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LG dishwashers flash error codes that are easy to read and understand whenever there’s a problem. One example is the AE error code.
The AE code error on an LG dishwasher is triggered by a water leak or overflow, incorrect detergent type or amount, or if the machine is not level. The appliance will detect when those reasons cause water or suds to flow into the base and trigger the AE code to appear.
The sections below will tell you everything you need to know about why this code appears and how you can resolve the issue quickly.
What Does The AE Error Code Mean On An LG Dishwasher?
The AE error code on LG dishwashers can be triggered for several reasons. Those reasons are:
- Water leak: Firstly, a water leak inside the dishwasher can trigger the AE error code. The dishwasher can sense that water is leaking into its base, which can lead to other potential problems.
- Overflowing dishwasher: Aside from leaking, water that overflows into the dishwasher’s base can also trigger the same error code.
- Unit not level: When a dishwashing unit is not perfectly level, water can spill or flow towards parts meant to stay dry. That can also cause the AE error code to appear.
- Detergent type or amount: Your LG dishwasher requires you to use the correct detergent types at only the right amounts. Mistakes can cause too many suds and leak or overflow into the machine’s internal components.
Read: 5 LG Dishwasher Problems You Need To Know
How Do You Fix The AE Code On An LG Dishwasher?
The AE error code is one that you must not ignore. That’s because it can lead to more severe problems and component failures if it’s not fixed quickly enough.
Thankfully, solving the problem is something you can do yourself without having to hire a technician.
Here’s how you fix the AE code yourself on an LG dishwasher:
Water Leak
About this: The inside of your LG dishwasher experiences a lot of water flow every time you use it. First, the water flows through the water inlet valve towards the compartment.
Then, that water passes through hoses and spray arms to clean your dishes. That water is also filtered and recycled to continue the washing process.
Finally, the water goes to the sump or the bottom of the machine before being drained out.
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Understanding the journey that water goes through in your dishwasher is crucial. That’s because there are many points in that journey where water can leak and trigger the AE error code.
What it causes: An internal water leak can happen for many different reasons. For example, worn-out seals and gaskets will cause a leak.
That will also happen if there’s a hole or tear in any hoses or if joints aren’t sealed as tightly as they should be.
As the leak becomes more severe, water will leak into the machine’s base faster. When the machine senses that water, it’ll flash the AE error code to let you know there’s a problem.
How to fix it: Leaks inside your LG dishwasher are very straightforward to fix. However, the challenging and time-consuming part is identifying where the leak is coming from.
You’ll have to inspect hoses, seals, and joints up close to find the source of the leak. Damaged hoses must then be replaced, and loose joints should be tightened.
Read: How To Fix LG Dishwasher Which Has No Power?
Wrong Detergent Type Or Amount
About this: Not all detergents are made the same. You must never forget that, especially when comparing dishwasher detergent to the one you use for your laundry or even the soap you use to hand wash dishes in the sink.
Dishwasher detergents are not only designed to clean grease and food stains more effectively. But they’re also designed not to produce suds (soap foam) excessively, as that could cause problems for the appliance.
Besides using the correct type of detergent, you must also use it in the right amounts. This is because detergents only work correctly when used in the correct concentrations.
What it causes: The AE error code will also be triggered by excess sudsing. That doesn’t just happen when you use non-dishwasher detergents. But the same thing will also happen if you use too much of the correct detergents.
When too much soap foam is created in the dishwasher’s compartment, much of it will find its way through places it doesn’t belong.
For example, that foam will clog the air vents and affect the blower motor. In more severe cases, the foam might find its way to other electrical or electronic components and cause them to short-circuit.
How to fix it: Firstly, run a complete dishwashing cycle without any plates inside to wash away the excess foam that triggered the AE error code.
Then, prevent this problem from ever happening again by only using specific detergents designed for use inside dishwashers.
Read: How To Fix LE Error Code On LG Dishwasher?
Unit Not Level
About this: As you’ve read earlier, the water used by your dishwasher goes through quite a journey as it washes your dishes and carries away the mess.
Because of that, your LG dishwasher must be perfectly level to ensure that water can flow correctly throughout the entire appliance.
When the appliance is level, its pumps (with a bit of help from gravity) will ensure that the water stays exactly where it belongs from the start of a dishwashing cycle to the finish.
What it causes: The final step of the troubleshooting process is to check if the dishwasher is level. The quickest way to do that is using a spirit level if you have one.
If not, you can use a ruler to measure the distance from the dishwasher’s top to the counter above it. When you find that the measurement is the same no matter which side of the machine you check, that means its level.
How to fix it: Suppose you discover that your dishwasher isn’t level, and perhaps one side is higher than the other. In that case, you can fix it by adjusting the screws on the machine’s legs.
Each screw will raise or lower that side of the dishwasher, allowing you to level the unit yourself without a technician’s help.
Read: How To Reset CL Error Code On LG Dishwasher?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few helpful questions and answers to troubleshoot the AE error code on your LG dishwashing machine:
Can You Just Throw A Pod In The Dishwasher?
No, you won’t get the results you expect from your LG dishwasher if you just throw a pod in. So instead, you should place the pod directly in the detergent dispenser compartment. That way, it’ll dissolve correctly and help clean your dishes effectively.
What Is The Most Common Cause Of A Dishwasher Leaking?
Worn-out gaskets and seals are the most common reason your LG dishwasher has a leak. These items wear out and require replacements after extended use of 5 years or more.
Is It Better To Use Liquid Dishwasher Detergent Or Pods?
Dishwasher liquid detergents and pods are both effective for cleaning your dishes. However, each has unique strengths. For instance, liquid detergents allow you to be much more precise with how much you use. Meanwhile, pods provide a fixed amount of detergent each time.
Read: How To Fix E1 Error Code On LG Dishwasher?
Should A Dishwasher Be Level Or Tilted Back?
Your LG dishwasher must be perfectly level. Any tilting can cause water and detergent to collect or flow incorrectly, triggering the AE error code.
How Do I Know If My Dishwasher Is Level?
You can check that your dishwasher is level by using a tool like a spirit level. Alternatively, you can measure the distance from the top of the machine to the counter above. When doing that, ensure that the space is the same across all corners of the dishwasher.
