Sometimes, the LG dishwasher suddenly stops working during a dishwashing cycle. The display board of the dishwasher shows the AE error code. The self-protection system of the LG dishwasher diagnoses this error and immediately stops the dishwasher.
What Does AE Error Code Mean?
AE error code on an LG dishwasher indicates water leakage inside the appliance. The leak sensor in the dishwasher senses the water leakage, and a combination of symbols arises from it. A floating element in the appliance gets activated, if water is present in the sump. It sends some signals to the control board, and AE code appears immediately over display.
Usually, the AE error code appears for short-term due to water leakage. You can reset this error code by unplugging the dishwasher for 10-15 minutes and then plugging in it again. But for resetting, it’s better to dry the bottom of the dishwasher.
Remove the screws to loosen the latch at the bottom panel of the LG dishwasher. Access the pallet and drain the liquid present on it. After draining, use a towel to remove the remaining moisture. In this way, you can wash a few more dishes if the cycle is interrupted midway. If water buildup and AE error code appear again, check the causes for leakage and apply the solution accordingly.
9 Possible Causes of Error AE
If error code AE appears, you need to check from where water is leaking. After accessing the leakage point, you can find a better solution to this problem. Here are the possible causes for error AE on LG dishwashers and their solutions.
Cause 1: Large Quantity of Detergent
One of the main reasons for the AE error code appearing on the LG dishwasher is the use of a massive amount of detergent. Adding an excessive amount of detergent into the dishwasher will create more foam than necessary. The foam will flow to the bottom of the dishwasher and turn on the floating switch. The floating button sends a signal to the control panel, and the AE code will appear.
Solution
The solution to this problem is very simple. You need to minimize your detergent quantity. After resetting and drying the dishwasher’s bottom, you can start a new cycle. In the new cycle, you should add less amount of detergent than before.
Cause 2: Blocked Inlet Valve
If the inlet valve of the dishwasher is clogged, then it doesn’t help in draining water out of the dishwasher. As a result, water buildup inside the dishwasher triggers error code AE.
Solution
The possible solution is to clean the inlet valve. But if it is faulty, it’s better to replace it than clean it. Especially if rust particles are present inside the water inlet valve, replacing the valve is the best solution. A general method for changing the water inlet valve is given here.
- Turn off the power and water supply to the dishwasher.
- Remove the bottom access panel with a screwdriver.
- Access the water inlet valve and unscrew it also with a screwdriver.
- Disconnect the wire harness attached to the inlet valve.
- Carefully remove the black rubber hose with a towel.
- Tale out the water inlet valve from its place.
- Replace the faulty inlet valve with the new one in reverse order.
Cause 3: Clogged Drain Hose
A clogged drain hose could be another reason for water leakage inside the dishwasher. Food particles and other sediments can cause drain hose blockage. It triggers error code AE, and the dishwasher stops working.
Solution
It would help if you cleared the cloggy drain hose to resume water drainage. The drain hose of the LG dishwasher could be located under your sink or behind the dishwasher. Access the drain hose and thoroughly inspect it to check if something is blocking it.
If you find any debris, use a scrub brush to clean the drain hose. You can also rinse it with water for cleaning. Also, check the drain filter located at the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Unscrew the bottom panel with a screwdriver.
- Access the drain filter.
- Remove the filter manually with the help of a towel.
- Rinse the filter with water for thorough cleaning.
- Reassemble the filter and bottom panel.
Cause 4: Broken Drain Hose
The drain hose of your LG dishwasher should be intact, and the seals should be tight for proper water drainage. If the seal connections are loose or the drain hose is broken, it can cause water leakage in the dishwasher. Error code AE will appear after sensing water overflow in the dishwasher.
Solution
The drain hose gets damaged at the dishwasher base, where water is usually collected. If the drain hose pipe is worn out or broken, you should replace it with the new one. Depending upon your dishwasher model, the cost of replacing the drain hose will vary between $30-$70. You may take professional help to replace the drain hose.
Cause 5: Problem with Water Sensor
If the water sensor of your LG dishwasher is blogged or broken, then it may induce error code AE on display. The water sensor keeps the water level right with the correct temperature to wash dishes in the dishwasher. Any fault in the water sensor level directly affects the water level and can cause water to overflow inside the dishwasher.
Solution
To resolve the water sensor problem, you have to clean and replace the clogged or faulty water sensor.
- Unplug the dishwasher from the power source.
- Remove the water sensor from the housing.
- Rinse the sensor with water if you find any blockage.
- Use a multimeter to check the connectivity of the water sensor.
- If it shows a faulty reading, then you should replace it with the new one.
- Call a technician to change your damaged water sensor.
The overall cost for changing the water sensor will be around $30.
Cause 6: Defective Spray Arm
If the spray arm nozzle is placed in the wrong direction, it can cause error code AE in LG dishwashers. The holes present in the spray arms are clogged with time. Ultimately this will cause a changed water flow direction. It usually happens when boiling water inside the dishwasher delaminates the spray arms. The water scattered in different directions as a result of defective spray arms.
Solution
If the problem is in your dishwasher’s spray arms, you have to replace them. The cost of replacing spray arms is around $20 or more. You can also replace the spray arms by yourself.
- Turn off the dishwasher and remove the upper basket.
- Access the spray arm present at the bottom of the upper basket.
- By twisting the spray arm, you can easily remove it.
- Install the new arm in the allocated place by putting a little pressure.
- You can remove the lower spray arm by accessing the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Pull out the faulty spray arm with a firm grip.
- Replace it with the new one with a bit of push.
Cause 7: Old or Worn Out Door Seals
The rubber door gasket always remains in contact with humidity and intense chemicals. This prolonged contact leads to the cracks, warps, and breakage of door seals. The door latch will poorly close in this case. Water will start collecting in the bottom panel of the dishwasher. As a result, AE code will appear on display.
Solution
The only solution to this problem is to change your LG dishwasher door seal. If you want to change the door seal, you need to follow the given steps.
- Cut off the power supply to the dishwasher.
- Remove the screws of the inner bolt with the help of a screwdriver.
- Remove the bottom rack and front wall carefully.
- Take out the worn-out door seal by pulling it out with little pressure.
- Install the new door seal in place of the old ones.
- Reassemble the panels and plug in the dishwasher.
Cause 8: Faulty Leakage Sensor
LG dishwashers have a small floating switch present at the bottom panel. If this switch gets wet, it immediately sends a signal and triggers error code AE on the dishwasher. It also happens when the bottom panel of the dishwasher is completely dry. It indicates that the leakage sensor is out of order.
Solution
You should be sure of the problem, whether a faulty leakage sensor causes AE or something else. That’s why; thoroughly check the wiring and all connections of the leakage sensor. You can use a multimeter to check its connectivity. If you find it defective, then you should replace it.
You should seek professional help in changing the faulty leakage sensor. It will cost you around $10.
Cause 9: Defective Control Box
Any defect in the main control box of the LG dishwasher will also lead to the error code AE on display. You have to check if repairing the control board will work, or you have to replace the entire control board.
Solution
Check; if your control board’s processor is in order, you only have to repair it rather than replace it, but if it is out of order, you will have to replace the entire control board. Call a professional to change the control board.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to reset the LG dishwasher after the AE code appearance?
Turn off the circuit breaker to cut the power supply to the dishwasher. Remove the water present at the bottom of the dishwasher and let the remaining water evaporate. Turn on the dishwasher again and run an empty cycle without dishes. If the error code persists after resetting, then you need to contact a technician to fix the issue.
2. How can you force drain your LG dishwasher?
You can force drain your LG dishwasher by pressing and holding the Delicate + Dual Control buttons simultaneously. These buttons could vary according to your dishwasher model. Now press the Cancel and Drain option. If your model doesn’t have this option, run a cycle for 45 seconds and turn off your dishwasher.
3. Why is my LG dishwasher blinking AE?
AE is an error code that appears on LG dishwashers when there is water leakage inside the dishwasher. It could have various reasons behind it. But if your dishwasher is facing an overflow of water, it will trigger an AE error code on the dishwasher. As a result, the dishwasher will stop working immediately.
4. Is there any reset button on the LG dishwasher?
No, there isn’t any reset button on the LG dishwasher. But you can reset it by pressing and holding the power button present on the control panel for 10 seconds at least. After that, run an empty cycle to check the functioning of the dishwasher.
5. What is LG Dishwasher CL Code Feature?
The CL feature prevents the child from getting close to the dangerous and moving parts of the dishwasher. LG provides this feature also on its washing machines along with dishwashers. Read more here.
