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LG Dishwasher Error Code FE

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Water overflow — overfill protection triggered

The most common cause of the FE error on a LG dishwasher is water inlet valve stuck open (~55% of cases); start with: check inlet valve.

💰 DIY cost: $35–$80 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$320 Save $115+ by doing it yourself
LG Dishwasher error code FE on the display panel
How the FE code appears on a LG dishwasher display

What Does Error Code FE Mean on a LG Dishwasher?

Water overflow — overfill protection triggered.

FE fires when the control board sees water above the safe fill threshold, typically via the float switch or level sensing in the base. The most common trigger is an inlet valve that fails to fully close, letting water keep flowing after fill completes; the board then activates the drain pump to protect against leaks. FE differs from IE (fill too slow or no water) and AE (leak detected at the base pan) — FE specifically means too much water reached the tub.

Models affected: LG dishwashers across most lines, including models such as LDFN4542S, LDTS5552S, and LDF5545ST; the FE overflow code is a common feature of LG's built-in dishwashers.
What owners report: Owners commonly report FE appearing mid-cycle or shortly after a cycle starts, sometimes with the drain pump running continuously. A stuck or slow-closing inlet valve is a frequent culprit, though debris pinning the float down can cause a false trigger that clears after cleaning the base. Shutting the water supply to see if flow stops is a quick way many owners narrow it down.

What Causes Error Code FE?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Water inlet valve stuck open 55% of cases
  2. 2
    Float switch stuck in down position 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Control board overfill detection failure 20% of cases

How to Fix LG Dishwasher Error Code FE

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Check inlet valve

    Turn off water supply. If water stops entering, inlet valve is stuck open.

    🔩 LG dishwasher inlet valve ($35–$80)
  2. 2

    Check float switch

    The float switch is in the base. Gently lift the float — it should move freely.

  3. 3

    Replace inlet valve

    If valve is confirmed stuck open.

How to Reset Error Code FE

Turn off the dishwasher's breaker for 60 seconds (most LG dishwashers are hardwired), then restore power. The unit should drain the excess water automatically; once empty, start a new cycle to confirm FE is cleared.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full LG dishwasher reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If inlet valve is replaced and overflow continues, the float switch or control board is faulty.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$320

Related Error Codes

AE
Leakage detected — water found in base tray
⚠ High Severity
IE
Water inlet error — not filling with water
⚠ Medium Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code FE appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows FE →

Samsung logo
Samsung Dryer FE
Frequency error — abnormal power supply frequency

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your LG Dishwasher:

🔩
Search PartSelect
LG Dishwasher repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More LG Dishwasher Error Codes

OE Drain error — dishwasher not draining HE Heater failure — water not heating tE Temperature sensor failure LE Leakage detected — flood protection activated CE Motor/pump over-current error CL Door close / child lock indicator — door not latched or controls locked

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my LG Dishwasher when error FE appears? +
It is not advisable. The dishwasher may still power on, but running it while FE is active can worsen the water-level fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes FE on a LG Dishwasher? +
Across reported LG dishwasher repairs, the most frequent is water inlet valve stuck open (55% of cases), float switch stuck in down position (25%), then control board overfill detection failure (20%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
FE keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored FE fault; if it returns, the water-level problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — check inlet valve, then check float switch — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.
How much does it cost to fix LG Dishwasher error FE? +
A DIY repair typically runs $35–$80 in parts, versus $150–$320 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $115. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.
Which LG Dishwasher models show error FE? +
FE is documented on LG dishwashers across most lines, including models such as LDFN4542S, LDTS5552S, and LDF5545ST; the FE overflow code is a common feature of LG's built-in dishwashers.. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

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