On the covered LG dishwasher platform, AE, EI, FE means leakage or overfilling — LG's own grouping. LG publishes AE, EI and FE together as one leakage/overfilling condition. First, turn off the water supply and look for water under or behind the machine.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG dishwasher code AE, EI, FE”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Too much water supplied to the tub
What separates it AE, EI or FE shows and the machine keeps draining
How to confirm LG says the code may occur if the water supply exceeds the standard amount; load big plates and pots upside down
- 2
Oversudsing from dish soap
What separates it Suds are visible in the tub and the code appears
How to confirm Use only detergent formulated for dishwashers; LG says dishwashing liquid causes oversudsing
- 3
A machine that is not level or a door out of alignment
What separates it The dishwasher rocks, or the door does not sit flat against the seal
How to confirm If the unit is not level, LG says to request service
- 4
Water poured into the Heat Dry blower
What separates it Water was added to the wrong cap on a Dynamic Heat Dry model
How to confirm LG says pouring water into the Heat Dry blower causes the error; the water softener cap and the Heat Dry filter cap differ in size and shape
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact characters shown on the display: AE, EI or FE
- Whether any water is on the floor or under the unit
- Whether suds are visible in the tub
- Whether the model has Dynamic Heat Dry, and the full model number
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleTurn off the water supply and look for water under or behind the machine.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleCorrect the leak before running another cycle.
Let it drain and protect the floor
ReversibleLG says when an FE/AE(RE) error occurs the dishwasher keeps draining to protect the appliance and floor from leaks. If no water is on the floor but the code shows, unplug the dishwasher and request service.
Disconnect power correctly
ReversibleFor a built-in dishwasher whose plug is behind the unit, use the switch that controls its power; if it is on a power strip behind the cabinet baseboard, turn the power strip off.
Check detergent and loading
ReversibleUse only detergent made for dishwashers, never dish soap, and load big plates and pots upside down so they do not block the spray or pool water.
Check level and the cap you filled
ReversibleConfirm the unit is level and the door is aligned; on Dynamic Heat Dry models make sure salt or water went to the water softening cap and not the Heat Dry blower.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- AE, EI, FE (LG also writes AE as RE).
- Parts named
- Heat Dry blower; water softening system cap.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Keep the water supply off and unplug the unit if water is on the floor
- !If you poured water into the Heat Dry blower on a built-in dishwasher, do not pull the unit out, to avoid floor damage; request service
- !Request service if the code persists after these checks, and give them the full model number and the exact code
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. AE, EI and FE are one condition on LG's list.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does AE, EI, FE mean on a LG dishwasher?+
leakage or overfilling — LG's own grouping. LG publishes AE, EI and FE together as one leakage/overfilling condition.
Why does it keep draining?+
LG says it drains to protect the appliance and the floor from leaks.
Can dish soap cause it?+
Yes; oversudsing from dishwashing liquid can trigger the code, so use dishwasher detergent only.
What if I poured water into the wrong cap?+
Do not pull a built-in unit out; request service to avoid floor damage.