LG · Dishwasher
LG Dishwasher AE Error Code
Leak or flood sensor triggered
What this error means
AE indicates Auto Error from the leak pan sensor under the dishwasher. A small amount of water in the base tray trips the switch and shuts down fill and wash to protect flooring.
How AE is detected
When AE appears on a LG dishwasher, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On LG LDP7808BD, LG LDP6797ST, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most AE calls are resolved without parts: unplug and remove the toe kick to inspect the pan for standing water. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If AE returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Loose drain hose clamp dripping during pump-out
- Door gasket tear letting rinse water escape at the bottom
- Overfill event draining into the pan
- Cracked spray arm hub spraying water downward past the tub seal
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Unplug and remove the toe kick to inspect the pan for standing water
- 2Tighten the drain hose clamp at the pump and sink connection
- 3Wipe the pan dry and tilt the unit slightly to drain residual moisture
- 4Run a short rinse and watch for new drips before leaving unattended
When to call a technician
Persistent AE with a dry pan suggests a faulty leak sensor or internal hose failure behind the tub.
Affected models
- LG LDP7808BD
- LG LDP6797ST
- LG LDTS5552S
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dishwashers to prevent AE from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when AE appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your LG dishwasher—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for AE; LG uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting AE; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.