One thing LG dishwashers have that is so good is their built-in self-diagnostic which allows you to find an error code that tells you about a hidden fault. It’s essential, however, to know how to clear LG dishwasher error codes once you view them, and that’s where this guide comes in.
What is the date of the article? The date of the article is the 24th of November 2023.
In most cases, LG error codes are cleared by a power reset, where you power off the dishwasher and flip off the circuit breaker for at least 10 seconds. Once the seconds are over, you should restore power and start a new cycle.
However, if the LG dishwasher error code doesn’t clear from this fix, you should find its meaning and identify its possible trigger. That’ll help you address it accordingly, and I will help you by discussing 13 common LG dishwasher error codes and their troubleshooting.
The goal is to identify the meaning of the error code, its cause, and the applicable fix. So, let’s dive in!
In a rush? Consider the summary below to fix your LG dishwasher error code quickly!
How to Clear LG Dishwasher Error Codes – Quick Guide
| – | Error code | Meaning | Troubleshooting |
| 1. | LE | Motor Error | Reset the dishwasher and if the error won’t clear, call a pro |
| 2. | HE | Heater error | Reset the dishwasher and if the error won’t clear, call a pro |
| 3. | U46 | Stuck button or control board malfunction | Free any stuck buttons and reset the dishwasher |
| 4. | PF | Power failure | Reset the dishwasher and if the error won’t clear, call a pro |
| 5. | FE | Fill error | Reset the dishwasher and if the error won’t clear, call a pro |
| 6. | TE | Thermal fault | Reset the dishwasher and if the error won’t clear, call a pro |
| 7. | OE | Drain issue | Unkink the drain hose, clean the drain filter and air gaps, and replace a faulty garbage disposal. |
| 8. | AE | Leak detected | Level the dishwasher, un-obstruct the spray arms, clean the door gasket, and avoid detergent overuse. |
| 9. | CL | Active Child/Control Lock | Disable Child/Control Lock |
| 10. | 6E | Wrong detergent or unlevelled unit | Use the correct detergent and ensure the dishwasher is well leveled |
| 11. | NE | Vario motor fault | Reset the dishwasher and if the error won’t clear, call a pro |
| 12. | U40 | Unlatched door | Check the door to ensure it closes well |
| 13. | IE | Low water level | Adjust the pressure to 20-120 psi, level the dishwasher, melt any frozen part, and correctly install the drain hose(10-12 inches above the dishwasher’s bottom) |
13 Common LG Dishwasher Error Codes to Clear
Below are the 13 most typical LG dishwasher error codes, meaning, causes, and troubleshooting.
1. LG Dishwasher Error Code LE
Meaning – Motor error
The error code LE pops up when there is an issue with the dishwasher motor. If that’s not it, it could be an issue with the wiring harness between the dishwasher motor and the main control board.
Note that this dishwasher may also appear as CE.
Troubleshooting:
Consider power-resetting the dishwasher, which you can do using these steps:
- Power off the dishwasher (by pressing the power switch)
- Then flip off the circuit breaker
- Wait at least 10 seconds to flip the circuit breaker back on and power the dishwasher.
- Start a new cycle to see if the error code is still present
- If it is, call a pro
2. LG Dishwasher Error Code HE
Meaning – Heater error
Expect the error code HE to appear when the heater won’t heat the dishwasher water and, in some cases, when the water overheats above 1490F. That shows an issue with the heater, which you should address.
Troubleshooting:
Just power-reset the dishwasher using the above-discussed steps, and if the error code won’t go, call a pro.
3. LG Dishwasher Error Code U46
Meaning – Stuck button or control board malfunction
An LG dishwasher may show the U46 error code indicating a stuck button or a malfunctioning main control board.
Troubleshooting:
Check for any stuck button and tap around it to release it. It may also mean cleaning off any dirt obstruction around it. However, if the issue is not a stuck button, power-reset the dishwasher to fix a possible control board malfunction.
4. LG Dishwasher Error Code PF
Meaning – Power Failure
Expect the error code PF to appear on your dishwasher if there’s an issue with the power supply. That includes a power outage, a power surge (which trips the breaker), an ungrounded appliance, or the use of an extension cord (instead of plugging into the wall socket).
Troubleshooting:
Ensure your dishwasher has power, is grounded and plugged into the wall socket, not the extension cord, and reset the breaker if it’s tripped off.
5. LG Dishwasher Error Code FE
Meaning – Fill error
Usually, an LG dishwasher will tell you when it detects too much water. In such a case, the FE error code will appear.
Troubleshooting:
Just power reset the dishwasher to see if the error code will go. If it doesn’t, call a pro.
6. LG Dishwasher Error Code TE
Meaning – Thermal fault
The TE error code indicates an issue with the dishwasher’s thermistor. In most cases, the heating temperature is above 1940F.
Troubleshooting:
Consider power resetting the dishwasher. If the error doesn’t clear, involve an expert.
7. LG Dishwasher Error Code OE
Meaning – Drain issue
Expect the OE error code to appear on your LG dishwasher if there’s an issue with its drainage. That is if the dishwasher won’t drain, and it could be due to any of these issues:
- Kinked drain hose
- Clogged drain filter
- Obstructed air gap
- Wrongly-installed garbage disposal
Troubleshooting:
Inspect the drain hose for kinks and stretch them out. Clean the drain filter and air gap if clogged, and replace the garbage disposal if it was wrongly fitted.
8. LG Dishwasher Error Code AE
Meaning – Leak detected
You can expect the AE error code, which may sometimes appear as code E1, to pop up when the dishwasher identifies a possible leak. In such a case, the leak activates the float switch, which triggers the error code.
Overall, the cause of the leak and error code could be any of these:
- Unlevelled dishwasher
- Obstructed spray arms
- Clogged door gasket
- Incorrect detergent
Troubleshooting:
Level the dishwasher if it’s out of balance and clear any obstruction or clog from the spray arms and door gasket. If the dishwasher forms too many suds, ensure you use the correct detergent and don’t overuse it.
9. LG Dishwasher Error Code CL
Meaning – Active Child Lock or Control Lock
The Child Lock or Control Lock function locks all the controls on the dishwasher’s control panel except the power button and door switch to prevent unintended access, especially to bar the kids.
Once this function is on, the code CL may appear. So, this is incidentally not a fault code but just a status code – it tells you the current state of your LG dishwasher (a non-working touchpad).
Troubleshooting:
Since you can’t run your dishwasher while the control panel is locked, you should disable the Control/Child Lock. The easiest way to do that is to press the Dual Zone option on the control panel for at least 3 seconds.
This reset may, however, fail to work on some models and so if it doesn’t work on yours, check your manual to see how you can disable Control/Child Lock,
10. LG Dishwasher Error Code 6E
Meaning – Wrong detergent or unlevelled washer
The 6E error code, which may also appear as BE on some models, indicate that you are using the wrong detergent or the dishwasher is out of balance.
Troubleshooting:
If your dishwasher produces excess suds, the problem is with the detergent. So, re-check to ensure you use the recommended option and the correct amount. And if the dishwasher appears to be out of level, adjust its feet to ensure it’s even and steady.
11. LG Dishwasher Error Code NE
Meaning – Vario motor fault
The AE error code will pop up on your LG dishwasher if the Vario motor malfunctions. In such a case, the motor fails to control the dishwasher’s spray arms.
Troubleshooting:
Try to power-reset the dishwasher, and if the error code remains, call a pro to check the Vario motor.
12. LG Dishwasher Error Code U40
Meaning – Unlatched door
If your dishwasher detects the door is not well latched, it’ll alert you using the U40 error code. That means you should check the door as a cabinet could obstruct it, or the dishwasher might be wrongly positioned.
Troubleshooting:
Ensure the dishwasher is correctly positioned to prevent the cabinet from obstructing the door as it opens. But if that’s not the issue, check for a possible stuck key and free it, as it could be stopping the dishwasher door from latching correctly.
13. LG Dishwasher Error Code IE
Meaning – Low water level
The IE error code may appear when your LG dishwasher detects a low water level. It mostly means that the water level didn’t get high enough during the initial 10 minutes of filling up, and it could be due to any of these reasons:
- Improper leveling
- Low water pressure (below 20 psi)
- Winter weather, which freezes the water line
- Wrong drain hose installation, which interferes with the drainage
Troubleshooting:
Start by ensuring your dishwasher is well-balanced and adjust the water pressure to 20-120 psi if that’s not the case. If any part is frozen, use a towel soaked in hot water to de-thaw it and ensure the drain hose is 10-12 inches off the dishwasher’s bottom.
Others
Other codes worth knowing are:
- LG Dishwasher Error Code D32 – The D32 error code is not as common on dishwashers as on washing machines and often indicates an unlatched door. In most cases, the fault is a broken door latch that needs replacing.
- Code 2H – 2H is not an error but a status code showing the remaining time.
- CR Code – CR is also not an error code but pops up when the dishwasher is in test mode. So, you should wait for the test mode to complete.
What are some common issues with LG dishwashers?
What other troubleshooting steps can I take for specific error codes on my LG dishwasher?
For specific error codes on your LG dishwasher, it is recommended to consult the troubleshooting manual for your model. However, some general troubleshooting steps you can try include ensuring the dishwasher is correctly leveled, adjusting water pressure, checking for obstructions or incorrect positioning, and verifying proper installation of the drain hose. If the error codes persist, it may be necessary to call a professional for further assistance.
Are there any other common issues I should be aware of with LG dishwashers?
Yes, there can be other common issues with LG dishwashers. Some examples include error codes like 6E, NE, U40, and IE. These codes indicate different problems such as using the wrong detergent, unbalanced dishwasher, motor malfunctions, low water level, and unlatched door. It’s important to consult your specific model’s troubleshooting manual for accurate troubleshooting instructions.
How do I reset my LG dishwasher?
To reset your LG dishwasher, you can follow these steps:
What should I do if I get error codes on the control panel of my LG dishwasher?
If you encounter error codes on the control panel of your LG dishwasher, resetting the dishwasher can help clear most of the error codes. Try resetting the dishwasher to see if it resolves the issue.
How do I solve issues such as not draining and water leakage with my LG dishwasher?
To solve these issues, you can try resetting your LG dishwasher. Resetting the dishwasher can often resolve problems like not draining and water leakage.
Here are some common issues with LG dishwashers:
1. LG Dishwasher Error Code 6E: This error code indicates that you are using the wrong detergent or the dishwasher is out of balance. To troubleshoot, ensure you use the recommended detergent and correct amount, and adjust the dishwasher’s feet to level it.
2. LG Dishwasher Error Code NE: This error code appears when the Vario motor malfunctions, causing the dishwasher’s spray arms to not be controlled. Try power-resetting the dishwasher, and if the error code persists, call a professional to check the Vario motor.
3. LG Dishwasher Error Code U40: If the dishwasher detects that the door is not well latched, it will show the U40 error code. This could be due to a cabinet obstructing the door or incorrect positioning of the dishwasher. Troubleshoot by ensuring the dishwasher is correctly positioned and checking for a stuck key that may be preventing proper latching.
4. LG Dishwasher Error Code IE: This error code indicates a low water level. It could be caused by improper leveling, low water pressure, winter weather freezing the water line, or wrong drain hose installation. Troubleshoot by balancing the dishwasher, adjusting water pressure, de-thawing any frozen parts, and ensuring the drain hose is positioned properly.
Other codes worth knowing are:
– LG Dishwasher Error Code D32: This indicates an unlatched door, usually caused by a broken door latch that needs replacement.
– Code 2H: This is not an error but a status code showing the remaining time.
– CR Code: This appears when the dishwasher is in test mode.
It’s important to note that while these are common issues, it’s always advisable to consult your dishwasher’s troubleshooting manual for model-specific instructions. Remember, these common issues may vary as models change, so having the manual on hand will provide accurate guidance.
Closing Thought:
Now you know how to clear LG dishwasher error codes, and the above 13 are the ones you’ll most likely find. However, if a different code pops up, check your manual before involving LG or a dishwasher expert.
Since these models keep changing, the problems are likely to change too, and that’s why you can’t overlook the importance of your troubleshooting manual. What you have above doesn’t replace it but only simplifies it.