LG AE Error Code: Leak Inside the Dishwasher

High severity

An AE code paired with water under or inside the dishwasher means the base pan's float switch has already done its job and shut the unit down before the leak got worse.

Applies to: Most LG dishwasher models with a digital control panel; AE and the equivalent E1 code appear on the same lineups depending on firmware and display generation.

What it means

A leak inside the dishwasher has activated the base pan's float switch, and the unit stops itself to prevent further water damage.

LG's support page is blunt about the response: once AE (or E1) triggers, the machine keeps draining on its own to protect the appliance and your floor, which is why you'll often find the tub already empty by the time you open the door to investigate.

Common causes

The dishwasher isn't level, letting water pool to one side instead of draining normally
Damaged or dirty door gasket letting water escape during the wash
Damaged or blocked spray arms causing uneven water distribution
Excess suds from using dish soap or too much detergent, which can overflow the tub

What you can check yourself

Check that the dishwasher is level using a bubble level and adjust the feet if needed
Clean the door gasket and remove any trapped food debris
Remove and check spray arms for blockages or damage
Confirm you're using dishwasher pods or powder, not liquid dish soap, and the correct detergent amount
Remove the kick plate at the bottom front and dry out the drain pan, then reset the breaker

Call a professional when

If you've addressed leveling, the gasket, and detergent use and AE still appears, there may be an actual plumbing or tub leak that needs a technician to locate. Because this is a water-damage risk rather than a simple part swap, it's worth paying the typical $70–$130 diagnostic call fee to get eyes on it instead of resetting the breaker repeatedly and hoping it clears on its own.

LG bE — oversudsing, one of the more common triggers behind an AE leak reading
LG OE — a drain-side fault in the same water system
Dishwasher Leak Detected / Water Under the Unit — the same symptom across brands

Sources

LG USA Support – AE & E1 Error Code (Dishwasher)

This site is an independent reference, not a substitute for a licensed appliance technician or electrician, and is not affiliated with Bosch, Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or any other manufacturer named here. Dishwashers combine mains-voltage electrical parts with water. Always shut off both power and the water supply before opening the tub, pump, or heating element housing, and if a repair goes beyond checking filters, hoses, detergent, and visible debris, call a licensed technician.