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LG dishwasher error codes: what each one means

This LG dishwasher error code list covers common display codes for fill, drain, leak, heater, motor, sensor, and dry system issues. Use the first check to rule out safe setup or use issues before you contact a repair company.

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Reading the code

LG dishwasher codes appear on the control display or as a lock icon on some models. Before a homeowner check, unplug the dishwasher or switch off its circuit, then restore power only after the safe check is complete; CL can usually be cleared by holding the Control Lock button pair, often Half Load and Energy Saver, for at least three seconds, and OE standing water can be force drained by holding Start for at least three seconds. CL, PF, Cd, and St are status messages on supported models rather than parts faults.

Have the model number ready

The company will ask for it first. It's on a sticker or metal plate, usually in one of these spots:

Where the model tag usually is on a dishwasher12
  1. Open the door: on the left or right edge of the tub or door
  2. Some models: on the top edge of the door

LG dishwasher error codes

LG says codes differ by model; PE is for certain older models, and F31, F35, and F37 apply only to models with Dynamic Heat Dry or Auto Open Door.

15 codes

CodeWhat it meansCheck firstUsually
AE / E1 / EIThe leak float or overflow protection has been triggered, often from a leak, oversudsing, poor leveling, or water entering the wrong dry system opening. Full guide →Unplug the dishwasher, look for water on the floor, wipe food buildup from the door gasket, and stop using dish soap or excess detergent.Often a home check
OEThe tub did not drain fully within the expected time. Full guide →Unplug the dishwasher, let the tub cool, clean the tub filter, and check the visible drain hose under the sink for kinks.Often a home check
IEThe dishwasher did not receive the expected amount of water during fill. Full guide →Unplug the dishwasher, confirm the water supply valve is open, and straighten any visible kink in the inlet hose.Often a home check
bEThe control detected excessive suds that could cause leaking. Full guide →Unplug the dishwasher, remove visible suds, and use only detergent made for automatic dishwashers before running another cycle.Often a home check
LEThe wash or cleaning motor is not functioning normally. Full guide →Needs a technician because LG identifies this as a cleaning motor not operating normally.Usually a technician
FEThe control detected more water than the standard amount in the dishwasher.Unplug the dishwasher and turn off its water supply if the tub keeps filling or water appears on the floor.Often a home check
HEThe dishwasher is not heating water as expected or the heater circuit has failed.Needs a technician because this is an internal heater circuit fault.Usually a technician
tEThe temperature sensor reading is out of range or the sensor circuit is failing.Needs a technician because the temperature sensor circuit needs diagnosis.Usually a technician
nEThe vario pump impeller is not spinning normally, sometimes because dishes are touching the impeller. Full guide →Unplug the dishwasher, reload dishes so nothing is touching the impeller, and restart the cycle.Often a home check
PEThe water level sensor has reported an abnormal reading on certain older models.Needs a technician because the water level sensor or related circuit needs diagnosis.Usually a technician
F31On models with Dynamic Heat Dry, the heat dry fan motor is not operating.Needs a technician because the heat dry fan motor or its related parts require internal diagnosis.Usually a technician
F35On models with Dynamic Heat Dry, the dishwasher cannot measure the heat dry component temperature.Needs a technician because the heat dry heater or temperature sensor requires internal diagnosis.Usually a technician
F37The Auto Open Door feature did not function normally.Unplug the dishwasher and clear any object near the door; if F37 returns, the auto open door parts need a technician.Often a home check
CLThe control panel is locked; this is a status message, not a parts fault. Full guide →Hold the model's Control Lock button or button pair for at least three seconds.Often a home check
PFPower was cut during a cycle; this is a status message unless it repeats without an obvious power interruption.Press Start/Pause to resume after confirming power is stable at the plug or circuit.Often a home check

Don't see your symptom?

Describe it on the phone. The company on the other end works on these every day and will know what to ask.

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Common questions about appliance repair

How do I reset an LG dishwasher error code?

Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its circuit, then restore power after the safe first check is done. If the code returns during the next cycle, write down the exact code and contact a repair company.

What if an LG dishwasher code keeps coming back?

A returning code usually means the control still detects the condition, such as poor draining, a leak, too much suds, or an internal part fault. Stop using the dishwasher if water is leaking or the machine keeps draining, and have a technician diagnose it.

Why do older LG dishwasher manuals show different codes?

Codes vary by model and display style. Some older manuals list E1 for a leak and PE for a water level sensor issue, while newer feature sets add codes such as F31, F35, and F37.

Are CL, PF, Cd, and St LG dishwasher errors?

CL is Control Lock and PF means power was interrupted, so they are status messages rather than parts faults. On models with those features, Cd can mean a drying or storage fan function and St can mean UV sterilization.

Still showing the problem after the checks?

Call and describe what you tried. You'll be connected with an independent repair company near you.

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