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

By Dan Mercer · Published October 5, 2026 · Updated October 6, 2026 · Codes covered: LE, CE · Sources

Verify in your manual: LG lists LE and CE together as a motor error; codes vary by model, so check your owner's manual.

An LE code on an LG dishwasher is a motor error. It means the wash motor, the one that pumps water to the spray arms, isn't working normally. LG's own fix is a quick power reset at the breaker, and that sometimes clears it. If LE comes back, the dishwasher needs LG service. This isn't a part most owners should repair.

LG lists CE as the same error on some models, so everything below applies to both.

This 3-minute fix saved 0 homeowners a technician visit this month.

What the LE code means

LG's US support page says: "LE or CE display message is a motor error. It may indicate an issue with the motor or the wiring harness between the motor and control board."

LG's newer error-code guide puts it this way: LE "may appear when the cleaning motor is not functioning normally." LG's owner's manual troubleshooting chart calls it a "Wash motor error."

LG says the error "can usually be corrected" with a power reset, but if it persists, "the unit will require a repair service."

Not the same as an LG washer LE. On LG washing machines, LE means the motor is locked, often from an overload. That's a different appliance with a different fix. See our LG washer LE page if your code is on a washer.

Look-alike dishwasher codes:

• nE is a vario motor error. LG says it can happen when the impeller doesn't spin or dishes touch it.
• OE means the dishwasher isn't draining.
• HE is a heater error.

Likely causes (most common first)

1. A temporary glitch in the control. A power surge or brief fault can trip the code. LG's breaker reset is aimed at this.
2. A loose or damaged wiring connection between the motor and the control board. LG names the wiring harness as a possible cause.
3. Something jamming the pump. Broken glass or other debris getting past the filter can stop the wash pump's impeller from turning. This is an owner report on iFixit, not an LG statement, so treat it as a possibility.
4. A failed wash motor. LG says LE "requires inspection from a service technician."
5. A control board fault. This is less common and needs a technician to diagnose.

How to fix it, step by step

Do these in order. Try a new cycle after each step to see if LE is gone.

1. Turn the dishwasher off. Press POWER.
2. Switch off the dishwasher's circuit breaker.
3. Wait 10 seconds. That's LG's recommended reset time.
4. Switch the breaker back on.
5. Press POWER and start a new cycle. LG says this usually corrects the error.
6. Turn the power off again if LE comes back. Switch off the breaker before you reach inside.
7. Check the filter and sump area.
   • Remove the lower rack.
   • Turn the filter handle counterclockwise and lift it out, as LG's filter steps describe.
   • Look into the opening for broken glass, bones, seeds or other hard debris. Wear gloves, and remove only what you can see and reach easily.
   • Rinse the filter, refit it, and turn it clockwise until it clicks.
8. Make sure nothing blocks the lower spray arm. Spin it by hand. It should turn freely. Rearrange any dishes or utensils hanging below the rack.
9. Restore power and run one more cycle.
10. Stop and request service if LE returns. LG says that's the point where a repair is needed. Don't keep restarting it.

Test the part

There's no simple owner test for this one. The wash motor and its wiring sit under the tub. On most built-in LG dishwashers you'd have to unhook the water and drain lines and slide the unit out to reach them. LG says LE needs a service technician, and it doesn't publish an owner test or resistance values. Stick to these checks.

1. Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its breaker. Turn off the water supply under the sink too.
2. Look in the sump. With the filter out, check again for debris you missed. Use a flashlight.
3. Check the spray arms. They should spin freely and their holes should be clear.
4. Look for signs of trouble underneath. Remove the kick plate (LG's AE guide shows it held by two screws, one on each side). Look, but don't touch any wiring:
   • water under the unit
   • a burnt smell or scorch marks
   • wires that are visibly loose or pinched
5. Stop there. If you see any of those, or LE keeps returning, book service. Motor and wiring checks need the unit pulled out and the right wiring diagram, so leave them to a technician.

Never test anything with the dishwasher powered on.

Safety notes

When to call a pro

Request LG service or call a qualified appliance technician if:

• LE or CE comes back after the breaker reset.
• The motor hums, grinds or makes no sound when it should be washing.
• You notice a burning smell, smoke or water under the unit.
• You'd need to pull the dishwasher out to go further.
• It's under warranty. Check your warranty paperwork before paying for a repair.

LG US support is at lg.com/us/support or 1-800-243-0000 (from LG's US contact page). Have the model and serial number ready. They're often on a label on the side of the door or tub.

FAQ

Related

• LE in the LG dishwasher error codes table
• nE – vario motor / impeller (look-alike code)
• OE – not draining (look-alike code)
• HE – heater (look-alike code)
• LG Dishwasher AE Error Code
• LG Dishwasher OE Error Code
• Beko Dishwasher E01 Error Code
• Beko Dishwasher E02 Error Code
• Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error Code
• Bosch Dishwasher E24 Error Code
• All dishwasher error code guides