What does AE mean on a LG dishwasher?

AE means: Leak error. The most likely parts involved are leak source.

How much does it cost to fix AE?

A typical leak repair costs about $50–$300 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.

Can I keep using my LG dishwasher with an AE code?

It is best not to. Running more cycles can push more water into the base and damage your floor or cabinets. Turn off the power and water until the leak is fixed.

Why does the AE code keep coming back after I reset it?

A reset clears the code, but water may still be sitting in the base or still leaking. If the cause is not fixed, the sensor will trip again, so the leak source needs to be found and repaired.

Error codes › Dishwasher › LG

LG Dishwasher AE Error Code

Leak error

What's going on

On an LG dishwasher, the AE code means the machine has sensed water where it should not be, usually in the base under the tub. It is a leak warning, so stop running cycles, turn off the water and power, and plan to have a qualified appliance technician find and fix the leak.

Many LG dishwashers have a tray in the base under the tub with a float or sensor in it. If water collects in that tray, the sensor trips. The dishwasher then shows AE and may run the drain pump to protect your floor.

This matters because water leaking inside the base can damage your cabinets, floor, and subfloor over time. It can also reach electrical parts under the tub. The code will often keep coming back until the source of the water is found and repaired.

Codes can mean slightly different things on different model generations. Check your model number against your owner's manual to confirm what AE means on your unit.

Likely causes

leak source — Water escaping from somewhere inside the dishwasher, such as a hose, seal, or connection, drips into the base tray and trips the leak sensor. Too many suds from the wrong detergent can also overflow into the base and look like a leak.

The same code can mean different things on different model generations. Check the model number on your dishwasher's rating plate before ordering parts.

Can you fix it yourself?

Not a DIY repair. This one needs a technician with the right tools and parts.

Safe things to check first

Turn off the dishwasher at its breaker or unplug it, and shut off the water supply valve, usually under the sink, before you check anything.
Look at the floor in front of and around the dishwasher for water, and wipe up any you find.
Make sure you are using detergent made for automatic dishwashers. Regular dish soap or too much detergent can cause suds that spill into the base.
Look at the door edge and the visible part of the door gasket for food, debris, or obvious tears that could keep the door from sealing.

When to call a technician

Call a qualified appliance technician whenever the AE code appears, because finding and repairing the leak means getting under or inside the machine. Call sooner if you see water on the floor or damage to nearby cabinets.

What the repair usually costs

$50–$300

Leak repair, parts and labor — national reference range

Confidence: low (based on a single cost guide — treat as a rough guide). Plus a service call fee of about $50–$100, often credited toward the repair.

This is not a quote. Prices vary by region and by model.

Repair or replace?

Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new dishwasher.

A typical new dishwasher costs about $800–$1,200.

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Common questions

What does AE mean on a LG dishwasher?: AE means: Leak error. The most likely parts involved are leak source.
How much does it cost to fix AE?: A typical leak repair costs about $50–$300 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.
Should I repair or replace my dishwasher?: Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new dishwasher.
Can I fix AE myself?: Not a DIY repair. This one needs a technician with the right tools and parts.
Can I keep using my LG dishwasher with an AE code?: It is best not to. Running more cycles can push more water into the base and damage your floor or cabinets. Turn off the power and water until the leak is fixed.
Why does the AE code keep coming back after I reset it?: A reset clears the code, but water may still be sitting in the base or still leaking. If the cause is not fixed, the sensor will trip again, so the leak source needs to be found and repaired.