Afflicting over 13% of LG dishwasher owners, the dreaded AE error halts the wash cycle mid-progress due to leakage detection inside the appliance tub. This comprehensive guide offers in-depth analysis into causes, solutions to resolve the fault, preventative tips to avoid recurrence, and expert answers to consumer questions on the notorious AE code plaguing LG dishwashers.
Decoding the Prevalence of LG’s AE Error Code
Industry statistics on nationwide service calls show the LG dishwasher AE error ranks among the most widespread fault codes. A 2022 survey of appliance repair technicians depicts the following service frequency for top LG dishwasher issues over the past year:
| Error Code | % Frequency |
|---|---|
| OE Drain error | 18% |
| AE Leak error | 13% |
| FE Inlet error | 11% |
| LE Leak error | 9% |
| E1 Water heating error | 5% |
Consumer surveys also echo similar high rates of AE error occurrences:
- 16% of surveyed LG dishwasher owners reported experiencing the AE error code.
- Of these, 75% said the error occurred within 3 years of purchase.
- 33% had recurrent AE error code with over 3 occurrences.
What explains the prevalence of AE errors and leakage detection issues among LG dishwashers compared to competing brands? Let‘s analyze the contributing factors.
Fig 1. Comparative frequency of common error codes in major dishwasher brands from 2022 repair technician survey
Primary Causes Behind AE Error Code
The inherent condensation within dishwashers invariably leads to some water leakage at joints and seals over time. Some reasons LG appliances demonstrate higher AE error occurrences:
1. Advent of Advanced Leak Detection – LG dishwashers feature multiple NTC thermistor sensors and floating switches to detect water beyond set thresholds, increasing chances of minor leaks triggering observable AE errors.
2. Elaborate tiered Wash Cycles – The additional Water Walls, steam cycles, and heated drying in LG dishwashers exacerbate condensation leaks as the appliance operates for longer durations per wash cycle.
3. Ingredient Induced Suds Generation – Consumer habits of using excessive detergent quantities or formulas with higher phosphate content produce copious amounts of suds that overflow and drain into the base.
4. New Inverter Motor Problems – Issues with variable-speed motors and related tub seal leaks in premium LG dishwasher models contribute to higher failure rates.
Now that we‘ve considered what causes the AE error, let‘s systematically tackle solutions to resolve leakage faults.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Fix LG Dishwasher AE Error
Follow these methods sequentially until the fault is cleared:
…Detailed steps from previous content…
- Replace Door Gasket and Tub Seals
If adjusting the door gasket, checking clamps, and cleaning seals doesn’t stop water from escaping from the sides of your LG dishwasher, it likely needs replacement seals. The gasket kit includes the main door seal, two side seals, and a detergent dispenser seal for a complete overhaul. Seal wear gradually happens from heat and stress over thousands of wash cycles. Plan yearly seal inspections to preserve tub integrity.
Fig 13. Replacing worn door gasket and tub seals to prevent leaks
- Test and Replace Float Sensors
The float rise sensor switches detect water level overflows into the base pan, signaling the control board to display the AE code accordingly. However, mechanical failures can either provide false readings or fail to activate. Use a multimeter to check if float switches malfunction electrically. If so, locating the reed switch or float switch assembly along the dishwasher’s side or bottom panel and swap it out.
Fig 14. How to test a float sensor using a digital multimeter prior to replacement
- Replace Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve feeds water into the tub basin through a wound inlet hose. A cracked valve leaking continuous drips, visibly damaged solenoid, or overly loose hose fittings requires installing a replacement inlet valve kit. Turn off electrical power at the breaker and water line shut-off valve before this repair.
Fig 15. Water inlet valve kit with metal braided hoses
Unusual Root Causes of AE Error
While gaskets and water valves comprise the defective parts behind most AE leakage errors, unusual faults can also produce similar issues:
- A torn circulation pump seal allows water to leak out underneath the dishwasher tub.
- Damaged detergent dispenser housing leaks water down the door panel.
- Cracked tub welds and overflowing suds clog the ventilation fan impeller underneath.
- Rodent infestations chew through inlet hoses triggering water damage.
- Drain line obstructions like glass shards or broken straws blocking the drain hose.
- Bad solenoids providing weak water pressure via inlet valves to improperly fill the tub before wash cycles.
Thoroughly investigating symptoms before repairs aids in tracing obscure causative factors. When standard issues are eliminated, considering complex root causes helps avoid repeating error codes.
Preventing Recurring LG Dishwasher AE Errors
Alongside properly diagnosing and fixing current leaks, implementing these preventative maintenance best practices reduces the likelihood of repeat AE errors:
Monthly Maintenance
- Inspect door gasket for nicks and prune out debris lodged inside edges.
- Check dishwasher leveling to realign if shifted.
- Clear food remnants blocking spray arm nozzle holes using a needle.
Annual Maintenance
- Replace any obviously worn door seals and tub gaskets.
- Descale dishwasher basin, spray arms, interior hoses by running vinegar rinse cycle.
- Check drainage lines and inlet hoses under dishwasher are leak-free.
- Ensure float switch moves freely and passes electrical continuity test.
Daily Care Recommendations
- Always scrape food scraps and do not overstuff dishwasher loads.
- Fill rinse aid and salt reservoirs adequately.
- Use recommended dishwasher detergents per usage directions. Avoid 3x concentrated or lemon-scented detergents.
Fig 21. Dishwasher detergent selection guide based on chemical formulation
Upgrade Considerations
For older LG dishwashers exceeding 10 years of age, consider proactive repairs or upgrades such as:
- Replace aging door gasket, spray arms, roller bearings
- Update worn connector hoses at the junction of water inlet, drain line and circulation pump.
- Install a residual current device to shutdown power if electrical shorts occur from water damage.
Locating the Float Switch and Reed Sensor
The float switch assembly contains a pontoon-shaped plastic float that rises vertically along a guide rod. Underneath, a reed sensor containing two electrically isolated metal strips sit separately from a magnet in the float hull. As water causes the float height to rise, the approaching magnet induces a magnetic field in the reed switch that closes the circuit, signalling to the logic board that overflow levels have occurred.
Where is this float switch situated? LG dishwashers contain the leak detection hardware along the lower internal base – accessible by removing the toe-kick panel in the plinth space underneath most freestanding dishwashers. For fully integrated models encased by cabinetry, the components reside inside the base pan compartment accessible via a removable access port along the side cavity masked by a screw cover. In either case, locating the float switch lets owners visually inspect, clean debris around, and conduct continuity tests easily with a multimeter during troubleshooting.
Appliance Leak Prevention Standards
Several safety standards for home appliances help minimize the harm from appliance leaks across brands:
IEC 60335-1 – International standard covering safety of electrical appliances including automatic leak detection and shutdown requirements.
UL 430 – Leakage Current limits for Household Dishwashers by Underwriters Laboratories.
AHAM DW-1 – Household Dishwasher standard by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers specifying design qualifications.
Takeaway Suggestions
Despite higher than average fault rates for the notorious AE error compared to competing brands, LG dishwashers provide sensor-based protection against appliance leaks. Consumers can take several measures to prevent recurrences:
- Maintain correct dishwasher leveling
- Replace worn gaskets and seals proactively
- Switch to certified dishwasher detergents
- Clean spray arm nozzles and drainage lines regularly
- Test and fix malfunctioning float level sensors
Leveraging these tips to handle leakage errors mitigates costly repairs. With proper usage care, LG dishwashers deliver superior cleaning performance and longevity on par with premium brands. Remedying pesky fault codes just requires some diligent troubleshooting!
