LG dishwasher LO error code
The following guide addresses the “LO” code on LG dishwashers, clarifying its standard meaning while providing a comprehensive troubleshooting handbook for the leak and drainage issues implied by your request.
LG Dishwasher LO Error Code: Meaning, Leaks, and Troubleshooting
Encountering an LG dishwasher LO error code can be confusing, especially when accompanied by symptoms like standing water or flashing lights. While this code often appears on the digital display, it is frequently misunderstood. In most cases, “LO” (or “Lo”) is actually a notification regarding your rinse aid levels, yet many users search for it when facing genuine mechanical failures like leaks or drainage problems.
If you are seeing this code while experiencing water leakage, excessive suds, or a machine that won’t drain, it is highly likely you are either dealing with a secondary issue or misinterpreting a similar-looking error code like AE (Leak Detected) or OE (Drain Error). This guide will help you decipher the display and troubleshoot the critical components causing the malfunction.
Understanding the LG Dishwasher LO Error Code
Technically, “LO” is not a fault code that stops the machine from running. Instead, it typically signifies one of two things:
- Low Rinse Aid: The “LO” icon or text illuminates to alert you that the rinse aid dispenser is empty and needs refilling.
- Rinse Aid Level Setting (L0 – L4): If you are in the settings menu, “L0” means the rinse aid dispenser is turned off.
However, if your dishwasher is beeping, refusing to start, or has water pooling at the bottom, the “LO” display might be coincidental, or you may be misreading the AE error code (which indicates a leak) due to the digital segment display. Since your situation involves potential leaks and component failures, we will focus on troubleshooting the leak sensor, float switch, and drain system.
Troubleshooting Water Leakage and “AE” Symptoms
If you suspect a leak—often indicated by the AE or E1 error code—the dishwasher’s safety system has triggered the flood switch. This stops the unit to prevent water damage.
1. Inspect the Leak Sensor and Float Switch
The leak sensor (or flood sensor) is located in the base pan of the dishwasher, underneath the main tub. Its job is to detect moisture that shouldn’t be there.
- How it works: When water accumulates in the bottom tray, it lifts a Styrofoam or plastic float switch. When this switch trips, the control board halts the cycle and activates the drain pump continuously.
- The Fix: Power off the dishwasher at the breaker. Remove the bottom kick plate (toe kick) to access the sensor. If you find water in the base pan, sponge it out and let the sensor dry. If the area is dry but the error persists, the switch itself may be stuck or faulty.
2. Check for Excessive Suds
Excessive suds are a leading cause of phantom leak errors. If you use standard dish soap instead of detergent specifically designed for automatic dishwashers, the suds can expand into the base of the machine, triggering the moisture sensor.
- The Fix: If you see foam, pour a cup of cooking oil or milk into the tub to break down the bubbles. Run a rinse cycle to clear the system.
3. Verify the Door Seal and Gasket
A compromised door seal (gasket) allows water to drip down the front of the unit and into the bottom pan, tripping the sensor.
- Inspection: Open the door and run your hand along the rubber seal. Look for cracks, food particles, or tears. Clean the seal with warm, soapy water. If it feels brittle or damaged, it must be replaced to ensure a watertight closure.
Addressing Drainage Issues (Drain Pump & Filter)
If the “LO” reading is accompanied by standing water inside the tub, the issue may actually be related to the drain pump or a blockage.
Inspecting the Drain Pump
The drain pump forces water out of the dishwasher through the drain hose. If it fails or gets clogged, water remains in the sump assembly.
- Troubleshooting:
- Remove the filter assembly at the bottom of the tub.
- Check for debris like broken glass, bones, or toothpicks that might be jamming the pump impeller.
- Listen for a humming sound during the drain cycle; if it hums but doesn’t drain, the pump motor might be burned out.
Checking the Inlet Valve
Sometimes, a leak isn’t from the wash cycle but from a continuous fill. A faulty water inlet valve may fail to close completely, allowing water to trickle into the tub even when the machine is off. If you find clean water in the tub after the machine has been sitting idle, the inlet valve likely needs replacement.
Resetting Your LG Dishwasher
After addressing the mechanical issues—whether it was clearing the moisture sensor or replacing a part—you must reset the appliance to clear the code from the control board.
Dishwasher Reset Procedure:
- Hard Reset: Turn off the dishwasher and unplug it from the wall, or flip the circuit breaker to the “OFF” position.
- Wait: Leave the power off for at least 3-5 minutes. This allows the capacitors on the control board to discharge.
- Restart: Restore power and run a short “Rinse Only” cycle to verify the repair.
Summary
While the LG dishwasher LO error code typically points to a harmless rinse aid status, do not ignore it if your appliance is leaking or failing to drain. The presence of water in the base pan will trip the float switch and lock the machine. By systematically checking the door seal, drain pump, and inlet valve, you can resolve the underlying issue and get your appliance back to peak performance. If the problem persists despite these steps, the control board itself may require professional appliance repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LO code on my LG dishwasher a serious mechanical error?
No, the LO (or Lo) code is typically a notification rather than a fault code. It usually indicates that the rinse aid dispenser is low and needs to be refilled, or it shows the current rinse aid level setting (L0 to L4). If your machine is actually malfunctioning or leaking, you may be misidentifying a similar-looking error code like AE or OE.
Why is my dishwasher showing an error and refusing to run?
If the display looks like “LO” but the dishwasher is beeping or has water in the base, you are likely dealing with an AE error (Leak Detected). This happens when the leak sensor or float switch in the bottom tray is triggered by moisture. This safety feature stops the machine to prevent floor damage and requires the base pan to be dried before the unit will operate again.
Can using the wrong detergent trigger a leak sensor?
Yes. Using regular liquid dish soap instead of automatic dishwasher detergent creates excessive suds. These suds can overflow from the tub into the internal base of the machine, where they trip the moisture sensor. If this happens, you can use a cup of milk or cooking oil to break down the bubbles and then run a rinse cycle to clear the system.
How do I fix a dishwasher that is not draining?
If water remains in the tub, first clean the filter assembly at the bottom to ensure there is no blockage. Next, check the drain pump for debris like broken glass or food scraps that might be jamming the impeller. If the pump is clear but only makes a humming sound without moving water, the pump motor may need to be replaced.
How do I reset my LG dishwasher to clear a code?
To perform a hard reset, turn off the dishwasher and unplug it or flip the circuit breaker to the “OFF” position for 3 to 5 minutes. This allows the control board to discharge. After the wait, restore power and start a “Rinse Only” cycle to confirm that the error has been successfully cleared.