LG · Dishwasher
LG Dishwasher CE Error Code
Motor communication or circulation fault
What this error means
CE indicates a circulation or communication fault on the wash motor circuit—distinct from LE in some firmware versions but often appearing together when the motor cannot report speed to the board.
How CE is detected
When CE appears on a LG dishwasher, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On LG LDF5545ST, LG LDP7808BD, 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 CE calls are resolved without parts: shut off power 15 minutes and retry on a rinse-only cycle. 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 CE 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
- Motor harness unplugged during filter service
- Control board motor driver failure
- Sump debris intermittently jamming the impeller
- Power surge damaging motor inverter circuitry
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Shut off power 15 minutes and retry on a rinse-only cycle
- 2Confirm the filter is seated—misalignment can splash water onto connectors
- 3Listen for a single click then silence at cycle start
- 4Note whether CE alternates with LE for the technician
When to call a technician
CE after clean sump and reset usually means motor or main board replacement.
Affected models
- LG LDF5545ST
- LG LDP7808BD
- LG LDTS5552S
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dishwashers to prevent CE from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when CE 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 CE; LG uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting CE; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.