The LG dishwasher AE error code indicates that the float switch has been activated due to a leak in the dishwasher. This error may be displayed as E1 on certain models of LG dishwashers. It may be triggered by a faulty sensor, however it is commonly caused by using too much or incorrect detergent, a control board glitch, a worn-down door gasket, a faulty spray arm, or a faulty water inlet valve. This repair guide is designed to help you find the cause of the issue and troubleshoot it to clear the code and restore your LG dishwasher.

How Using Detergent Incorrectly Can Cause the AE Error

• Use one dishwasher pod per cycle: Your LG dishwasher is designed to use one pod at a time. Using more than one pod can lead to overflow and leaking, resulting in the AE error.
• Use the correct amount of detergent: Ensure that you are following the marked levels for correct amount of detergent to use otherwise you will have excessive suds and cause water to overflow, resulting in the AE error. In LG dishwashers, you should use the 15 Line for slightly dirty loads and the 25 Line for very dirty dishes with stuck-on food.
• Do not use dishwashing liquid: It may be tempting to reach for dishwashing liquid when you are out of pods/tablets, however, dishwashers are not designed for this. Using dishwashing liquid can lead to excessive suds and leaking.

How an LG Dishwasher That is Not Level Cause the AE Error

If your dishwasher is not level, water will not drain from the appliance. This can lead to overflow and leaking which triggers the AE error. Your dishwasher must be level for it to function properly. You can check whether it is level by placing a bubble level on the dishwasher door. The bubble should be centred within the lines and if it is not that is a signal that the appliance is not level. You can also pour water on the bottom of the dishwasher and check whether it pools to one side. If it does, this is also a signal that the washer is not level. To balance your dishwasher, you should firstly make sure that it is resting on a flat, even surface. If this does not resolve the issue, you will need to adjust the levelling legs which are found on the underside of the appliance. Turn the legs clockwise to raise their height and counterclockwise to lower them.

How a Faulty LG Dishwasher Door Gasket can Cause the AE Error

The door gasket is responsible for creating a watertight seal between the dishwasher door and tub. It prevents water from leaking out during use. It's typically made of rubber and you can find it around the perimeter of the dishwasher door. Over time, the door gasket may wear out or become damaged. If it has failed, you will need to find a replacement door gasket in order to clear the AE error. It is also possible for food and soap residue to build up on the door gaskets resulting in leakages and thereby causing the AE Error.

How to Replace the Door Gasket in Your LG Dishwasher

1. Open the dishwasher door and make note of how the old gasket is installed to help you position the new one later.
2. Carefully peel off the old gasket from around the perimeter of the dishwasher door.
3. Thoroughly clean the area where the old gasket was installed. It may be helpful to use a gentle soap or a mixture of water and vinegar to remove any stubborn residue.
4. Starting at one corner, press the new gasket in place, making sure it fits snugly all the way around. If the new gasket seems stiff, you can soak it in warm water for a few minutes before installation to make it softer.
5. Make sure the gasket is properly aligned and fully seated against the door.
6. Close the dishwasher door and check that it is properly aligned and tightly sealed.
7. Plug the dishwasher back into the power supply.
8. Run a short test cycle to ensure that the door gasket is working effectively. Check for any leaks during the cycle.

How a Faulty LG Dishwasher Float Sensor can Cause the AE Error

The float sensor is designed to monitor and control the water level inside the dishwasher. When you start a wash cycle, the dishwasher begins to fill with water and the float sensor helps monitor this process to avoid overfilling. The float sensor can trigger an alert or shut off the water supply incase of a leak or drainage issue. It is found at the bottom of the dishwasher's tub. Once the float reaches a certain level, the float sensor signals the dishwasher's water inlet valve to stop the flow of water. If it is faulty or damaged the sensor may be unable to detect the correct water levels thus resulting in the AE error.

How to Test the Float Sensor

1. Depending on your dishwasher model, you may need to remove the bottom front panel or you may be able to access the float sensor from inside the dishwasher.
2. The float sensor is typically a small, plastic device that moves up and down with the water level. It is often located near the front or side of the dishwasher's interior.
3. Carefully disconnect any wires connected to the float sensor.
4. Set your multimeter to the continuity mode, and touch the multimeter probes to the terminals of the float sensor.
5. If the multimeter beeps this indicates that the circuit is closed, and the float sensor is functioning correctly.
6. If there is no beep, then the circuit is open, and the float sensor is likely faulty.

How to Replace the Float Sensor in Your LG Dishwasher

1. Unplug the dishwasher from the electrical outlet or turn off the circuit breaker.
2. Depending on your dishwasher model, you may need to remove the lower access panel at the front.
3. Identify the float sensor and carefully disconnect any wiring or connectors attached to the float sensor.
4. Remove any fasteners holding the float sensor in place and gently lift it out.
5. Place the new float sensor in the same position as the old one and secure it in place.
6. Reconnect any wiring or connectors to the new float sensor.
7. Put the lower access panel back in place and secure it with screws.
8. Plug the dishwasher back into the electrical outlet or turn the circuit breaker back on.
9. Run a test cycle to ensure that the new float sensor is functioning correctly and the AE code has been cleared.

How a Faulty LG Dishwasher Spray Arm can Cause the AE Error

The spray arm distributes water throughout the dishwasher to rinse off and remove food particles and debris from the dishes. If the spray arm has any blockages or clogs, it may not distribute water evenly during the wash cycle. This can lead to an imbalance of water within the dishwasher, causing leaks. A damaged or warped spray arm may not spin properly, leading to uneven water distribution. This can result in water pooling in certain areas of the dishwasher, potentially causing leaks. If the spray arm itself has cracks or holes, water may escape from these openings, causing leaks.

How to Replace the Spray Arm in an LG Dishwasher

1. Begin by disconnecting the dishwasher from the power outlet.
2. Open the dishwasher door and pull out the lower rack.
3. The spray arm is typically located on the bottom of the dishwasher.
4. In some dishwashers the spray arm is secured by a locking mechanism and in others it is a nut. If it has a locking mechanism, release it by turning it counterclockwise. If there is a nut, use the appropriate tool to unscrew it.
5. Take the new spray arm and attach it in the same position where you removed the old one.
6. Secure it by tightening the locking mechanism or nut.
7. Slide the lower rack back into the dishwasher.
8. Reconnect the power to the dishwasher and turn on the water supply.
9. Run a short test cycle to ensure that the new spray arm is working correctly. Check for any leaks or unusual noises.

How a Faulty Water Inlet Valve can Cause the AE Error

The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into the dishwasher during usage. It allows water to enter during different cycles such as for tasks such as filling the tub, and rinsing. If the water inlet valve is faulty or malfunctioning, it can lead to inadequate water supply, overflow, or leakage which triggers the AE error code.

How to Replace the Water Inlet Valve in an LG Dishwasher

1. Disconnect the dishwasher from the power source and shut off the water supply to the dishwasher.
2. Remove the kick plate at the bottom of the dishwasher to access the valve.
3. Carefully disconnect the water supply line from the water inlet valve. It is recommended to have a container or towel nearby as water may spill out at this point.
4. Carefully disconnect the electrical wires connected to the water inlet valve. Take note of their positions or take a picture for reference during reinstallation.
5. Remove the mounting hardware that holds the water inlet valve in place, and carefully detach the valve from the dishwasher.
6. Position the new water inlet valve in place and secure it with the screws.
7. Reconnect the electrical wires using your notes/image from earlier.
8. Reattach the water supply line to the new water inlet valve.
9. Turn on the water supply and restore power to the dishwasher.
10. Check that the new valve is working by running a short cycle.
to ensure the new water inlet valve is functioning correctly.
11. Monitor the dishwasher for any leaks and ensure that the AE code has been cleared.

Understanding the various causes behind the AE error code will help you to quickly and easily clear the code and restore your dishwasher. By following the proper use instructions for your dishwasher as well as performing regular maintenance, you will be able to avoid this error code and keep your dishwasher running for longer. If you are in need of new LG dishwasher parts for your appliance, you can browse our wide selection of OEM replacement parts. However, if the error code is still displayed after following the troubleshooting instructions above then it is recommended to consult a repair technician or contact LG customer service.