What AE, EI, FE (Leakage / Overfilling) Means
AE, EI, and FE together indicate leakage or overfilling, per LG's dishwasher Help Library article, which explains the dishwasher will keep draining on its own to protect the appliance and your floor from a potential leak once this trigger fires. LG names oversudsing from the wrong kind of detergent, an unlevel unit, or a misaligned door as the likely causes.
Common Causes of AE, EI, FE (Leakage / Overfilling)
- Dish soap or hand-dishwashing liquid used instead of dishwasher detergent (causes oversudsing)
- Dishwasher not level
- Door not aligned correctly
- A genuine leak somewhere in the unit
🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try
Check whether you're using dish soap or a liquid meant for handwashing instead of a proper dishwasher detergent - that's the single most common cause - and switch to a detergent formulated for dishwashers; also load large plates and pots upside down, since trapped water pooling in them can register as overfilling.
⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That
- If there's no water actually leaking onto the floor but the AE/EI/FE code keeps appearing anyway, LG's own guidance is to unplug the dishwasher and request service rather than keep running cycles hoping it clears - the internal drain-to-protect behavior means the code alone doesn't tell you whether a real leak is present.
- For a built-in dishwasher, don't pull the unit out from its cabinet opening trying to inspect it yourself if you suspect a leak - LG specifically warns this risks damaging the floor; disconnect power at the dedicated switch or power strip instead and wait for service.
- The safety condition comes first here: unplug the dishwasher (using the dedicated switch behind the unit, or the power strip it's plugged into) before doing anything else once you suspect a real leak, not after you've already been troubleshooting around standing water.
Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.