LG Dishwasher Error Codes: What Do They Mean?

While LG has a good reputation for making high-quality appliances, from time to time, your LG dishwasher may have an issue that stops it from working correctly. Fortunately, if the dishwasher has an issue, it is designed to display an error code that will tell you what the problem is. By reading our LG dishwasher error code guide, you can diagnose and possibly fix the problem yourself. If you are unsure how to fix the issue, contact a trained technician to fix it for you.

Error codes can usually be cleared by disconnecting the power to the dishwasher for a few minutes.

What does a buzzing sound mean?

A buzzing sound when the dishwasher door is opened is a warning that the inside of the dishwasher is very hot. If you open the dishwasher right after a cycle has finished, you will likely hear this alarm. If it is not occurring because of the high temperature, the control board or temperature sensor may need to be replaced.

What does 2H mean?

If you see 2H on your LG dishwasher, it is not an error code, it means that there are at least two hours remaining for the cycle. As soon as there are 99 minutes or fewer remaining, the 2H will change to 99 and begin counting down until the cycle is complete.

What does CL mean?

CL means that the dishwasher’s child lock or control lock has been activated. Instructions for deactivating the child lock or control lock differ from model to model, so you will likely need to consult the dishwasher’s manual to turn it off. However, if your dishwasher has a Dual Zone button, hold the button down for three seconds to deactivate (and activate) the child lock.

On many LG dishwashers, the child lock is activated by selecting a cycle and holding down the Rinse and Spray buttons for three seconds.

LG Dishwasher Error Codes

AE: Possible leak

An LG dishwasher AE error code means that the dishwasher may be leaking. If you cannot see any signs of a leak, there may be excess water in the base of the dishwasher, usually under the bottom panel where there is a basin and a leak sensor. 

Dishwasher leaks or triggering of the leak sensor often occurs because of too much detergent being used, damaged spray arms, a damaged door gasket, or a hose or pump blockage.

bE: Wrong detergent or the dishwasher is not level

If the dishwasher detergent is not appropriate for the dishwasher, perhaps because of using dish soap rather than dishwasher detergent, a bE error code may appear on the display. If you have used the correct detergent, the dishwasher may not be level. A leveling tool should be used to make sure the dishwasher is level. Adjust the dishwasher’s leveling legs to correct the issue.

Excess soap suds in the dishwasher indicate the wrong detergent was used and will trigger the bE error code. LG recommends placing a bowl with 4-7 ounces of milk on the dishwasher’s upper dish rack and running an Auto cycle to remove the suds.

CE: Motor Error

An LG dishwasher CE error code indicates a defective motor or a loose motor wiring harness. You may be able to clear the error code and continue using the dishwasher by disconnecting the dishwasher from the power for ten seconds. However, if the error code returns, the motor and its wiring harness will need to be checked and repaired or replaced to stop the error code from returning again.

E1: Possible Leak

See error code AE above.

FE: Fill Error

An LG dishwasher FE error code indicates that there is too much water in the dishwasher. The most common causes of this error code are a defective water inlet valve, faulty float switch, or a drainage issue.

HE: Heater Failure

An LG dishwasher HE error code indicates that the dishwasher was unable to heat the water or that the water temperature exceeded 149 degrees Fahrenheit. The dishwasher’s heating element has most likely failed and will need to be replaced to fix the issue.

IE: Slow or Inadequate Water Supply

An LG dishwasher IE error code indicates that the water level in the dishwasher was not high enough after ten minutes of filling. The error code can be caused by poor water pressure, the drain hose not being installed to the correct specifications, or the dishwasher not being level.

LE: Motor Error

An LG dishwasher LE motor error indicates a problem with the motor. See error code CE above.

nE: Vario Motor Error

An LG dishwasher nE error code indicates the motor that controls the spray arms has an issue. The nE error code can usually be cleared by disconnecting the power to the dishwasher for a few minutes.

However, if the error code returns, the motor will need to be checked with a multimeter to determine if it has failed and needs to be replaced. Before replacing the motor, make sure the error code is not caused by a loose wiring harness or a foreign object interfering with the motor.

OE: Drainage Problem

If you are seeing OE on your LG dishwasher display, the dishwasher is having trouble draining. The error code can be resolved by checking for food debris in the bottom of the dishwasher or dishwasher filter, making sure the drain hose is not kinked or clogged, checking the air gap, or making sure the drain pump is not clogged or defective.

PF: Power Failure

An LG dishwasher PF error code means that there has been an interruption to the power supply. It can be caused by a power cut, or the dishwasher not having a dedicated circuit breaker at 120v, 60Hz, AC only, with a minimum of 15 amps. Using an extension cord in powering the dishwasher or the dishwasher not being grounded can also cause the PF error code.

The error code can usually be cleared by pressing any key on the control panel and waiting 10 seconds for it to clear. If this fails, try disconnecting the power for a few minutes.

TE: Thermal Error

An LG dishwasher TE error code indicates a water temperature above 194 degrees Fahrenheit or an issue with the thermistor. Most often, the thermistor will need to be replaced to fix the problem.