Quick summary
AE indicates a detected leak or overflow. Common causes: suds from hand dish soap, large items deflecting water at the door, an unlevel unit or a door seal. If there's no external cause, unplug and book a check.
LG dishwashers detect water in the base. When triggered, AE appears and the pump may run to drain. LG's guidance is to check detergent type, levelling and door alignment.
Unplug the appliance, close the water tap if there's a leak, and never open covers that need tools or expose wiring or circuits.
Possible causes
Excess suds
Hand soap or too much detergent causes foam overflow.
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Large trays can deflect water at the door seal; LG suggests placing them upside down.
Unlevel dishwasher
Water pools on one side and presses on the door.
Door seal
Dirty or damaged gasket.
Water connections or internal leak
Inlet valve or internal hoses.
Safe checks you can do
- Use dishwasher detergent only, at the recommended dose.
- Place large items upside down in their correct positions.
- Check the unit is level and the door aligns with the cabinets.
- Wipe the door seal and check it's intact.
- Inspect the connections under the sink.
When to stop checking immediately
- If AE appears with no visible leak or suds—unplug and request service as LG recommends.
- If water reaches sockets under the sink.
Related components
- Door & latch
- Water inlet valve
- Drain system
- Wash & drain pumps
When do you need a technician?
The technician inspects the base, leak-detection float, internal hoses, inlet valve, pump and door seal.
Related error codes
FAQ
What does AE mean on an LG dishwasher?
Leak/overflow—excess water detected. See the dishwasher codes.
How do I clear suds after using hand soap?
LG describes a method in its dishwasher code guidance (bE code).
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