LG · Dishwasher
LG Dishwasher SE Error Code
System or motor sensor mismatch
What this error means
SE is a Sensor Error—feedback from the wash motor or system sensors disagreed with commanded state. Often follows LE events or water in connectors.
How SE is detected
When SE 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 LDF5545ST, 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 SE calls are resolved without parts: ensure the base pan is dry before restarting after any leak code. 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 SE 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
- Moisture in the motor harness after an AE leak event
- Hall or tach sensor failure on the circulation motor
- Main board sensor input damaged
- Loose ground wire at the terminal block
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Ensure the base pan is dry before restarting after any leak code
- 2Power off 15 minutes and run rinse only
- 3Inspect motor plug for corrosion
- 4Document cycle stage when SE appears for service
When to call a technician
SE with LE together strongly indicates motor assembly replacement.
Affected models
- LG LDP7808BD
- LG LDF5545ST
- LG LDTS5552S
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dishwashers to prevent SE from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when SE 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 SE; LG uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting SE; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.