LG Dishwasher Error Code FE
The machine detected more water than the cycle should ever need, and it usually runs the drain pump on its own to protect your floor. This normally points to an inlet valve that is not shutting off fully, so water keeps creeping in. Turn the water supply off first, then investigate.
Common causes
- Inlet valve stuck open or leaking through
- Water pressure far above the normal household range
- Stuck relay on the electronic control board keeping the valve powered
- Faulty water level sensing
What to check, in order
- Close the water supply tap and switch the machine off straight away
- Let the machine drain, then watch whether the empty tub slowly refills with the machine off; if it does, the inlet valve is passing water and needs replacing
- Check that the drain hose and filters are clear, so a slow drain is not being misread as overfilling
- Run the shortest cycle and stay nearby to see whether the code returns
- If it refills on its own or the code keeps coming back, book service for the inlet valve or control board
Clear the code and test
- 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.
- Close the door, plug the dishwasher back in (or restore its breaker) and make sure the water tap is open.
- Run the shortest programme and stay nearby for the first minutes, watching for leaks and listening for the drain pump.
- 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
Most cases are solved by the checks above. Book a technician 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 FE, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.
Parts that may be involved
Water inlet valveElectronic control boardWater level sensor
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 FE
What does FE mean on a LG dishwasher?
FE means: Too much water has entered the tub. The machine detected more water than the cycle should ever need, and it usually runs the drain pump on its own to protect your floor. This normally points to an inlet valve that is not shutting off fully, so water keeps creeping in. Turn the water supply off first, then investigate.
Can I fix LG FE myself?
Start yourself: the checks on this page cover the causes you can reach without opening the machine up. If they point to a faulty part, testing or replacing it is usually a technician job.
How do I clear LG FE?
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
- LG Help Library: washing machine error codes
- PartsTown Resource Center: LG washing machine troubleshooting codes
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.