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Error code guide

LG Dishwasher Error Codes: IE, OE, AE, bE, HE & More

LG dishwashers use two-letter codes for water supply, drain, leak and heating problems. The supply, drain and suds codes are often caused by something simple — a closed valve, a clogged filter or the wrong soap — while heater, sensor and motor codes need a technician. Codes can differ by model, so check your manual too.

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Summary of LG Dishwasher Error Codes
CodeMeaning
IEInlet error — the water level didn't get high enough within the fill time.
OEOutlet error — the dishwasher isn't draining.
AE / FELeak or overfill — water detected where it shouldn't be, or too much water.
bEBubble error — too many suds.
HEHeater error — the water isn't being heated.
tETemperature sensor malfunction.
LEWash motor malfunction.
CLNot an error — Control Lock is on.

IE — Inlet error

Inlet error — the water level didn't get high enough within the fill time.

Common causes

  • Closed or partly closed supply valve
  • Kinked inlet hose
  • Low water pressure
  • Failed inlet valve

Try this first

  • Open the supply valve under the sink fully
  • Straighten the inlet hose

When to call: If water supply is good, the inlet valve likely needs replacing.

OE — Outlet error

Outlet error — the dishwasher isn't draining.

Common causes

  • Clogged filter
  • Kinked drain hose
  • Drain hose not raised high enough
  • Failed drain pump

Try this first

  • Clean the filter (LG recommends weekly)
  • Straighten the drain hose and make sure it loops up at least about 12 inches (30 cm) above the floor

When to call: If the filter and hose are clear, the drain pump is the next suspect.

AE / FE — Leak or overfill

Leak or overfill — water detected where it shouldn't be, or too much water.

Common causes

  • Oversudsing from hand dish soap
  • Dishwasher not level
  • Door misaligned
  • Leaking hose, pump or seal

Try this first

  • Use only dishwasher detergent
  • Check the dishwasher is level and the door closes squarely

When to call: If it returns with the right detergent, there's a leak to find and fix.

bE — Bubble error

Bubble error — too many suds.

Common causes

  • Hand dish soap or the wrong detergent
  • Too much rinse aid or detergent

Try this first

  • Use only powder or tablet dishwasher detergent — never hand dish soap
  • Run a rinse cycle to clear the suds

When to call: Usually no service needed.

HE — Heater error

Heater error — the water isn't being heated.

Common causes

  • Failed heater
  • Wiring or control fault

Try this first

  • None — it's an electrical fault

When to call: Needs a technician.

tE — Temperature sensor malfunction

Temperature sensor malfunction.

Common causes

  • Failed sensor
  • Wiring problem

Try this first

  • Reset the dishwasher once

When to call: Needs a technician to test the sensor.

LE — Wash motor malfunction

Wash motor malfunction.

Common causes

  • Wash motor problem
  • Debris or a jammed impeller
  • Wiring or control fault

Try this first

  • Reset the dishwasher once

When to call: If LE returns, the motor needs testing.

CL — Not an error

Not an error — Control Lock is on.

Common causes

  • Control lock turned on, often by accident

Try this first

  • On many models, press and hold the two buttons marked for Control Lock for about 3 seconds; check your manual

When to call: No service needed.

How to reset

Switch off the dishwasher's breaker (or unplug it) for a minute, then restore power and restart. If the code comes straight back, the fault is still there.

Codes vary by model and year. Check your owner's manual for your exact model — if a code isn't listed here, call us and we'll look it up.

Still stuck? We repair LG dishwashers across Clearwater and all of Pinellas County — see LG repair.

Last reviewed 2026-10-07 by Mako Appliance Repair.

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