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. If the steps here don’t solve it, book dishwasher repair and we’ll diagnose it at your home.
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.