On the covered LG dishwasher platform, OE means an outlet error — the dishwasher is not draining correctly. First, check the drain hose for kinks and the filter for debris. LG says water may not drain properly if the filter is clogged; clean it once every one or two weeks.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG dishwasher code OE”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A filter clogged with residue
What separates it Water pools in the tub after a cycle, which points to a filter clogged with residue
How to confirm LG says water may not drain properly if the filter is clogged; clean it once every one or two weeks
- 2
A pressed or kinked drain hose
What separates it The hose behind the unit is bent or squeezed
How to confirm Close the shut-off valve first, then straighten any pressed or kinked parts
- 3
A drain hose mounted too low
What separates it Sewer smells or sink water flows back into the tub
How to confirm The end of the hose connected to the dishwasher must be at least 30 cm above the floor
- 4
A power cut mid-cycle
What separates it There is leftover water after an outage or a tripped breaker
How to confirm Power on and restart the wash cycle; the leftover water drains when the dishwasher runs
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact characters shown on the display: OE
- How much water is left in the tub
- How long since the filter was last cleaned
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleCheck the drain hose for kinks and the filter for debris.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleClear the accessible drain path and re-run a drain cycle.
Clean the filter
ReversibleWait 30 minutes after the dishwasher stops. Remove the lower rack, turn the filter handle counter-clockwise and pull up, separate the inner and stainless steel filters, wash both in running water, reassemble and turn the handle clockwise until it clicks.
Check the drain hose
ReversibleClose the shut-off valve first, straighten any pressed or kinked parts, and check that the end connected to the dishwasher is at least 30 cm above the floor.
Force a drain
ReversiblePower on and long press the Start button for at least three seconds; the force drain runs for two to three minutes.
Know what is normal
ReversibleStanding water below the filter always remains to trap sewer smells; if water keeps pooling above the level of the filter, request service.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- OE.
- Parts named
- Filter; drain hose; shut-off valve.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Let the tub cool for 30 minutes before you touch the filter, since it is hot after a cycle
- !Request service if water keeps pooling above the level of the filter
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. The 30 cm hose height and the 3 second force drain are LG's own.
Exact questions
Common questions
What does OE mean on a LG dishwasher?+
an outlet error — the dishwasher is not draining correctly.
How often should I clean the filter?+
LG advises once every one or two weeks.
Is some water left in the bottom normal?+
Yes; water below the filter remains to trap sewer smells.
How do I force a drain?+
Power on and hold Start for at least three seconds.
How high must the drain hose be?+
At least 30 cm above the floor at the dishwasher end.