What Does the LG Dishwasher AE Error Code Mean?
A few weeks ago, my friend Emma called me in a moment of sheer frustration. “My LG dishwasher is spitting out an error code!” she groaned over the phone. “AE! What does AE even mean? I just need it to work before our dinner guests arrive tonight.”
Emma sounded harried, and I couldn’t blame her. For anyone juggling a thousand things at once, that little flashing AE code could feel like an unwelcome guest crashing the dinner party.
But here’s the thing sometimes, technology speaks to us in ways we don’t expect, and hidden in that cryptic fault code was a little message not just about the dishwasher, but life, too.

What Does the AE Code Mean on an LG Dishwasher?
If you’ve spotted the dreaded AE fault code on your LG dishwasher, it means one thing your appliance has detected a leak. The “AE” stands for Auto Eye, a feature LG uses to notify you of water escaping where it shouldn’t. The system is designed to protect your home from water damage, as even a small leak can wreak havoc on your floors or cabinets if left unchecked.
At its core, this message is less about failure and more about protection. Kind of like life it throws up warnings when something’s out of balance, hoping we’ll stop and fix it before things spiral.
Why Does the AE Error Code Happen & How to Fix AE on LG Dishwasher?
Back to Emma’s story. When I asked her what might have triggered it, she admitted her dishwasher had been making odd sloshing noises for a while, but she’d ignored it. “I thought it was normal,” she said sheepishly.
These are the common culprits behind the AE error code:
- Leaking Pipes or Seals: Over time, seals or pipes inside the machine can wear down and allow water to seep out.
- Dishwasher Overload: Loading your dishwasher to the brim can cause water to spill into places it shouldn’t.
- Clogged Filters: When the filters are blocked, water can back up and trigger leakage.
- Faulty Door Seals: The rubber gasket around the dishwasher door may have cracks or separations.
It’s like when we overextend ourselves skip lunch, take on too much work, or push through exhaustion. It might all feel manageable at first, but eventually, we “leak” too, whether it’s through burnout or stress.
How to Fix the LG Dishwasher Error Codes, Specifically AE Fault Code
Emma wanted a quick fix. “Can I just unplug it and plug it in again? Maybe it resets itself?” she asked hopefully.
“Not quite,” I said gently. Like problems in life, this one required more than a band-aid solution. Here’s what I shared with her, step-by-step solution for LG Dishwasher AE Error Code:
1. Turn Off and Inspect for Leaks
The first thing to do is power off the dishwasher and unplug it. Check the area around the dishwasher for water pooling it’ll give you critical clues as to where the issue might be.
2. Check the Door Seals
Examine the rubber seals around the dishwasher door. Are they cracked, or do they look warped? If yes, they’ll likely need to be replaced. A worn seal can’t do its job of keeping water contained.
3. Examine the Water Supply Hose
Pull the dishwasher away from the wall carefully and look at the water supply hose. Is there visible damage to it? Even a tiny crack could be the culprit. Tightening the connections or replacing the hose altogether might solve the issue.
4. Inspect the Drain Hose and Filters
Check the drain hose for kinks or blockages while inspecting the filters inside the dishwasher. Clogged filters can prevent proper drainage, causing water to pool and overflow.
5. Allow the Machine to Dry
If water has made its way to the base of the dishwasher, this could trigger the AE error. Unplugging the appliance and letting it dry for 24 to 48 hours can reset the error sensor.
6. Call in a Professional
If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it may be time to bring in an expert. Some internal components—like the float sensor or pump housing require professional assessment.
Emma groaned when I reached this point. “Seriously? I don’t want a repair bill!” she exclaimed.
“Sometimes,” I said with a knowing smile, “investing in a good repair saves you from a bigger cost down the line.”
Lessons From a Flashing AE Code
By now, Emma’s frustration had subsided into curiosity. “You’re talking about this AE error like it’s a life lesson,” she teased.
And maybe she was right. That little flashing code made me think about how often we ignore the small issues in life, hoping they’ll resolve themselves. A weird noise here, an unexpected drip there—we brush them off, keep running at full speed. But ignoring them doesn’t stop the problem—it just makes it grow.
The AE code is life’s way of saying, “Pause. Pay attention. Fix this before it gets worse.”
Emma followed the steps that evening, found a blocked filter, and managed to reset her dishwasher before guests arrived. “Thanks for the pep talk and plumbing advice,” she texted later.
Final Thoughts
If your LG dishwasher flashes the AE error, don’t panic as frustrating as it seems, it’s a call to action, not defeat. Follow the steps to troubleshoot, and don’t hesitate to call a professional if needed.
After all, just like life, even the most reliable appliances occasionally need a little care to keep them running smoothly. And when you heed the warning signs early, you’ll save yourself both time and stress in the long run.
Now over to you has your dishwasher taught you any unexpected life lessons lately? Drop them in the comments!