LG Dishwashers – Troubleshooting an OE Error Code

Clean the filter.

Remove larger food debris and items that may not wash out and clean the dishwasher filter.

Note

It is recommended you regularly perform maintenance activities such as cleaning the spray arms, cleaning the filters, and running a maintenance cycle. For more information, please visit our Maintenance - Dishwasher article.

After performing the dishwasher maintenance, attempt to run a HEAVY DUTY or NORMAL cycle with no dishes or detergent. This will flush out the unit and test the drain function.

1. View How to Clean the Filter
2. ×

   How many spray arms do you have?

   2 Arms 4 Arms

   NOTE: The look and position of your filters and removal instructions may vary slightly from the instructions below. Refer to your owner's manual for model specific instructions. Visit our Documents and Manuals to download a copy.

3. • For best wash performance, clean the filter after each load.

   • Before starting a cycle, make sure that the filter is assembled correctly. If the filter is not assembled properly, poor cleaning performance may be experienced.

   • For areas with hard water, it is recommended to clean the filter at least once a month to prevent poor wash performance.

   Show Script

   [LG Dishwashers] How to Clean the Filters on Your LG Dishwasher

   Welcome to LG customer support channel.

   In this video, we will demonstrate how to clean the filter in your LG dishwasher.

   To prevent injury during care and maintenance, wear gloves and protective clothing.

   For best performance of your LG dishwasher, check the recommended filter cleaning chart in your use and care manual.

   To access the filter, remove the lower rack.

   Turn the mesh filter counterclockwise.

   Take out the mesh filter, upper STS filter, and outer filter.

   Clean the mesh filter and STS filter with warm water and a soft sponge.

   To reinstall, reverse the previous steps.

   Before starting a cycle, make sure that the filter is assembled correctly. If the filter is not assembled correctly, you may experience poor cleaning results.

   Do you prefer reading the step-by-step-instruction?

   View Step by Step Instructions

   Note: Some models do not have a 3-stage filter in the bottom of the tub. Instead, some models have a self-cleaning filter system that continuously cleans the water as it circulates. The self-cleaning filter grinds food into small particles before going down the drain. In this case, cleaning the filters is not necessary.

   NOTE: The look and position of your filters and removal instructions may vary slightly from the instructions below. Refer to your owner's manual for model specific instructions. Visit our Documents and Manuals to download a copy.

   A.

   Remove the lower rack.

   

   B.

   Turn the mesh filter counterclockwise.

   

   C.

   Take out the mesh filter, upper STS filter, and the outer filter.

   

   D.

   Clean the filters using non-abrasive materials and warm water.

   Separate the two cylinder shaped filters, gently clean them with a brush under warm water.

   

   E.

   Replace the filters in reverse order.

   

4. • For best wash performance, clean the filter after each load. If food debris remains in the filter, it may cause an odor.

   • In areas with hard water, clean the filter at least once a month with a soft brush.

   • Clean the filters using non-abrasive materials and warm running water.

   Show Script

   [LG Dishwashers] How to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter

   For best dishwashing performance, remove food residue and debris caught in the filters to prevent odor buildup and possible drainage problems after each load to clean the filters in your LG.

   Start by removing the lower rack. This will allow clearance for the filters to pass through. Using the handle, turn the inner filter counter clockwise and take out the assembled inner filter and stainless steel filter. It'll pull out as one piece.

   Be careful when removing the inner filter from the stainless steel filter. The tabs on the inner filter can wear out over time, if not properly handled.

   Rotate the inner filter until you feel there is enough room between the tab and the stainless steel rim then push the tab with your thumb and remove with both now separated.

   Clear any large debris found along the inner wall of the filter into the garbage then clean the filters under running water using a soft cloth or non-abrasive brush.

   When finished, reassemble the filters back together and follow the steps in reverse to reinstall. Be sure to firmly rotate the inner filter until it locks into place and set the lower rack back into position.

   It is recommended to clean the filters at least once a month especially in areas with hard water for optimum performance follow the recommended filter cleaning schedule as shown in the manual.

   Do you prefer reading the step-by-step-instruction?

   View Step by Step Instructions

   Note: Be cautious of sharp edges when handling the stainless steel filter.
   Remove food residue caught in filters to prevent the build up of odor-causing bacteria and possible drainage problems.

   NOTE: The look and position of your filters and removal instructions may vary slightly from the instructions below. Refer to your owner's manual for model specific instructions. Visit our Documents and Manuals to download a copy.

   A.

   Remove the lower rack.

   Remove the lower rack and position the bottom spray arm so a wider vee is open to the front.

   B.

   Turn the mesh filter counter-clockwise.

   Turn the inner filter counter-clockwise and take out the assembled inner filter and stainles steel filter.

   

   C.

   Clean the filters.

   Clean the filters with a soft brush under running water. Reassemble the filters before reinstalling them.

   

   D.

   Replace the filters in reverse order.

   To replace the assembled filters, position the spray arm so the wider vee is toward the front. Fit the filters back into the filter holder and secure them by turning the inner filter clockwise until it clicks into place.

   

Check the drain hose.

The dishwasher will not drain properly if the drain hose is kinked. Inspect and adjust the drain hose to avoid kinks.

• Look under the sink for a ridged or corrugated hose. It will be either white, opaque, or gray. Check if anything has gotten pushed against it or on top of it, causing the hose to become pinched or kinked.

• Straighten hose and run test cycle.

Check the air gap.

OE is triggered when the dishwasher is not draining properly. Check the drain air gap or in-sink disposal for debris and clogs.

View How to Clean the Air Gap

Note: Be cautious of sharp edges when handling the stainless steel filter.
Remove food residue caught in filters to prevent the build up of odor-causing bacteria and possible drainage problems.

A.

Turn unit OFF.

Press the POWER button to turn off the washing machine.

B.

Remove cover and cap.

Remove the air gap cover and the plastic cap underneath it.

C.

Clean the gap.

Looking down into the air gap, clean out any debris with a toothpick or brush.

Use a turkey basker to pour hot water into the air gap to clean it.

D.

Replace cover and cap.

Replace the plastic cap and the air gap cover.

New dishwasher or gabage disposal.

Is this a new dishwasher installation or has a new garbage disposal been installed?

1. New Dishwasher New Garbage Disposal
2. ×

   If the OE error code displayed on the first cycle, this indicates an installation issue with the drain hose. It may be either kinked, too high, or too long. This should be corrected by the installer.

   • The drain hose should not exceed 12 feet in length. Do not add any type of extension.

   • The height of the drain hose end must be at least 12" (305 mm) and within 40" (106mm) from the base of the appliance to avoid water being siphoned from the tub.

   
3. ×

   If the garbage disposal is new or it is the first time a dishwasher has been connected, the opening for the dishwasher's drain hose may still be plugged. The plug must be removed by either an installer or plumber.

   

   How to connect the garbage disposal with no air gap.

   A.

   Remove Knockout.

   Remove the knockout plug with a hammer and screwdriver.

   

   A.

   Attach garbage disposal.

   Attach the drain hose to disposal with the hose clamp provided. Move into position and tighten the hose clamp.

   

Force the Drain.

To perform a drain only, check the control panel for the CANCEL & DRAIN option. This is activated by pressing and holding 2 buttons simultaneously e.g DELICATE + DUAL CONTROL. The 2 buttons may vary depending on your model.

If your model does not have a CANCEL & DRAIN option, start a cycle, let it run for 45 seconds, then power the unit off. The first 45 seconds of any cycle is drain only.

OR

Request a Repair.

If you tried all the options above and the OE error code displays again, the unit will require a repair service. Please visit our Request a Repair page.

Important Tip.

If the OE error does NOT DISPLAY ANYMORE, you need to clean the unit completely.

• Clean the filter (if applicable), remove and clean the spray arms.

• Run empty cycle with a cup of vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner. For detailed instructions please refer to our Dishwasher Maintenance article.