LG · Dishwasher
LG Dishwasher IE Error Code
Not enough water entering the tub
What this error means
IE is an Inlet Error—the fill valve opened but the water level never reached the minimum within the allowed time. The board assumes no water entered or the level sensor failed.
How IE is detected
IE on LG dishwasher units indicates the drive system did not meet expected performance. Direct-drive washers monitor rotor position with a hall sensor; dryers and dishwashers track motor current draw. When the drum or spray arm fails to turn, the inverter or motor relay shuts down to prevent burned windings. LG LDF5545ST, LG LDP6797ST, and similar variants may show this fault after an overloaded tub or a foreign object jam.
Under-sink supply valve partially closed is a leading trigger. Start with turn the dishwasher supply valve fully open under the sink. Rotate the drum or spray arm by hand when powered off—it should move without grinding. Grinding confirms mechanical obstruction; free rotation with repeated IE on light loads suggests hall sensor, motor, or inverter board failure requiring professional diagnosis.
Common causes
- Under-sink supply valve partially closed
- Inlet hose mesh screen clogged with pipe scale
- Kinked copper or braided inlet line
- Stuck overfill float or faulty water level switch
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Turn the dishwasher supply valve fully open under the sink
- 2Shut off water, disconnect the inlet hose at the dishwasher, and rinse the screen in a bucket
- 3Listen during fill for a steady inlet valve hum and water entering the tub
- 4Verify the door is latched—some models won't fill with dE conditions present
When to call a technician
If water flows at the disconnected hose but the tub stays dry, the inlet valve or level sensor needs testing.
Affected models
- LG LDF5545ST
- LG LDP6797ST
- LG LDTS5552S
Prevention & maintenance
- Avoid washing single heavy rugs or shoes that bind the drum; distribute weight evenly to reduce motor strain that precedes IE.
- Record when IE 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 IE; LG uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting IE; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.