LG Dishwasher Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them

Last updated: October 5, 2026 · Applies to LG and LG Studio dishwashers with a digital display (codes and button names vary by model) · Sources

LG dishwashers show short codes — OE (not draining), IE (not filling) and AE/E1 (leak) are the ones most owners see, and most can be fixed without a technician. This guide covers 11 LG dishwasher codes from LG’s US support library.

LG dishwasher error code table

Switch off power before cleaning the filter or checking hoses. Drained water may be hot.

Don’t see your code? Check your owner’s manual or LG’s US support library for your model, or use LG’s 24/7 chat support.

Troubleshooting without an error code

No code on the display, but something’s not right? Work through these safe checks for the most common dishwasher problems, in order. They apply to most LG dishwashers. Switch off power to the dishwasher (unplug it or turn off its breaker) before removing the filter or touching anything under the sink.

Dishwasher won’t start

1. Check the door is fully latched — a tall item, a rack that isn’t pushed all the way in, or a utensil poking through the basket can stop it closing.
2. Check the power: reset the breaker, and if the dishwasher is plugged in under the sink, make sure the plug is seated. Some installations are controlled by a wall switch (often next to the garbage-disposal switch) — make sure it’s on.
3. Look for a lock icon or “CL” on the display — Control/Child Lock may be on. Your manual shows which button to hold to turn it off.
4. Check whether Delay Start is set (a countdown or an “h” on the display); cancel it if you want the cycle to run now.
5. On many models you press Start and then must close the door within a few seconds, or the cycle won’t begin.

Dishwasher won’t drain (standing water in the bottom)

1. Remove the lower rack and take out the filter. Clean it under running water with a soft brush — a clogged filter is the most common cause of standing water.
2. If the dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, run the disposal to clear it. On a new installation or a new disposal, make sure the disposal’s knockout plug was removed.
3. If you have an air gap on the countertop (a small chrome cap by the faucet), pull off the cover and clear any debris.
4. Check the drain hose under the sink for kinks or crushed sections, especially if items are stored under the sink.
5. Run a drain or Cancel/Drain cycle (see your manual) to check whether it drains at all.
6. LG specifies a drain hose no longer than 12 feet with its end 12–40 inches above the dishwasher base.

Dishes aren’t getting clean

1. Run the hot water at the kitchen sink until it’s hot before starting a cycle, so the dishwasher fills with hot water from the start.
2. Clean the filter, and check that the spray arms spin freely and their holes aren’t blocked by food or hard-water deposits.
3. Load so nothing blocks the spray arms or stops the detergent dispenser opening — tall pans and cutting boards are common culprits.
4. Use fresh automatic-dishwasher detergent (old powder clumps) and keep the rinse aid topped up, especially with hard water.
5. Scrape off large food scraps, but you don’t need to pre-rinse — many detergents work best with some soil to act on.
6. Choose a heavier cycle for very dirty loads and avoid overcrowding.

Dishwasher is leaking

1. Turn off the dishwasher (and its power at the breaker) before investigating, and mop up any water.
2. Use only automatic-dishwasher detergent. Hand dish soap or laundry detergent makes suds that can push water out under the door.
3. Check the door gasket for food, tears or gaps, and make sure nothing is sticking out and holding the door slightly open.
4. Check the dishwasher is level — if it tilts forward, water can reach the door seal.
5. If water comes from underneath with no obvious cause, turn off the water supply valve under the sink and call a technician.

Dishes are still wet at the end

1. Fill the rinse aid dispenser — rinse aid makes water sheet off instead of beading, and many modern dishwashers rely on it for drying.
2. Select a heated-dry or extra-dry option if your model has one.
3. Plastics hold less heat than glass and china, so they often stay damp — that’s normal.
4. Unload the bottom rack first so water from cupped items on the top rack doesn’t drip onto dry dishes.
5. Don’t overload — items need space for air and water to drain away.

Dishwasher smells bad

1. Clean the filter and the area around it — trapped food is the usual source of odors.
2. Wipe the door gasket and the bottom edge of the door, where grime collects out of the spray’s reach.
3. Run an empty hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner (follow the product label).
4. If the dishwasher drains into a disposal, run the disposal regularly so waste doesn’t sit in the drain line.
5. Leave the door slightly open between loads so the tub can dry out.

Common mistakes

Many “faults” are caused by how the dishwasher is loaded, installed or maintained. Avoid these and you’ll see far fewer codes:

• Using hand dish soap. Regular dish soap or laundry detergent creates suds that can overflow, leak under the door and trigger leak or suds codes. Use only automatic-dishwasher detergent.
• Never cleaning the filter. Many modern dishwashers use a manual-clean filter. A clogged filter causes standing water, drain codes, poor cleaning and odors.
• Blocking the spray arms or dispenser. Tall items, pan handles and cutting boards can stop the spray arms turning or the detergent door opening.
• Starting with cold water in the line. Dishwashers clean best when they fill with hot water. Run the kitchen tap until it’s hot first.
• Skipping rinse aid. Without rinse aid, many modern dishwashers dry poorly and leave spots, especially with hard water.
• Ignoring the drain path. A kinked hose, a clogged air gap, a full disposal, or a disposal knockout plug that was never removed all cause drain problems.
• Resetting instead of fixing. Cutting the power may clear the code, but not the cause. Do the checks first — and if a leak code appears, turn off the water.

Tips and tricks for LG owners

Useful LG-specific features and procedures, confirmed from LG’s own support pages and manuals. Exact buttons vary by model, so check your manual.

• Cancel & Drain. Many LG models drain on command when you hold two buttons together (for example Delicate + Dual Zone — it varies). Without that option, the first 45 seconds of any cycle is drain-only.
• OE on the first cycle = installation. LG says an OE on the very first cycle points to the drain hose being kinked, too high or too long.
• Never use dish soap. LG warns that hand dishwashing liquid creates far too many suds and can cause AE/E1, FE and bE errors.
• The milk trick for foam. For bE, LG suggests running a cycle with about 7 oz (200 ml) of milk in a shallow bowl on the upper rack to break down foam.
• CL isn’t a fault. It’s Control Lock. Hold the lock button(s) for 3 seconds to unlock.
• Power reset. For HE, LE and FE, LG’s reset is: power off, breaker off for 10 seconds, breaker on, power on and start a new cycle.

Safety note

When to call a pro

The steps above are limited to safe, user-level checks. Call LG service or a qualified appliance technician if:

• AE/E1 keeps returning with correct detergent, or the door gasket is damaged.
• HE, LE/CE, nE, tE or PE returns after a power reset.
• OE returns after the filter, hose and installation have been checked.
• Water reaches the floor, or you notice burning, smoke or sparks.

Frequently asked questions

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