LG dishwasher AE / EI / FE: leakage or overfill protection
LG groups AE/EI/FE-related dishwasher codes with leakage or overfilling conditions and calls out oversudsing, leveling/door alignment, and actual leaks. Persistent codes require service.
What this guide covers
Error codes: AE, EI, FE, RE
This guide follows a structured decision tree built from manufacturer troubleshooting information. It does not assume that the most commonly replaced part is the failed part, and it does not show an exact-fit replacement part unless model compatibility has been independently verified.
Continue this exact diagnostic
Safe troubleshooting sequence
Start with the observations and external checks that can be verified without opening energized assemblies. The interactive version asks these in order and changes the path based on your answers.
- First check for visible waterLG’s protection logic may keep the dishwasher draining when a leak/overfill code is present.
- Check for oversudsingHand-dish soap or too much detergent can create excessive foam and trigger overflow/leak protection.
- Consider leveling or door alignmentLG notes that an unlevel dishwasher or door alignment issue can contribute to these errors.
What the answers can lead to
Turn off the dishwasher and water supply
Visible leakage should be controlled before troubleshooting continues.
Evidence strength: Strong
Clear the oversudsing condition and use only dishwasher detergent
LG specifically identifies oversudsing as a cause of these protection codes.
Evidence strength: Strong
Have leveling and door alignment corrected
An installation/alignment issue can redirect water and trigger protection.
Evidence strength: Strong
The AE/EI/FE protection code persists without a correctable external cause
LG directs owners to service when the code remains after detergent and installation checks.
Evidence strength: Strong
When professional diagnosis is the safer next step
Visible leakage should be controlled before troubleshooting continues. An installation/alignment issue can redirect water and trigger protection.
Appliance Verdict stops before energized electrical testing, gas-system work, sealed-system work, and other checks that can create unnecessary risk. A technician can use the model, issue, and completed checks from the interactive diagnostic as a starting point.
Repair or replace?
A diagnosis and a repair decision are different questions. Once you have a real repair quote, compare the total repair cost with the all-in price of a comparable replacement. Warranty or protection-plan coverage, appliance age, reliability history, efficiency, and likely future repairs can all matter. Appliance Verdict’s interactive result includes a transparent cost comparison rather than a black-box replacement recommendation.
Manufacturer sources
Dataset reviewed through 2026-09-11. Appliance Verdict is independent and is not endorsed by the manufacturers cited. Always follow the exact owner or service documentation for your model.
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