LG Dishwasher AE Error Code: Leak Detected

Quick Answer

LG's AE code uses a resistance-based sensor mounted in the base pan, not a mechanical float like Bosch E15 or Samsung LC. This makes it significantly more sensitive to condensation. After a long hot cycle, steam condenses and drips into the base pan, raising sensor resistance and triggering AE even when there is no actual leak.

Most of the time when I show up to one of these calls, the floor's completely dry. LG's sensor is way more sensitive than the float system on a Bosch or Samsung. Steam from a sanitize cycle is honestly enough to trip it. If you ignore this code and keep running the machine, the safety drain'll kick in and you'll be stuck with wet dishes and a soaked base pan. Give it time before you spend anything on parts.

LgDishwasherSeverity: critical85% DIY Success

Time to Fix

20–60 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

$15 – $38

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Flathead screwdriver for kick plate clips

What Does the AE Code Mean?

Before you start yanking the dishwasher out of the cabinet, know this: I've seen homeowners drop $200 on a new pump when all they needed was two hours and patience. LG's leak detection is aggressive by design. Could be condensation. Could be a bad door gasket. Could be the sensor just fried itself from a previous moisture event. We'll figure it out step by step.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Condensation from a hot cycle dripping into the base pan (false trigger)40%

Door gasket leak at the lower front corners24%

Sump seal degradation allowing water under the tub14%

Failed or shorted leak sensor giving a permanent fault reading12%

Cracked sump housing10%

Symptoms You May Notice

AE flashes on the display and the machine stops dead mid-cycle with a full load of dirty dishes still sitting in hot water
Dishwasher refuses to start a new cycle even though you've cleared the display and jabbed the start button three times
Code shows up right after the sanitize or high-temp cycle finishes, but you check underneath and the floor is completely dry
Pull out the lower kick plate and find actual water pooled in the white plastic base tray
Machine drains itself and shuts off unexpectedly, usually within the first 10-15 minutes of the wash cycle

Can you reset a Lg dishwasher to clear the AE code?

Cut power at the breaker or unplug the unit completely. Don't do a quick 60-second reset, it won't dry out the sensor. You need at least two full hours for the moisture to evaporate naturally. After two hours, restore power and listen for the normal startup sequence. If the code doesn't come back, run a short rinse cycle and keep an eye out for drips. Code comes back immediately? There's real water in that base pan that needs to be tracked down and fixed before you run another cycle.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverFlathead screwdriver for kick plate clipsBright LED flashlightDigital multimeterPaper towels for leak tracing

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Leak SensorAEB72909507 · $15–$25	AEB72909507	$15 – $25
Door GasketAHT73236503 · $22–$38	AHT73236503	$22 – $38

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does LG AE trigger after a hot cycle with no visible leak?

It comes down to sensor design. LG uses two metal probes that measure electrical resistance. In a sanitize cycle, the steam gets intense. If your kitchen's cool, that steam hits the outer tub, condenses back to water, and drips right onto those probes. It's a hair-trigger system, honestly way more sensitive than float-based sensors on Bosch or Samsung machines. I tell my customers to crack the door open for a few minutes after a hot cycle ends. Lets that steam escape before it has a chance to settle down into the base pan.

Do I need to tilt the dishwasher to clear AE?

You'll see people online saying to tilt the LG to 45 degrees to drain the base pan. That actually works fine on machines with a float switch, but I don't recommend it for LGs. You risk spilling that water right onto the main control board or the wire harnesses running through the base. That's a way worse problem than a wet sensor. The two-hour unplugged wait is safer and more effective for drying out a resistance sensor. If it won't dry on its own after two hours, you've got a real leak that needs a wrench, not a tilt.

How do I know if my AE is a real leak versus condensation?

It's the dry test. If you've left the machine off for several hours and the AE code fires the instant you power it back on, the sensor's probably shorted. But if the code only shows up mid-cycle or right after a wash finishes, you've got an active leak somewhere. Check the floor directly under the door first. That's where probably 90% of real LG dishwasher leaks originate. A dry floor with a code that clears after a long wait is almost always condensation, not a plumbing problem.

How much does it cost to fix an LG AE error code?

Depends entirely on what's causing it. If it's just condensation, that's literally free, you just wait it out. A new door gasket (part AHT73236503) runs about $25-40 and takes maybe 20 minutes to swap. The leak sensor (AEB72909507) is $30-50 at most appliance parts sites. A sump seal is $40-60 in parts but a couple hours of your time if you're DIYing it. If the sump housing itself is cracked, you're looking at $80-150 in parts and it's probably worth calling a tech at that point. Worst case scenario, parts alone are still under $200.

Can I keep running my LG dishwasher with the AE code showing?

Honestly, no. The AE code triggers a safety shutoff for a real reason. If there's actual water in the base pan, every additional cycle pours more water in there. Eventually it reaches the motor or the control board and now a cheap $40 sensor fix becomes a $300+ repair. If you did the two-hour wait and the code fully cleared, go ahead and run a careful test cycle and watch for drips. But if AE keeps coming back, hand-wash your dishes until you've located the source. It's just not worth the risk.

Related Lg Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: OELG Dishwasher OE Error Code: Drain Fault Code: L2LG Dishwasher L2 Error Code: Secondary Leak Sensor Code: IELG Dishwasher IE Error Code: Water Inlet Fault

Same Fix on Other Brands

Samsung dishwasherLC:

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Lg shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

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Models Known to Experience AE Errors

This repair applies to most Lg dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

LDFN4542D, LDF5545ST, LDFS5788S, LDP6763ST, LDFN3432T, LDFN4542S, LDFN4542W

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026