LG Dishwasher Error AE: What It Means & How to Fix It
Quick answer: AE on an LG dishwasher means the leak-detection sensor in the base pan has sensed water pooling underneath the tub — the machine stops itself immediately as a protective measure, whether the leak is large or small.
“Found a small puddle under the dishwasher and AE on the display. Igor traced it to a worn door gasket in about ten minutes, had the replacement in stock, and mopped up before he left. Very tidy work.”
Quick Answer
LG dishwashers include a float-style leak sensor sitting in the base pan beneath the tub. It’s designed to be sensitive on purpose, since even a small ongoing leak can cause real water damage over time if ignored. AE means it’s tripped, but that alone doesn’t tell you whether the leak is significant or minor — that takes a look inside.
What Does AE Mean?
A worn door gasket, a loose hose clamp, a cracked spray arm, or a failing pump seal can all let water reach the base pan. Sometimes it’s even simpler — overfilling with too much dish soap causing oversudsing that escapes through the vent. Each has a different fix, which is why isolating where the water is actually coming from matters.
4 Steps to Diagnose AE
Power off and unplug the dishwasher.
Standing water near an electrical appliance is worth treating carefully — cut power first.
Open the door and check the gasket seal.
Look for visible gaps, tears or food debris preventing a full seal around the door.
Check underneath for the actual source of water.
Pull the toe-kick panel if you can access it, and look for the wettest point — that’s usually closest to the actual source.
Have the pump seal and hose connections tested if the gasket looks fine.
An internal leak needs a technician’s more thorough inspection with the tub panels open.
Can You Fix This Yourself?
Checking the door gasket for visible damage and using the correct dishwasher-specific detergent (not dish soap, which oversuds) are both things you can rule out yourself in a few minutes. Anything beyond that — actually locating an internal leak source — usually means removing panels a technician has the right tools and experience for.
What Happens When You Call Star Appliance Repair
- Free service call with any completed repair — you’re never charged just to have us look
- Upfront price before any work begins, once the exact part is confirmed
- Most calls booked before noon get same-day service
- Manufacturer-approved parts, backed by our written warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to keep using the dishwasher with AE showing?
Not recommended — it’ll likely stop mid-cycle anyway, and running it risks worse water damage if the leak is ongoing.
Could using the wrong detergent really cause this?
Yes — regular dish soap oversuds dramatically in a dishwasher and can escape through the vents, sometimes tripping the same sensor as an actual leak.
How much does a leak repair typically cost?
It depends entirely on the source — a gasket is inexpensive, while a pump seal is a more involved repair. Diagnosis comes first.
Can I check the door gasket myself?
Yes — open the door and run your hand along the seal feeling for gaps, tears, or trapped debris.
*Same-day service is offered whenever possible and depends on technician availability, parts, and your location within the GTA.