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LG Dishwasher Error Code AE

Call a professionalReviewed November 2026Checked against manufacturer documentation
What this code means
AE: Water leak detected in the base of the machine

A sensor in the shallow pan under the tub has found water where it should never be, and the machine has shut down to limit the damage; older models show the same thing as E1. It can also be tripped by heavy suds or by the wash pump racing when the tub is low on water. Turn off the water and power before you do anything else.

Also shown as: E1

Fix level
Call a professional
The checks on this page are preliminary. The likely fix involves a part, wiring or the control board.
Time to run the checks
About 25–50 minutes
For the 5 checks on this page — not a full repair.
You may need
No special tools
The checks below use basic household items only.
Parts that may be involved
Leak sensor (flood switch), Inlet hose (+3 more below)
Parts are model-specific; see the note below before ordering.

Common causes

  1. Leaking hose, pump seal or tub seal inside the machine
  2. Split or loose inlet or drain hose connection
  3. Too much foam from the wrong detergent pushing water out of the tub
  4. Machine badly out of level, letting water reach the base
  5. Faulty leak (flood) switch

What to check, in order

Safety first. Switch the dishwasher off and unplug it (or turn off its breaker) before checking hoses or filters. Expect water in the bottom of the tub and around the filter; keep a tray and towel ready. If you are not comfortable with any step, stop and call a technician.
  1. Turn off the water supply tap and the power immediately
  2. Look under and around the machine for visible water and feel hose connections for drips
  3. Check whether the tub was full of foam; if you used hand dish soap or too much detergent, let the suds die down and run a rinse with no detergent
  4. Make sure the machine sits level front to back and side to side
  5. If there is real water in the base and no obvious loose hose, do not run the machine again until a technician finds the leak

Clear the code and test

  1. Fix what the checks above found first — a filter cleaned, a hose straightened, the spray arms freed. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
  2. Close the door, plug the dishwasher back in (or restore its breaker) and make sure the water tap is open.
  3. Run the shortest programme and stay nearby for the first minutes, watching for leaks and listening for the drain pump.
  4. If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write down the code and when it appeared before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.

When to call a professional

This code usually points to a faulty part, wiring or the control board on a LG dishwasher. Run the checks above to rule out the simple causes, then book a technician — and book one straight away if any of these apply:

  • The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
  • You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
  • Water is leaking and you cannot stop it at the tap.
  • The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.

When you call, give the brand, the code AE, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.

Repair or replace?

This fault is in professional territory: the fix usually means a major part or board-level work, and the labour adds up. If your machine is already well into its service life, get the repair quote first, then compare it with the price of a current equivalent model before you decide. Paying a large share of a new machine's price to repair an old one is rarely the better deal; replacing a machine over one cheap fault is wasteful too.

Parts that may be involved

Leak sensor (flood switch)Inlet hoseDrain hosePump sealsDoor gasket

Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label inside the door, on the door frame or on the back — and match the part to that number before ordering.

Questions people ask about AE

What does AE mean on a LG dishwasher?

AE means: Water leak detected in the base of the machine. A sensor in the shallow pan under the tub has found water where it should never be, and the machine has shut down to limit the damage; older models show the same thing as E1. It can also be tripped by heavy suds or by the wash pump racing when the tub is low on water. Turn off the water and power before you do anything else.

Can I fix LG AE myself?

Only the preliminary checks. Code AE usually means a part, wiring or the control board has failed, which is a technician job. Run the checks to rule out simple causes before you book.

How do I clear LG AE?

Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.

Sources checked

The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.

Other LG dishwasher codes

LG CEMotor operation errorLG CLChild lock / control lock is on — not an errorLG CRTest mode is active — not an errorLG FEToo much water has entered the tubLG HEHeater circuit failure — wash water is not heating normallyLG IEWater is not filling, or is filling too slowlyLG LEWash (circulation) motor problem — motor stalled or not runningLG OEWater is not draining out of the tubLG PFPower failure — the cycle lost powerLG bEToo many suds (bubble error) or machine not levelLG dEDoor is not registering as closed and latchedLG nEVario (diverter) motor fault — spray is not switching between armsLG tEThermistor (water temperature sensor) failure