Dishwasher
LG
Updated Jul 26, 2026
LG Dishwasher FE Error — Water Overfill & How to Fix It
FE
LG · DishwasherFE on an LG dishwasher means the tub has overfilled — more water than expected is detected…
Quick answer
FE on an LG dishwasher means the tub has overfilled — more water than expected is detected. The drain pump activates automatically to prevent flooding.
What FE means
FE (Fill Error) triggers when the water level sensor detects that the tub has more water than it should for the current cycle phase. The dishwasher immediately turns on the drain pump and stops the cycle. This is a safety feature to prevent your kitchen from flooding.
How to fix it
- Press POWER to turn the dishwasher off.
- Turn off the circuit breaker for 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
- Press POWER and start a new cycle.
- If FE returns: The water inlet valve may be stuck open (not closing when it should). This requires professional replacement.
- Check for oversudsing. Regular dish soap creates excess foam that confuses the water level sensor.
- Check the water level sensor. A faulty sensor can give false overfill readings. A technician can test it.
What does the FE code mean?
FE indicates the water level in the tub has exceeded the maximum safe level. The inlet valve may be stuck open or the water level sensor is giving false readings.
Common causes
- Water inlet valve stuck open (solenoid not closing)
- Oversudsing from wrong detergent type
- Faulty water level sensor (pressure switch)
- Water being siphoned back from the drain into the tub
- Control board sending incorrect fill signal
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How to fix the FE error
Power off
Press POWER button.
Circuit breaker reset
Off for 10 seconds, then back on.
Restart
Power on, start new cycle.
Check detergent
Must be dishwasher-specific.
If FE persists
Inlet valve is likely stuck open — call a technician.
Check for backflow
Ensure drain hose has a high loop to prevent siphoning.
Safety first: If water is actively overflowing, shut off the water supply valve under the sink immediately before doing anything else.
Part you may need: Water inlet valve / water level sensor (pressure switch)
A stuck-open inlet valve will continue filling even with the dishwasher off. If you see water continuously entering the tub, turn off the supply valve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
FE vs AE?
FE = too much water in the tub (overfill). AE = water in the base pan (leak). Different sensors, different problems.
Can wrong detergent cause FE?
Yes — regular dish soap foam confuses the water level sensor into thinking the tub is overfull.
Is FE a flood risk?
The dishwasher drains automatically when FE triggers, but a stuck inlet valve is a real flood risk. Turn off the supply valve if FE keeps returning.
✎ Written by
REZAUL Karim (Riad)
REZAUL Karim (Riad) is the founder of ErrFixHub and a hands-on electronics and home-appliance repair specialist with over 15 years of experience diagnosing and fixing air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, inverters and other household appliances. He built ErrFixHub to turn cryptic error codes into clear, step-by-step fixes anyone can follow — cross-checking every code against manufacturer documentation and real repair-bench experience.
