What it means
LG says the dishwasher keeps draining while this code shows, to protect the machine and your floor. The causes it lists are a dishwasher that isn't level, food or grease on the door gasket, blocked spray arms, too much detergent, washing-up liquid used by mistake, or more water coming in than there should be.
What to check, in order
- Check the detergent
Use one pod or tablet, never more. With liquid or powder, fill only to the 15 line for lightly soiled loads or the 25 line for heavy ones. Don't use washing-up liquid in a dishwasher at all.
- Clean the door gasket
Look for food or grease on the rubber seal and on the part of the tub it seals against. Clean it off, as it can stop the door sealing properly.
- Clean the spray arms
Take them off, clean off any buildup with a soft brush and warm soapy water, and refit them.
- Check it's level
Take out the bottom rack and pour about a gallon (3.8 litres) of water into the bottom. If it pools to one side, the dishwasher isn't level: adjust the front and back legs until it is.
- Dry the base
Turn off the circuit breaker first: LG says this is in case electricity discharges through the water. Remove the kick plate at the bottom front with a screwdriver and dry up any water in the base pan. If you can't reach it, leave the kick plate off for 24 to 48 hours so it can evaporate. Then turn the breaker back on and run an empty cycle.
When to call an engineer
If the gasket or a spray arm is damaged, LG says to request service. If the code shows with no water leaking onto the floor, it says to unplug the dishwasher and request service. On a built-in model with the plug behind it, use the switch that controls its power, or turn off the power strip that's often hidden behind the base panel.
Good to know
- LG's older error list shows FE as too much water coming in. Its fix is a reset: press Power to switch off, turn the breaker off for 10 seconds, turn it back on, then start a new cycle.
- LG's guide also suggests loading large plates and pots upside down.
- On models with Heat Dry, water poured into the Heat Dry blower can set it off. If that has happened on a built-in dishwasher, LG says not to pull the unit out.
Parts people end up buying
Only if the checks above point to a part. Match it to your model number first: it's on a label on the edge of the door or the side of the tub.
- Door gasketSearch on Amazon
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Checked against
Last reviewed September 2026. Manufacturers update their pages, and your manual is the final word.