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LG Dishwasher Error Code AE/E1 (Leak Detected)

AE or E1 means LG’s float switch found water pooling in the base pan, so the dishwasher won’t restart until the leak is found and the pan dries out.

Risk: Moderate

Meaning

AE (shown as E1 on some models) means the float switch at the bottom of the tub has detected water pooling where it shouldn’t be. The float switch is a safety mechanism, not a leak sensor built into the tub itself, so it only reacts once enough water has already collected in the base pan. That’s why fixing AE is less about the switch and more about finding where the water is coming from in the first place.

The information provided here is a diagnostic aid and does not replace the intervention of a qualified professional.

Possible causes

No cause is certain until it has been checked on the appliance.

Very likely Dishwasher not level, tilted enough for water to pool on one side of the base pan
Likely Too much detergent, or a non-HE detergent, causing suds to overflow the tub
Likely Worn door gasket letting water past during the wash
Rare Failing water inlet valve or a drain pump seal that's started weeping

Tools needed

Spirit level
Adjustable wrench
Multimeter
Towels

First checks

Check the dishwasher is level front-to-back and side-to-side with a spirit level. Even a few degrees of tilt is enough to pool water on one side.
Confirm only one HE dishwasher pod is used per cycle, not liquid dish soap or extra detergent.
Inspect the door gasket around its full length for cracks or gaps.
With power and water off, test the float switch with a multimeter: near-zero resistance when the float is lifted, open circuit when it's resting down.

Step-by-step diagnosis

Set a spirit level across the tub rim left to right, then front to back. A tilt of only a couple of degrees is enough to pool water on one side of the base pan and lift the float.
Adjust the leveling legs until both readings are true, rather than packing something under one corner.
Cut power and water, then dry the base pan completely.
Check the detergent: one HE dishwasher pod per cycle. Liquid dish soap, or a second pod added for a heavy load, produces suds that climb over the tub lip.
Inspect the door gasket over its full length for splits and flat spots.
With power and water still off, test the float switch with a multimeter: near zero resistance with the float lifted, open circuit with it resting down. A switch that reads open in both positions is the fault.
Restore power and run a short cycle, watching the base pan.

What not to do

Just resetting the code and running another cycle. The float switch doesn't cause the water, it only reports it, so AE will come right back if the source isn't found.
Assuming the float switch itself is bad first. A level check and a look at the detergent being used catch most cases before any part needs replacing.

When to stop

The unit is level, the float switch tests correctly, and AE or E1 still appears.
The pan refills during a cycle, which points at the inlet valve or a weeping pump seal.

An error code varies by brand

The same code can have a different meaning depending on the brand and model. Always check your appliance's manual before acting.

Related guides

When to call a professional

If the simple checks turned up nothing, if the repair involves electricity, gas, or the sealed refrigerant system, or if you have any doubt at all: stop there and hand the appliance over to a qualified technician.