LG Dishwasher Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them
LG dishwashers show codes on the display, usually along the top of the door. LG notes that codes and their meanings can differ by model, and a few apply only to certain models, such as those with Dynamic Heat Dry. If the dishwasher has stopped mid-cycle, a simple first step is to turn it off, unplug it or switch off the breaker for a minute, then start again and see whether the code returns.
LG Dishwasher Error Codes list
Outlet error: the tub is not fully draining.
Common causes: Clogged filter, kinked drain hose, drain hose end too low.
What you can try: Let the unit cool, then clean the filter. Straighten the drain hose. To pump out leftover water, hold Start for three seconds to force a drain.
Call a technician if: Water keeps pooling above a clean filter.
Inlet error: not enough water reaches the tub.
Common causes: Closed valve, kinked hose, water outage.
What you can try: Check that other faucets have water, straighten the inlet hose and, on a new install, open the shutoff valve under the sink.
Call a technician if: Supply is good and the tub still does not fill.
Leakage or overfilling detected.
Common causes: Oversudsing from hand dish soap, an unlevel unit, a misaligned door, an actual leak.
What you can try: Use dishwasher detergent only, load large items upside down and check that the dishwasher is level.
Call a technician if: Water is leaking, or the code shows with no leak or suds.
Bubble error: too many suds detected.
Common causes: Hand dish soap or too much detergent.
What you can try: Follow LG's suds-clearing method: rinse aid set to L0, no detergent, a bowl of milk on the top rack, and run Standard with extra rinse. Restore the rinse aid setting after.
Call a technician if: bE appears when there are no suds.
Heater error: water is not heating.
Common causes: Heater or heater circuit fault.
What you can try: Nothing beyond a power reset.
Call a technician if: Any time it returns.
Temperature sensor problem.
Common causes: Sensor contact issue or sensor failure.
What you can try: Power reset only.
Call a technician if: The code returns.
The wash motor is not working normally.
Common causes: Motor or motor wiring fault.
What you can try: Power reset only.
Call a technician if: The code returns.
Impeller or Vario pump issue.
Common causes: Dishes touching the impeller, or a pump fault.
What you can try: Rearrange the dishes so nothing touches the impeller, then restart.
Call a technician if: The code persists with a correct load.
Water level sensor issue on certain older models.
Common causes: Sensor fault.
What you can try: Power reset only.
Call a technician if: It returns.
Control Lock is on; this is a setting, not a fault.
Common causes: Lock activated by accident.
What you can try: Hold Half Load and Energy Saver together for three seconds on models that use that combination.
Call a technician if: Not needed.
Heat Dry fan or Heat Dry temperature problem (Dynamic Heat Dry models).
Common causes: Fan motor or drying sensor fault.
What you can try: Power reset only.
Call a technician if: The code returns.
The Auto Open door did not open.
Common causes: Something blocking the door.
What you can try: Make sure nothing in front of the door or inside is stopping it.
Call a technician if: The door still does not open on its own.
How to clear the code
To clear a code on most LG dishwashers, press Power to turn the unit off, unplug it or switch off its breaker for about a minute, then restore power and start a fresh cycle. A reset only clears the message. If OE or IE comes straight back, the drain or water supply problem is still there.
Why LG dishwashers throw suds and leak codes
Hand dish soap is the most common reason for AE and bE codes. Even a small squirt creates enough foam to trip the leak sensor in the base. If someone has used the wrong soap, clear the suds as above before deciding anything is broken.
LG dishwasher service in Metro Atlanta
When the code points to the heater, motor or a sensor, the fix means working behind panels with power present, which is a job for a technician. Mr. Fixer repairs LG dishwashers throughout Metro Atlanta. Call (678) 866-3669 or book online, and see our LG repair page for other LG appliances.
Code still showing?
Our technicians repair LG dishwashers across Metro Atlanta, usually the same day. Diagnostic from $80, credited toward your repair.
Call (678) 866-3669FAQs
How do I clear the OE code on my LG dishwasher?
Clean the filter and check the drain hose for kinks. Then hold Start for three seconds to force a drain. If water keeps pooling above a clean filter, the pump or drain path needs service.
What does IE mean on an LG dishwasher?
IE is the inlet error. Not enough water reached the tub within the expected time. Check the water valve under the sink and the inlet hose.
Why does my LG dishwasher show CL?
CL means Control Lock is on, so the buttons do not respond. It is a setting, not a fault, and it stays on after the power is turned off.
Codes and meanings vary by model and model year. Check your owner's manual for your exact model.
More error code guides
- LG Washer Error Codes
- LG Dryer Error Codes
- LG Refrigerator Error Codes
- Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes
- Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes
- Whirlpool Dishwasher Error Codes
- GE Dishwasher Error Codes
- Frigidaire Dishwasher Error Codes
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