LG Dishwasher AE Error — What It Means and Why It Happens
The AE error on an LG dishwasher is an automatic protection or “auto error” alert that signals the machine has detected an abnormal condition related to water handling, sensors, or internal electronics. It can appear during fill, wash, or drain cycles and often causes the dishwasher to pause or stop entirely to prevent damage or flooding. Common user impacts include interrupted wash cycles, incomplete rinsing or drying, standing water in the tub, increased cycle times, and in some cases the risk of water leaks or electrical faults if left unaddressed.
This code can be triggered by several root issues: a stuck float or debris in the float housing falsely indicating a leak, clogged inlet screens limiting proper water flow, a failing water inlet valve, malfunctioning pressure or leak sensors, problems with the drain pump or sump, or faults on the main control board or wiring harness. Hard water deposits, excess suds from using the wrong detergent, and impact damage from improper loading can also create conditions that lead to an AE message.
Common Causes
- Leaky tub or door seal — Water collecting in the base triggers leak-detection sensors.
- Stuck or obstructed float/float switch — Debris prevents the float from moving freely.
- Clogged inlet screen or low water pressure — Insufficient or irregular water supply.
- Faulty water inlet valve — Valve fails to open/close properly, causing overfill or underfill.
- Blocked drain or failing drain pump — Causes water to remain in the sump and trigger safety logic.
- Faulty pressure sensor / water level sensor — Incorrect level readings cause automatic shutdown.
- Control board or sensor wiring issue — Short, loose connector, or damaged harness causing false error state.
- Excessive suds or incorrect detergent — Foam can leak into float areas or affect sensors.
Troubleshooting Steps
- Power & safety first — Turn off and unplug the dishwasher, or switch off the breaker. Turn off the water supply to the unit before inspecting internal components.
- Clear visible water — Remove standing water from the bottom of the tub and base pan with towels or a shallow pump; water in the base can keep the AE triggered until fully dried.
- Check the door seal and tub — Inspect gasket and tub for cracks or areas where water could escape; tighten or replace worn seals.
- Inspect and free the float assembly — Locate the float/float switch (usually at the bottom of the tub), clear debris and ensure it moves freely up and down.
- Examine the inlet screen and supply hose — Turn off water, disconnect supply, and clean the inlet screens/filters; verify adequate household water pressure.
- Test drain pump and check for clogs — Remove and inspect filters and sump area for debris, and ensure the drain hose isn’t kinked or clogged.
- Run a manual diagnos