Is your LG dishwasher displaying a code, stopping during a cycle, or refusing to start? The display code tells you which part of the wash process the dishwasher is having trouble completing.
Some LG dishwasher codes point to water supply, drainage, leaking, heating, motor, or sensor problems. Others, including CL, CR, and 2H, are normal status messages rather than appliance failures.
What do LG dishwasher error codes mean?
LG dishwasher error codes identify the system where the appliance detected a problem. OE usually indicates a drainage issue, IE or 1E means the dishwasher is not receiving enough water, AE or E1 points to a possible leak, LE or CE relates to the motor system, and HE or tE indicates a heating or temperature-sensing problem.
Check the exact code and model number
Similar characters can look different on a dishwasher display. For example, IE may resemble 1E, and tE may appear as TE. Code meanings and reset procedures can also vary between LG models, so your model-specific manual should take priority over a general guide.
Before Troubleshooting an LG Dishwasher Code
Write down the code and note what the dishwasher was doing when it appeared. A code during filling points in a different direction than one that appears during draining or heating.
- Check whether water is standing inside the tub.
- Look around and underneath the dishwasher for visible water.
- Notice whether the dishwasher filled, sprayed, heated, or drained.
- Listen for humming, grinding, repeated clicking, or pump noise.
- Confirm whether the code appeared after a power outage or installation change.
- Do not remove panels or touch internal wiring while power is connected.
Stop the dishwasher immediately if water is leaking onto the floor, you smell burning, see smoke or sparks, or hear severe grinding. Turn off the appliance, disconnect power when safe, and close its water supply if a leak is present.
Quick LG Dishwasher Code Guide
Dishwasher will not drain: OE
Dishwasher will not fill: IE or 1E
Possible leak or water in the base: AE or E1
Too much water inside the dishwasher: FE
Excess detergent foam: bE
Motor or motor-wiring problem: LE or CE
Heating or temperature problem: HE or tE
Diverter or spray-direction problem: nE
How to Reset an LG Dishwasher
A power reset can clear a temporary control interruption, but it will not repair a blocked drain, active leak, failed motor, damaged sensor, or heating problem.
- Press Power to turn the dishwasher off.
- Turn the dishwasher circuit breaker off.
- Wait at least 10 seconds.
- Turn the circuit breaker back on.
- Restart the dishwasher and watch whether the same code returns.
Do not repeatedly reset an AE, E1, or FE code without checking for leaking or overfilling. Shut off the water supply and arrange service if water continues entering the dishwasher or appears underneath it.
If the same error returns after one proper reset, record when it appears during the cycle. That information can help a technician identify the affected system.
LG Dishwasher Water and Drain Error Codes
OE: Drain Error
The dishwasher did not remove water within the expected time.
Common causes
- Food or debris in the dishwasher filter
- Kinked or blocked drain hose
- Incorrect drain-hose installation
- Blocked sink drain or garbage-disposal connection
- Drain pump or wiring problem
What you can check: Clean the removable filter, inspect the accessible drain hose for kinks, and check whether the kitchen sink drains normally. If the dishwasher was recently installed with a garbage disposal, confirm that the disposal connection was prepared correctly.
IE or 1E: Water Inlet Error
The dishwasher did not receive enough water during the filling stage.
Common causes
- Closed or partially closed water valve
- Kinked inlet hose
- Low household water pressure
- Blocked inlet screen
- Faulty inlet valve, sensor, or wiring
What you can check: Confirm that the dishwasher water valve is fully open and that the inlet hose is not bent, frozen, or crushed. Arrange service if the valve is open and the code continues.
AE or E1: Possible Leak Detected
The dishwasher detected water where it should not be, often in the base beneath the wash tub.
Possible causes
- Leaking hose, pump, valve, or tub connection
- Damaged or obstructed door seal
- Incorrect detergent creating excessive foam
- Dishes directing water toward the door
- Improper installation or levelling
What to do: Stop the dishwasher, shut off its water supply, and look for visible leaking around the door, hoses, and floor. Do not continue resetting the machine if the code returns.
FE: Overfill Error
The dishwasher detected more water than expected inside the appliance.
Possible causes
- Water inlet valve not closing
- Water-level sensor problem
- Drainage problem
- Control or wiring fault
What to do: Turn the dishwasher off and close its water supply. If water continues entering the appliance while it is off, keep the supply valve closed and arrange repair.
bE: Excessive Bubbles or Suds
The dishwasher detected excessive foam. Hand-washing liquid, too much detergent, or detergent residue can produce bubbles that interfere with normal washing and drainage.
On some models, levelling can also contribute to a bE display, so check the manual for the exact appliance.
What you can check: Use only automatic dishwasher detergent in the recommended amount. Do not add more detergent. Follow the manual’s rinsing or cycle-cancellation procedure to remove remaining suds.
LG Dishwasher Motor, Heating, and Sensor Codes
LE or CE: Motor System Error
The control detected a problem with the wash motor, motor operation, or the wiring between the motor and control system.
Possible causes
- Motor cannot turn normally
- Damaged motor wiring or connector
- Control-system fault
- Foreign object affecting the circulation system
What you can try: Perform one proper power reset. If the code returns, stop using the dishwasher and arrange diagnosis. Motor testing requires access to internal electrical and mechanical components.
HE: Heating Error
The dishwasher did not heat the water correctly or detected an unexpected heating condition.
Possible causes
- Heating element problem
- Temperature sensor problem
- Damaged wiring or connector
- Electronic-control fault
What you can try: Reset the dishwasher once. Professional testing is recommended if HE returns, dishes remain cold and wet, or the cycle stops during heating.
tE or TE: Thermistor Error
The dishwasher is not receiving a normal water-temperature reading from its thermistor or temperature-sensing circuit.
Possible causes
- Failed thermistor
- Loose or damaged wiring
- Electronic-control problem
What you can try: Reset the appliance once. A returning tE code normally requires electrical testing rather than cleaning or adjustment.
nE: Diverter or Vario Motor Error
The dishwasher detected a problem with the mechanism that directs wash water between different spray zones or spray arms.
Possible causes
- Diverter motor cannot move correctly
- Position sensor problem
- Wiring or connector fault
- Control-system problem
What you can try: Complete one power reset. If nE returns, the diverter system should be professionally diagnosed.
PF: Power Failure During the Cycle
PF means electrical power was interrupted while the dishwasher was operating. It may appear after a household outage, tripped breaker, loose connection, or unstable electrical supply.
Check the following:
- Confirm that other kitchen appliances have power.
- Check the dishwasher breaker.
- Restart the cycle after power is stable.
- Arrange electrical or appliance service if PF appears without a known outage.
Do not repeatedly reset a breaker that continues to trip. A recurring trip can indicate an electrical problem that needs professional attention.
LG Dishwasher Display Codes That Are Not Faults
Not every message on an LG dishwasher display means the appliance has failed.
CL: Control Lock or Child Lock
CL means the control-lock feature is active. Use the control-panel button identified for Control Lock and hold it for the time shown in your owner’s manual.
CR: Cycle Reset
CR usually appears while the dishwasher is cancelling, resetting, or draining an interrupted cycle. Allow the reset process to finish before selecting another cycle.
2H: More Than Two Hours Remaining
2H is a time display, not an error. It means more than two hours remain in the selected cycle or delayed-start period. The display should change to minutes when less than 100 minutes remain.
Numbers Such as 01–24
A number shown before the cycle begins may represent the selected delay-start time. Check whether Delay Start is active before treating the number as an error.
Why an LG Dishwasher Error Code Keeps Returning
A code that returns after a reset normally means the dishwasher is still detecting the original problem. The code identifies the affected system, but it does not always identify the exact failed component.
- OE can be caused by the filter, hose, sink connection, drain pump, wiring, or installation.
- IE can result from the water valve, hose, household pressure, inlet valve, sensor, or control.
- AE or E1 may be triggered by a component leak, excess suds, loading, the door seal, or installation.
- LE or CE may involve the motor, wiring harness, connector, mechanical obstruction, or electronic control.
- HE and tE can involve the heater, thermistor, wiring, water conditions, or control system.
What Not to Do When an LG Dishwasher Shows an Error
- Do not repeatedly reset an active leak or overfill code.
- Do not run the dishwasher when water is leaking onto the floor.
- Do not use ordinary hand-washing liquid in the dishwasher.
- Do not force a blocked pump or spray arm with a tool.
- Do not remove the lower access panel while power is connected.
- Do not test internal wiring, heaters, or motors without proper equipment.
- Do not replace a control board solely because an error code appears.
When to Call an LG Dishwasher Repair Technician
Cleaning the filter, checking accessible hoses, confirming the water valve, correcting detergent use, and completing one power reset are reasonable first steps. Professional service is recommended when:
- The same code returns after a proper reset.
- Water is leaking underneath or around the door.
- The dishwasher will not stop filling.
- Standing water remains after the filter and hose are checked.
- The wash motor hums, grinds, or does not circulate water.
- The dishwasher will not heat or dry properly.
- LE, CE, HE, tE, or nE keeps returning.
- The breaker trips repeatedly.
- You smell burning or see electrical damage.
Alpha Tech provides LG appliance repair and dishwasher repair in Toronto and the GTA.
What a Technician Checks During the Service Visit
The technician will begin by confirming the exact code, model number, and point in the cycle where the problem appears. Mention any recent installation, plumbing work, power interruption, detergent change, leaking, or unusual noise.
Depending on the code, testing may include:
- Water inlet pressure and valve operation
- Filter, drain hose, sink connection, and drain pump
- Door seal, hoses, pump housing, and leak sensor
- Wash motor and circulation performance
- Diverter motor and spray-zone operation
- Heating element and temperature sensor
- Wiring, connectors, and electrical supply
- Electronic-control operation and stored errors
This process helps identify the actual failed component instead of replacing parts based only on the displayed code.
Check the Official Information for Your LG Model
LG updates its support information as appliance designs change. Use the model and serial number from the dishwasher label when checking the manual or official troubleshooting instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does OE mean on an LG dishwasher?
OE means the dishwasher did not drain within the expected time. Check the removable filter, accessible drain hose, kitchen sink drain, and garbage-disposal connection before arranging pump diagnosis.
What does IE or 1E mean on an LG dishwasher?
IE or 1E means the dishwasher did not receive enough water. Confirm that the water valve is open and the inlet hose is not kinked, frozen, or crushed.
What does AE or E1 mean on an LG dishwasher?
AE or E1 indicates a possible leak or water detected in the dishwasher base. Stop the appliance, close its water supply, check for visible leaking, and arrange service if the code returns.
How do I reset an LG dishwasher error code?
Turn the dishwasher off, switch its circuit breaker off for at least 10 seconds, restore power, and restart the cycle. Do not use repeated resets to ignore a leak, overfill, motor, or heating code.
Is CL an error on an LG dishwasher?
No. CL normally means Control Lock or Child Lock is active. Use the marked control-lock button and the instructions for your model to deactivate it.
When should I call a technician for an LG dishwasher code?
Book service when the same code returns after a reset, water is leaking, the dishwasher will not fill or drain, or the code involves the motor, heater, thermistor, diverter, wiring, or electronic controls.
Is Your LG Dishwasher Code Still Returning?
An error code identifies the affected system, but testing is often required to find the exact failed component.
Alpha Tech Appliance provides LG dishwasher diagnosis and repair for homeowners across Toronto and the GTA.