LG · Dishwasher
LG Dishwasher nE Error Code
Spray arm or motor speed fault
What this error means
nE on LG dishwashers relates to spray arm or motor speed detection—the board expected a certain RPM or spray pattern and did not detect it.
How NE is detected
When NE appears on a LG dishwasher, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On LG LDP6797ST, LG LDTS5552S, 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 NE calls are resolved without parts: reload dishes so spray arm paths are clear—avoid nesting bowls over the hub. 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 NE 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
- Tall pan blocking the lower spray arm
- Spray arm bearing clogged with food grit
- Motor speed sensor mismatch
- Upper rack not fully inserted, blocking the middle arm
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Reload dishes so spray arm paths are clear—avoid nesting bowls over the hub
- 2Remove spray arms and rinse holes under the faucet
- 3Spin each arm by hand—they should rotate freely
- 4Re-run a normal load with lighter stacking
When to call a technician
If nE appears on an empty test cycle with free arms, motor or board diagnosis is needed.
Affected models
- LG LDP6797ST
- LG LDTS5552S
- LG LDF5545ST
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dishwashers to prevent NE from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when NE 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 NE; LG uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting NE; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.