Dishwasher
LG
Updated Jul 24, 2026
LG Dishwasher LE Error — Wash Motor Fault & How to Fix It
LE
LG · DishwasherLE on an LG dishwasher means the wash (circulation) motor is locked, overloaded, or not re…
Quick answer
LE on an LG dishwasher means the wash (circulation) motor is locked, overloaded, or not responding. The motor cannot turn the spray arms to wash dishes.
What LE means
The circulation motor drives the spray arms, pushing water through them to clean dishes. LE (Locked Error) appears when the motor cannot turn — either because something is physically blocking it, the motor is overloaded, or an electrical fault has occurred.
LE can be a temporary glitch (cleared with a reset) or a genuine motor failure (requires replacement).
How to fix it
- Power reset. Turn the circuit breaker off for 10-15 minutes (not just the power button — a full breaker reset is needed for LE). Turn it back on and start a new cycle.
- If LE clears and does not return, it was a temporary electronic glitch. No further action needed.
- If LE returns: Check for obstructions. Remove the bottom rack and look into the sump area. Remove any broken glass, food debris, utensils, or labels jamming the pump impeller.
- Check the spray arms. Remove both upper and lower spray arms (twist counterclockwise, lift). Ensure they spin freely and their holes are not clogged.
- Check the loading. Large items (pots, cutting boards) can block the spray arms from rotating, causing the motor to strain.
- If LE persists after clearing obstructions, the circulation motor has likely failed. Call a technician.
What does the LE code mean?
LE indicates the circulation (wash) motor is locked, overloaded, or has an electrical fault. The motor cannot spin the spray arms.
Common causes
- Temporary electronic glitch (cleared by reset)
- Debris jamming the pump impeller (broken glass, labels, utensils)
- Spray arms physically blocked by dishes or utensils
- Circulation motor failure (winding fault)
- Motor wiring harness damage
- Control board motor driver fault
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How to fix the LE error
Full breaker reset
Circuit breaker off for 10-15 minutes. Not just the power button.
If LE clears
Temporary glitch, no action needed.
Check for obstructions
Remove bottom rack, inspect sump for debris jamming the impeller.
Check spray arms
Remove, clean holes, ensure free rotation.
Check loading
Large items must not block spray arm rotation.
If persistent
Motor has failed — call a technician.
Safety first: Broken glass can be present in the sump area. Wear gloves when reaching in. Always turn off the circuit breaker before inspecting internal components.
Part you may need: Circulation (wash) motor / spray arms
The LE reset requires a full circuit-breaker cutoff (10-15 minutes), not just pressing the power button. The power button alone does not fully reset the motor controller.
Frequently asked questions
LE goes away after reset?
That was a temporary glitch — normal. Monitor for recurrence.
Can loading dishes wrong cause LE?
Yes — a pot handle or cutting board blocking the spray arm forces the motor to strain, triggering LE.
Is LE expensive to fix?
If it is debris, the fix is free. Motor replacement is a moderate-cost repair.
✎ 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.
