LG dishwasher AE error: what it means and how to fix it

What AE means

The dishwasher thinks water has leaked or overflowed into the base. It may run the drain pump on and off until the leak condition is gone.

LG’s troubleshooting table for AE states: “Water leakage — Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher and call an LG Electronics Customer Information Center…” and notes the unit may run the drain pump intermittently and may power back on automatically until the AE error is resolved. (manual p38)

Safety first

Shut off the water supply to the dishwasher. If you need to inspect the base, unplug the dishwasher and turn off the circuit breaker before removing the kick plate.

Stop and call for service if:

• You see active leaking you can’t quickly stop by shutting off the water supply.
• The AE error returns after leveling, correct detergent use, and drying any water from the base.
• You are not comfortable removing the kick plate or working around water near electrical parts.

Common causes

• Actual water leakage (water reaching the base/float switch area).
• Dishwasher not level or not properly supported by the leveling feet, which can cause front leaks and trigger AE.
• Oversudsing/overflow from using the wrong detergent type or too much detergent (including dish soap/extra detergent), allowing water/suds to reach the base area.

How to fix it

1. Confirm the dishwasher is properly leveled: use a level inside the tub and at the front, make sure the left/right door-to-tub gaps match, then run a Normal cycle and check after the initial fill that water is not pooling to one side.
2. Verify detergent use: use only automatic dishwasher detergent and use the correct amount (don’t use hand dish soap or overfill). This can prevent oversuds/overflow that may trigger AE.
3. If you suspect water in the base, power off safely before checking: unplug the dishwasher and turn off the circuit breaker.
4. Remove the kick plate and look for accessible standing water in the bottom middle area; soak it up with paper towels. If the base isn’t visible from the front, leave the kick plate off for 24–48 hours to help any water evaporate.
5. Restore power to reset: turn the breaker back on, plug the dishwasher in, and power it on.
6. Run an empty cleaning cycle to clear remaining detergent/suds and see whether AE returns.
7. If AE returns after the checks above, stop DIY and arrange service—this indicates an ongoing leak/overflow condition.

When to call a technician

• Turn off the water supply and contact LG support if AE is displayed (ongoing water leakage condition). (U.S.A. 1-800-243-0000; Canada 1-888-542-2623)
• If the unit powers back on automatically and keeps draining/pumping until the AE condition is resolved, service is needed if you can’t resolve it by leveling/correct detergent/drying the base.
• If you have repeated AE after verifying leveling and detergent use, the dishwasher likely needs repair for a continuing leak.

From the owner's manual

• LG Dishwasher Owner's Manual (abridged), page 20 (Leveling Dishwasher): “Failure to do so can result in leaks from the front of the dishwasher, AE errors, difficulty in closing the door, or failure to operate.”
• LG Dishwasher Owner's Manual (abridged), page 38 (Error Messages): “Problem: AE · Possible Cause & Solution: Water leakage Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher and call an LG Electronics Customer Information Center at 1-800-243-0000 (U.S.A.) or 1-888-542-2623 (Canada). The…”
• LG Dishwasher Owner's Manual, page 20 (Leveling Dishwasher): “Failure to do so can result in leaks from the front of the dishwasher, AE errors, difficulty in closing the door, or failure to operate.”
• LG Dishwasher Owner's Manual, page 48 (Error Messages): “Problem: AE · Possible Cause & Solution: Water leakage Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher and call an LG Electronics Customer Information Center at 1-800-243-0000 (U.S.A.) or 1-888-542-2623 (Canada). The…”
• LG Dishwasher Owner's Manual, page 22 (Leveling Dishwasher): “Failure to do so can result in leaks from the front of the dishwasher, AE errors, difficulty in closing the door, or failure to operate.”
• LG Dishwasher Owner's Manual, page 52 (Error Messages): “Problem: AE · Possible Cause & Solution: Water leakage Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher and call an LG Electronics Customer Information Center at 1-800-243-0000 (U.S.A.) or 1-888-542-2623 (Canada). The…”

Repair videos

• [LG Dishwashers] Resolving AE & E1 Error Codes On An LG Dishwasher, LG USA Support (3:45)
  • 0:24 Check dishwasher leveling
  • 1:16 Verify detergent type and amount
  • 2:02 Power off before checking base
  • 2:31 Remove kick plate and check base
  • 2:56 Restore power to reset
  • 3:12 Run an empty cleaning cycle
• LG Dishwasher AE Error? 5 Fixes That Work (90% Success Rate!), Simply Swider (8:52)
  • 0:38 Dry the base pan completely
  • 1:46 Fix oversuds from wrong detergent
  • 2:54 Inspect and clean/replace door gasket
  • 3:41 Check spray arms for cracks/clogs
  • 4:34 Level the dishwasher to prevent leaks
  • 5:38 Test the float sensor (rare)
• How to Fix the LG Dishwasher AE Error Code, Vancouver Appliance Service Pros (1:31)
  • 0:08 Understand what AE means
  • 0:25 Look for visible water leaks
  • 0:33 Inspect and clean door gasket
  • 0:41 Check float moves freely
  • 0:49 Inspect water inlet valve
  • 0:57 Check drain hose for kinks
  • 1:05 Power reset the dishwasher