The AE code means your dishwasher has detected a leak in the base pan. You must disconnect power, dry the water out of the bottom tray, and identify the source of the leak before the unit will operate again.
When your LG dishwasher throws AE, there's actual water sitting in the bottom pan where it shouldn't be. I've shown up to jobs where the floor was soaked because the homeowner kept hitting start hoping it would go away. It won't. The drain pump will run nonstop until that base tray is dry. Find the leak, dry it out, then figure out why it got there.
This code comes from a little foam float sitting in the plastic drip tray at the very bottom of the machine. Half a cup of water lifts that float, the sensor trips, and your dishwasher shuts down and panics. Most of the time it's something dumb like wrong detergent or a loose hose clamp. Occasionally it's a real leak. Either way, you can't just reset it and move on.
Most Likely Causes
Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:
Leaking hose or pump assembly50%
Oversudsing or improper loading25%
Damaged door seal or spray arm15%
Faulty float switch or wiring10%
Symptoms You May Notice
The dishwasher stops mid-cycle and you hear the drain pump running continuously, even after you hit the power button. It just keeps going and won't quit.
AE or EI flashing on the display, sometimes alternating between the two, and the machine won't respond to any button presses except power.
You notice a wet spot on the floor under or in front of the dishwasher, sometimes just a small puddle, sometimes more depending on how long it's been running.
Suds or foam coming out from under the door or through the bottom vent grill during a cycle, which is a dead giveaway that someone used the wrong soap.
The cycle just stops partway through with no error at first, then AE shows up a minute or two later once enough water has accumulated in the tray to lift the float.
Can you reset a Lg dishwasher to clear the AE code?
To reset the AE code, you must first eliminate the water in the base. Unplug the unit, remove the bottom access panel, and use a sponge to dry the plastic tray. Once dry, leave the panel off for an hour to let any remaining moisture evaporate, then restore power.
Tools Required for Diagnosis
Phillips #2 screwdriverFlat-head screwdriverTowels or old ragsMultimeterNeedle-nose pliersFlashlightSponge or wet-dry vacBucket
Diagnostic Checklist
Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.
ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range0–5 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset the AE code by just unplugging the dishwasher?
Nope, that won't do it. Well, technically the code might disappear for a second, but the second you restore power it'll come right back because the float switch is still triggered. The control board checks that sensor immediately on startup. You've got to physically dry out the base pan first. Unplug it, tilt it forward or remove the bottom panel, soak up the water with a sponge or towels, and then let it air out for at least an hour before you try powering it back on.
Is the AE error the same as the EI error?
Yeah, basically the same thing. On a lot of LG dishwashers, AE and EI both point to the same leak sensor in the base pan. Some models show one, some show the other, and some actually alternate between them. Don't let that confuse you. Same sensor, same fix. Dry the tray, find the leak source, done.
Why does my LG dishwasher keep draining even when turned off?
That's the AE safety response doing its job, honestly. The control board is convinced there's an active leak happening, so it keeps the drain pump running to prevent the base pan from overflowing. Even hitting the power button won't fully stop it on some models. The only way to stop it is to either let the pan dry out naturally so the float drops, or tilt the machine to dump the water out manually. Once that float drops, the pump shuts off.
How much water does it take to trigger the AE code?
Not much at all. I'm talking maybe a quarter to half a cup of water pooling in the lowest corner of the base tray. The foam float is really sensitive because that's kind of the whole point. LG designed it to catch leaks early before they do serious floor damage. So don't be surprised if you tilt the machine and barely any water comes out. That tiny bit was enough.
Could a clogged sink cause an AE error?
It can, yeah. If your sink drain is backed up and you run the dishwasher, the drain water can get pushed backward through the drain hose. If the hose connection at the sink isn't tight or the hose doesn't have a proper high loop, that backflow can end up inside the machine and leak into the base pan. Always make sure your drain hose makes a high loop up under the counter before going down to the drain connection. That loop prevents backflow.
What's the part number for the LG dishwasher float switch?
For most LG dishwashers made between 2015 and 2023, LG part number AJU55759303 is the one you want. It's the overflow sensor and float switch assembly. Double check it against your model number before ordering, but that part covers a huge range of their lineup. You can usually find it for 15 to 30 bucks from appliance parts suppliers. Takes about 20 minutes to replace once you've got the bottom panel off.
Models Known to Experience AE Errors
This repair applies to most Lg dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include: