset Your LG Dishwasher?

When troubleshooting fails to fix the issue, a system reset does. Here’s how you can do it:

Turn off the machine.
Disconnect the appliance from power (unplug or turn off the circuit breaker).
Wait 10-15 minutes to allow internal parts to fully discharge.
Restore the electricity and turn the machine back on.
Select a new cycle and press start.

This reset process clears any temporary electronic glitches and can solve many error codes.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance reduces the chance of coming across error codes. Follow these tips to keep your LG dishwasher running smoothly:

Clean Filters Monthly: Remove and rinse under warm water to clear food dirt.

Inspect Spray Arms Once in Three Months: Make sure holes are not clogged with mineral deposits.

Regularly Inspect Door Seals: Wash with mild soap and water to avoid any leaks.

Use Dishwasher Cleaner: Do a cleaning cycle every month to clear out any buildup.

Do not Overload: Provide sufficient gaps between dishes to facilitate adequate water flow.

Scrape Plates: Remove large food particles before loading.

Signs You Need Professional Help

While many LG dishwasher error codes can be resolved through DIY troubleshooting, some situations need a technician’s help:

Continuous error codes that return after troubleshooting.
Error codes related to electrical components (tE, E1, AE).
Water leaking from the base of the machine.
Burning smells or unusual noises when working.
Multiple error codes appearing at the same time.

Professional technicians have special and diagnostic tools to safely address complex issues, particularly those including electrical parts or internal water systems.

Conclusion

Knowing LG dishwasher’s error codes will help in identifying and solving the problems quicker. That too, without any expensive service calls! With the help of the error code lists and troubleshooting processes that we suggested above, you will be able to fix these issues and maintain your machine in its best condition for a long time. Along with this, don’t forget to read your user manual because new LG dishwashers can have some other different error codes or repair process. If this turns out to be a continuous problem, then Barton Appliance Repair’s technicians can offer your model-specific guidance. You can easily schedule a service appointment with a certified professional.

Complete List of LG Dishwasher Error Codes and Quick Fixes