LG Dishwasher Error Code E1 – How To Clear

LG Dishwasher shows E1 error code, what does e1 mean? I have a 2 year old LG dishwasher. It has recently been showing the E1 error fault code. Can you tell me what this means and how do I fix it myself? Do I need to replace a part or clean an area of the dishwasher to clear the code and reset the dishwasher? Please help as the dishwasher is no longer under warranty.

LG Dishwasher Error Code E1LG Dishwasher Error Code E1 – How To Clear? – How To Fix?

LG has programmed in the E1 error code to indicate when the drain pump is running, it is not receiving the back pressure it needs. This is most likely an indication that there is a water leak in the draining system. See below for what to check to fix the E1 error…

An E1 (or AE) Error Code identifies there may be a leak in your LG dishwasher.
A leak may be caused by:
1 – Improper installation of the dishwasher.
2 – Using too much or the wrong detergent.
3 – Dishwasher door leaking.
4 – The dishwasher was not loaded correctly.
5 – Faulty sump motor.
6 – Faulty float assembly.
7 – Leaking sump assembly.

NOTE: For more detailed info on troubleshooting and replacing parts such as the Sump assembly, Float assembly, see the chart below.

LG Dishwasher E1 Error Code - How To Clear - Parts To ReplaceLG Dishwasher E1 Error Code – How To Clear – Parts To Replace

LG Dishwasher E1 Error Code TroubleshootingLG Dishwasher E1 Error Code Troubleshooting

Check these parts and areas of your LG dishwasher to troubleshoot and clear the E1 error code:

1 – Dishwasher Drain Hose Installation
Drain hose outlet installed lower than the base of your dishwasher?
– Drain hose outlet is installed lower than the base of your dishwasher may cause early draining.
– This can be the cause of the E1 error code.
– The height of the end of the drain hose must be over 10 inches from the bottom of the dishwasher.
– This is to prevent water from being siphoned from the tub too early.
– Check the drain hose for damage that may cause leakage.
– Replace the dishwasher drain hose if it is found to be damaged or leaking water.

2 – Improper Dishwasher Detergent Use
– The wrong detergent can cause excessive suds.
– Check if you are using the wrong detergent. (Not to be used in automatic dishwashers)
– If using the wrong detergent, your dishwasher can fill with suds.
– If the dishwasher has excess SUDS, your dishwasher cannot wash or rinse correctly.
– E1 error code will appear when there is too many suds or excessive suds.
– Only use a dishwasher detergent that is made for automatic dishwashers.

3 – Dishwasher Door May Be Leaking
– Check if there is water seeping through the dishwasher door.
– Check for any door seal rips or tears around the door seal.
– If you find that the door seal has any type of damage, remove and replace the door seal.

4 – Dishes In LG Dishwasher Are Not Correctly Loaded
Are you loading your LG dishwasher with large items such as oversized pots or pans?
– The way the pots and pans are positioning can cause the dishwasher to retain water that fills the dishwasher.
– This can cause the dishwasher to error out and think that there is a leak.
– Make sure all large pots and pans loaded inside the dishwasher are positioned in the racks correctly.
– Position the large pots and pans so they do not hold any excess water.

5 – Faulty sump assembly, Float assembly.
Remove and replace the sump or float assembly if you find that is the cause of the E1 error code.


LG Dishwasher – Understanding Error Code E1

How To Reset An LG Dishwasher?
– Turn the circuit breaker or unplug the dishwasher for 10 to 15 seconds.
– Plug the dishwasher back in or turn the circuit breaker back on.
– Press the power button to turn the dishwasher on.
– Start a new cycle and see if that clears the error.

LG Dishwasher PartsLG Dishwasher Parts – Parts To Fix E1 Error Code

NOTE: For proper LG Dishwasher Installation… Your LG dishwasher should be installed under your kitchen cabinet with the drain hose going through the side wall of the cabinet and then to either a disposal, air gap or just the drain line.

Have you tried all of the above fixes to clear your LG dishwasher of the E1 error code and it still shows the fault? Please leave your question below and we will be happy to assist you in clearing the error code.

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36 thoughts on “LG Dishwasher Error Code E1 – How To Clear”

  1. I have the LG ldf7551st, originally had an error that told me to look into the Water Pump, which I replaced, after 5 days of working I got the E1 error code, I did notice a little of water in front of the door, never find out where it came from.

    After trying all the recommendations from everywhere, I unplugged the dishwasher, I tried this tilting trick, a couple of times about 45 degrees each time and the error is gone ….MONEY!!!!!

    Thanks for the recommendation. I may have a different problem but this one is telling you that the activation of the float is not triggering.

    Can anyone point to link or picture to see where this float is and how to replace it, could not find the service manual for my model.

  2. Had the same issue – tried everthing the book says then pulled out tilted forward and boom all fixed.

  3. (E-1 Error code) My LG Dishwasher was working perfectly for 4 years, until last week, I ran a load of dishes while my kitchen sink drain was clogged, and I had no idea about it. The water from the dishwasher and whatever was in the drain backed up into the washer floor, the cycle stopped, I began to hear a constant humming sound of pump trying to get the water out, accompanied by the E1 code. Immediately, I realized the sink was full of flued, so I turned on the drain, all water was drained from the sink and dishwasher, but the Error didn’t go away. The pump kept on running even though there was no more water in the washer floor, I cleaned up the dishwasher twice by putting 3 gallons of hot water on its floor twice, which immediately was pumped out to the sink by the constantly running pump. E1 didn’t go away. Turning on/off and trying to reset the washer did not help, nothing worked, the E1 was always there. Finally came to this website, read the posts, pulled the dishwasher out, (the floor was completely dry, and no sign of any leaks), tilted the washer towards the front, kept it there for about 5 minutes, cleaned up about a cup of water that leaked out from the bottom (God knows where), put it upright again, and turned on the power, Bingo, it was fixed. Thank you everyone for your contributions. You’ve saved me hundreds of dollars of unnecessary part changes recommended by the servicemen.

  4. Well thank heavens I read this site. I was on my last straw with this blasted dishwasher. Needless to say, I unscrewed the mounts, pulled it out, jiggled it around, gave it a nice tap with my foot, and BOOOOYA! The code has been cleared! Took me all of 3 minutes to do this. So thank you to Chris for the idea. And try this before you call a repairman!

  5. Don’t tilt the dishwasher forward, it’s like doing something hoping for an outcome. The real fix sits with understanding the E1 code. If water leaks into the dishwasher and fills the cavity at the bottom, a float will rise and activate the E1 strip switch…. well there we Go, if there is no water in the bottom cavity the problem will still lay with the E1 trip switch.
    Fix – locate a polystyrene float laying on the bottom of the sump cavity, there should be a vertical plastic dial attached to the float, tape or glue a small sinker or nut to the plastic dial, gravity of the sinker will force the switch to stay closed and not leak.
    Bingo, restart the dishwasher and all will be good. Problem solved

  6. Had the same E1 error code. Cycled breaker many times. Filled and drained the water a few times as the drain pump ran constantly. Buggered with this and that switch / button / door. Kicked a few times. Considered calling the help line but didn’t. FINALLY read this blog. Undid the mounting screws, pulled the dishwasher out a foot or so, tilted forward, gave it a light kick just to make myself feel good, set it upright and found the E1 code cleared! Thank you Jason!

  7. I have an e1 error message on my two year old LG dishwasher. There is no obvious leak. The dish washer is empty and sighted to the left of the sink. I have switched it off at the main for a few minutes but the error message came straight back on. Is there anything else I should try?

  8. I spent 2 days dinking around turning off and on the power and getting every last drop of water from inside the washer, but had no success. My dishwasher kept getting the AE message and the pump kept trying to work. The recommendation to tilt it forward and back took 2 minutes and it worked like a charm! Thank you!!

  9. Yes! Thanks so much for your help! Our garbage disposal has been on the fritz recently and had blocked up, that caused the E1 error on our dishwasher also. We cleaned the mesh and drain cup thing, and then sucked out all the water from the hose using a shop vac. After that the E1 error still wouldn’t clear. We pulled out the unit, tried tilting back and forth a couple of times and it totally worked!! Thank you so much!!!

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