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LG Dishwasher LE Error Code
Wash motor error
What's going on
The LE code on an LG dishwasher means the control board has found a problem with the wash motor. This is the motor that pushes water through the spray arms to clean your dishes. A power reset sometimes clears it, but if the code comes back, a qualified appliance technician will need to look at the motor.
During a cycle, the dishwasher's control board tells the wash motor to run and watches how it responds. If the motor does not turn, turns at the wrong speed, or stops sending the signals the board expects, the board stops the cycle and shows LE.
This matters because the wash motor does the actual cleaning. Without it, water cannot spray onto the dishes, so the dishwasher cannot finish a cycle. Error codes can vary between model generations, so check your model number against your owner's manual to confirm what LE means on your unit.
Likely causes
- wash motor — The wash motor may be worn out, stuck, or failing electrically, so it cannot run the way the control board expects. When the board sees this, it shows the LE code and stops the cycle.
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 the dishwasher off, then unplug it or switch off its breaker for a few minutes. Restore power and run a short cycle to see if the code returns.
- With the power off, look in the bottom of the tub and around the filter for broken glass, bones, or other debris. Remove any you can easily reach by hand.
- Make sure the spray arms spin freely by hand and nothing in the racks is blocking them.
- Check that you are not overloading the dishwasher or using too much detergent. Excess suds can strain the motor.
When to call a technician
If the LE code comes back after a power reset and a quick check for debris, call a qualified appliance technician. Replacing a wash motor is not a do-it-yourself job on this dishwasher.
What the repair usually costs
This is not a quote. Prices vary by region and by model.
Repair or replace?
It depends on age. This repair can cross $500, about half the price of a typical new dishwasher. If yours is near the end of a typical 10–15 year lifespan, compare replacement prices before booking a repair.
A typical new dishwasher costs about $800–$1,200.
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Common questions
- What does LE mean on a LG dishwasher?
- LE means: Wash motor error. The most likely parts involved are wash motor.
- How much does it cost to fix LE?
- A typical wash motor replacement costs about $400–$600 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.
- Should I repair or replace my dishwasher?
- It depends on age. This repair can cross $500, about half the price of a typical new dishwasher. If yours is near the end of a typical 10–15 year lifespan, compare replacement prices before booking a repair.
- Can I fix LE myself?
- Not a DIY repair. This one needs a technician with the right tools and parts.
- Can I still use my LG dishwasher with an LE code?
- Usually not. The dishwasher stops the cycle when it shows LE because it cannot spray water to clean. You may need to wash dishes by hand until the problem is fixed.
- Why did the LE code go away and then come back?
- A reset can clear the code for a while, but if the wash motor is failing, the problem often returns. A code that keeps coming back is a sign the motor needs to be checked by a qualified appliance technician.