If you are seeing an LG dishwasher LE error code on your display, it indicates a specific malfunction related to the appliance’s motor operation. This code, often signaling a “Locked Error” or communication failure, prevents the dishwasher from completing its cycle to protect internal components from damage.
Understanding the LG Dishwasher LE Error Code
The LE error code typically points to an issue with the circulation pump or the wash motor. Unlike a drainage error, this fault occurs when the main control board detects that the motor is not running at the correct speed or is failing to start entirely. In LG’s Direct Drive systems, the motor is a critical component that propels water through the spray arms to clean your dishes.
When the main control board sends a signal to the motor but does not receive the expected feedback from the Hall sensor or detects abnormal resistance, it triggers the LE code. This failsafe mechanism is designed to prevent the motor from overheating or burning out due to a mechanical jam or electrical fault.
Immediate Step: Perform a Hard Reset
Before dismantling your appliance, the most effective first step is to perform a hard reset or power cycle. Electronic glitches can sometimes cause the control board to misread motor signals.
- Power Down: Turn off the dishwasher using the power button.
- Disconnect Power: Unplug the unit from the wall outlet or flip the circuit breaker designated for the dishwasher to the “OFF” position.
- Wait: Leave the power disconnected for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the capacitors on the control board to discharge and the thermal protector on the motor to reset if it has tripped due to overheating.
- Restart: Restore power and run a test cycle. If the code clears, it was likely a temporary logic error.
Common Cause: Excessive Suds
Surprisingly, one of the most frequent triggers for the LG dishwasher LE error code is the use of non-compatible detergent or using too much of it. Excessive suds create an air cushion inside the pump housing, preventing the impeller from pushing water effectively against the motor’s resistance.
When the motor spins without the resistance of water (cavitation), it spins too fast or erratically, which the control board interprets as a locking error.
- The Fix: Open the door and check for a buildup of foam. If present, manually remove the suds or pour a cup of cooking oil or milk into the tub to break the surface tension of the bubbles. Run a rinse cycle to clear the remaining residue.
Inspecting the Wiring Harness
If the reset and suds check do not resolve the issue, the problem may lie within the wiring harness. Over time, the protective insulation on the wires running through the door can wear down, or the vibrations can cause connections to loosen.
- Door Harness: The wiring bundle often passes through a bituminous sound-deadening material in the door. In some models, this material can melt or become sticky, damaging the wires.
- Motor Connections: Access the bottom of the unit and inspect the harness connecting the main control board to the wash motor. Look for any signs of burns, pinched wires, or corrosion on the connector pins. A compromised wire prevents the control board from sending voltage to the motor or receiving speed data from the rotor.
NOTE: You might also want to check out how to fix the LG dishwasher’s E1 error code—it’s one of the most common issues you’ll likely encounter while using your LG dishwasher.
Advanced Diagnostics: Checking the Wash Motor
If the wiring appears intact, you will need to inspect the mechanical and electrical health of the motor itself. This requires a multimeter and some disassembly to access the sump assembly underneath the tub.
checking for Physical Blockages
The wash motor drives an impeller that pushes the water. If a piece of hard debris—such as broken glass, a bone, or a toothpick—bypasses the filter, it can lodge itself in the impeller. This physical jam locks the rotor, preventing it from spinning.
- Action: Remove the filter assembly and check the sump area for debris. You may need to remove the motor to manually spin the impeller. It should turn freely with a slight magnetic resistance.
Electrical Testing with a Multimeter
For a Direct Drive motor, you are testing the resistance of the stator windings.
- Set your multimeter to the Ohms (resistance) setting.
- Disconnect the wire connector from the motor.
- Probe the terminals on the motor (typically three terminals).
- You should see a consistent resistance reading between pins (consult your specific model’s tech sheet, but usually between 5 to 15 ohms).
- If the reading is “OL” (Open Loop) or zero, the stator windings are damaged, and the motor must be replaced.
When to Replace Components
If your diagnostics confirm that the motor windings are open, or if the impeller is physically broken, you will need to replace the wash motor or the entire sump assembly. LG often sells the sump assembly as a complete unit, which includes the wash motor, heating element, and soil sensor, making the repair easier than replacing individual parts.
However, if the motor tests fine, the wiring is intact, and the impeller spins freely, the fault likely lies with the main control board. A failed relay or triac on the board may be unable to send the necessary voltage to drive the motor, mimicking a locked motor error. In this scenario, replacing the main control board is the required fix.
By systematically isolating these variables—from simple suds to complex electrical faults—you can effectively diagnose and resolve the LE error code on your LG dishwasher.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the LE error code mean on an LG dishwasher?
The LE error code stands for a “Locked Error.” This indicates that the main control board has detected a problem with the circulation pump or wash motor. It usually occurs when the motor is jammed, unable to start, or communicating incorrectly with the control board.
How do I perform a hard reset to clear the LE code?
To perform a hard reset, turn off the dishwasher and completely disconnect it from power by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker. Wait at least 15 to 20 minutes to allow the control board to discharge and the motor’s thermal protector to cool down. After the wait, restore power and start a new cycle.
Can using the wrong detergent cause an LE error?
Yes. Using non-compatible detergents or too much soap creates excessive suds. These suds cause the motor to spin too fast because there is no water resistance (a condition called cavitation). The control board detects this abnormal motor speed and triggers the LE code to prevent damage.
What should I check if a hard reset does not work?
If a reset fails, you should check for physical blockages in the sump area, such as broken glass or food debris that might be jamming the impeller. You should also inspect the wiring harness for damage or loose connections and use a multimeter to test the motor’s electrical resistance.
Does an LE error code always mean I need a new motor?
Not always. While a faulty motor is a possibility, the error can also be caused by temporary electronic glitches, excessive suds, damaged wiring, or a failing main control board. It is important to rule out these other factors before purchasing a replacement motor.
