LG Dishwasher Error Codes Explained

An LG dishwasher error code points to the system that stopped the cycle: draining, water fill, a leak, heating or a motor. Codes like OE, IE, AE and bE often clear once you clean the filter, straighten a hose or switch detergent. Codes like HE, LE, tE and PE mean a part needs testing, and LG says those need a technician.

The table below uses only the codes LG publishes on its U.S. support pages. Not every code appears on every model, so check your owner's manual too. This site is an independent directory and is not affiliated with LG.

Before you check anything

Turn off power at the circuit breaker, or unplug the dishwasher, before you reach into the tub or under the sink. If you will touch the inlet hose, the drain hose or anything behind the kick panel, close the dishwasher's water supply valve. It is usually under the kitchen sink and closes clockwise. If there is no working valve, shut off the main water supply to the house.

LG suggests waiting about 30 minutes after a cycle before removing the filter so the parts have cooled.

LG dishwasher error code table

OE: the drain code

OE is one of the most common LG codes. LG uses a removable mesh filter, not a self-cleaning grinder, so food builds up in it. Twist the filter counterclockwise, lift it out and rinse it. LG suggests doing this every one to two weeks.

If the filter is clean, look for a crushed or kinked drain hose. LG specifies a drain hose no longer than 12 feet, with its end held roughly 12 to 40 inches above the floor. On a new install that drains into a disposer, the disposer's knockout plug must be removed. If your sink has an air gap, turn the dishwasher off and clear any debris from it. Our general guide to a dishwasher not draining covers each step in more detail.

IE: the water fill code

IE means the tub isn't getting enough water. LG says to confirm the house has water, straighten a kinked inlet hose, and make sure the supply valve under the sink is fully open. If all of that checks out and IE keeps coming back, a technician will test the water inlet valve. See our guide to a dishwasher not filling with water.

AE, E1 and bE: leak, overfill and suds codes

These codes often have the same root cause: too many suds. Hand dish soap, laundry detergent or too much dishwasher detergent can foam over and set off the leak or overfill sensors. LG says to use only automatic dishwasher detergent and never hand dishwashing liquid.

LG also points to an unlevel unit or a misaligned door for AE. For E1, the overfill flow switch shuts the unit off when it senses too much water. LG says it can take up to 48 hours of drying with the power off for the switch to reset. If water is on the floor, keep the supply valve closed until the leak is found. Our guide to a leaking dishwasher explains the usual sources.

Codes that need a technician

LG says HE, tE, LE and PE need a technician. HE means the heater isn't warming the water. tE is a temperature sensor fault, often a bad connection or a failed sensor. LE means the wash motor isn't running normally. PE is a water level sensor fault on certain older models. On Dynamic Heat Dry models, F31 and F35 point to the heat-dry fan motor and the heat-dry heater or sensor. F37 means the Auto Open Door isn't working.

If your LG is on Wi-Fi, its ThinQ Care feature can send diagnostic alerts to your phone. Share those with the technician.

When to call a technician

• Any of HE, tE, LE, PE, F31, F35 or F37.
• bE with no suds in the tub.
• OE, IE or nE that returns after you clean the filter and check the hoses.
• Water on the floor or under the cabinet.

Our LG dishwasher repair directory lists local companies, with city pages for Boston and Nashville, and state pages such as Georgia.

What repairs cost

Fixr lists a dishwasher service call fee of about $35 to $100, often credited toward the repair. Fixr puts drain pump replacement at about $150 to $400 and heating element replacement at about $150 to $300. HomeAdvisor lists a motor and pump assembly at about $400 to $600 and a water inlet valve at about $80 to $125. Our dishwasher repair cost guide has more, and you can browse every brand on our brands page.