LG Dishwasher AE Error Code: What It Means and How to Fix It

Last updated: October 5, 2026 · Codes covered: AE, E1 · Sources

An AE code on an LG dishwasher means water has leaked inside the dishwasher, and it has collected in the base and lifted the float switch. Often the cause is something you can fix: too many suds from the wrong detergent, a dirty door gasket, or a dishwasher that isn't level. After that, you dry out the base pan to clear the code. If you're using the right detergent and the code keeps coming back, LG says it's time for service.

LG uses E1 for the same error on some models. LG's support page covers "AE & E1" together, so the fix below applies to both.

What the AE code means

LG says an AE or E1 code "means you have a leak inside your dishwasher activating the float switch." You have to find and fix the cause of the leak before the dishwasher will work normally again.

On models that show E1, LG describes it as part of an overfill protection system. If overfilling occurs, the flow switch triggers E1 and the dishwasher turns off to prevent water leaking outside.

LG's newer error-code guide groups this error with the fill error as "FE/AE(RE)." LG lists these causes:

• More water came in than the standard amount.
• Suds from dishwashing liquid.
• The unit isn't level, or the door is misaligned.
• A leak was detected.
• On models with Dynamic Heat Dry, someone poured water into the Heat Dry blower.

What's normal: LG says that when this error appears, the dishwasher keeps draining to protect the appliance and your floor. That's expected.

Look-alike codes: FE is LG's "excess water" fill error. bE is a bubble (oversudsing) error. IE means the dishwasher isn't filling. These codes differ from AE, but suds and fill problems can lead to any of them.

Likely causes (most common first)

1. Hand dish soap or too much detergent. LG says dishwashing liquid "will create too many bubbles" and overflow the tub. More than one pod, or filling the dispenser past the marked lines, does the same.
2. A dirty or damaged door gasket. Food or grease on the gasket, or on the tub edge where it seals, stops the door sealing.
3. A dishwasher that isn't level. Water can run toward the door and out of the tub.
4. Blocked or damaged spray arms, which can spray water where it shouldn't go.
5. Something stopping the door from closing, such as a dish or utensil sticking out.
6. A loose water connection. LG points to the 90-degree elbow at the inlet valve and the supply line as a common source of leaks.
7. Water poured into the Heat Dry blower (Dynamic Heat Dry models only) instead of the water softener.
8. Internal part faults. LG says a torn door seal or a damaged spray arm needs service. If the code keeps coming back with the correct detergent, LG says a technician needs to examine the unit.

How to fix it, step by step

Do these in order.

1. Check your detergent. Use only dishwasher detergent. Use one pod or tablet, or fill liquid or powder only to the marked line. LG's dispenser has a 15 line for light loads or soft water and a 25 line for heavy loads or hard water. If you used dish soap, switch to dishwasher detergent.
2. Clear the suds if needed. If the tub is full of foam, LG's guide for its bE bubble error gives a fix. Set rinse aid to L0, put 200 ml (7 oz) of milk in a bowl on the upper rack, and run the Standard cycle with Extra Dry and Rinse. Remember to reset the rinse aid level afterward.
3. Clean the door gasket. Wipe food and grease off the gasket and the tub edge where it seals. If it's torn, LG says service is needed.
4. Check the spray arms. Remove any buildup with a soft brush and warm soapy water.
5. Make sure the door closes properly. Nothing should stick out past the racks. LG suggests loading big plates and pots upside down.
6. Check that the dishwasher is level. Remove the bottom rack, pour about a gallon of water into the tub, and see whether it pools to one side. If it does, the dishwasher needs leveling. LG's guide recommends requesting service for this.
7. Check the water connection. Turn off the water and power. Remove the kick plate and dab a dry paper towel around the elbow joint and supply line. A wet spot means a leak. LG says to hand-tighten the elbow and then firm it up with a wrench.
8. Dry the base pan. Follow LG's steps:
   • Turn off the circuit breaker. LG says this is for your safety, because electricity could discharge through the water.
   • Remove the two screws holding the kick plate and take it off.
   • Soak up any water in the base.
   • If you can't reach the base, leave the kick plate off for 24 to 48 hours so the water can evaporate.
9. Reset and test. Turn the breaker off and back on. Then run an empty cycle.
10. Request service if the code returns with correct detergent, or if the error shows but there's no water on the floor. LG says to unplug the dishwasher and request service in that case.

Test the part

Only do this after the base pan is dry and you've ruled out suds and leveling. You'll need a basic multimeter and access below the tub. On many installs that means pulling the dishwasher out of the cabinet.

1. Turn off the power and water. Switch off the breaker (or unplug the dishwasher), and close the water valve under the sink.
2. Check that the float moves freely. The float sits in the base pan. It should drop all the way down when the pan is dry, with nothing holding it up. Make sure no water is left under it.
3. Check the float switch for continuity. Disconnect the switch's wires and set the meter to continuity or ohms. Move the float (or the switch actuator) between its resting and raised positions. As PartSelect's float switch guide describes, the reading should flip between the two extremes (zero and infinity, or continuity and no continuity) as it moves. If it doesn't change, the switch is faulty. LG doesn't publish a reading for this switch in the sources we checked, and which state is normal varies by model, so check the tech sheet for your dishwasher.
4. Look, don't measure, for leaks. With the panel off, look for water marks or mineral trails around the inlet valve, the hoses and the pump area. These point to the source.
5. Stop and call a pro if the switch tests fine but AE keeps coming back, if you see a leak from the pump, sump or tub, or if you'd need to take apart the door or the base.

Never test with the dishwasher powered on.

Safety notes

When to call a pro

Request LG service or call an appliance technician if:

• AE or E1 shows even though you're using one pod, or the correct detergent amount. LG says a technician needs to examine it.
• The error appears but there's no water leaking onto the floor.
• The door gasket or a spray arm is torn or damaged.
• The dishwasher isn't level and you can't adjust it, or it's still not level after adjusting.
• You find water coming from inside the machine.
• Your dishwasher is under warranty. Check the terms before opening it.

You can reach LG support through lg.com/us/support or at 1-800-243-0000.

FAQ

Related

• AE in the LG dishwasher error codes table
• FE – too much water (look-alike code)
• bE – bubbles (suds) (look-alike code)
• IE – water inlet (look-alike code)
• Beko Dishwasher E01 Error Code
• Beko Dishwasher E02 Error Code
• Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error Code
• All dishwasher error code guides