LG Dishwasher model LDF7774ST “AE” Code

[bowhunter]

Pulled this dishwasher from under the counter and there was a little water in the trough on the right side where the emergency flood switch is. Towards the front in the corner are 2 black tubes running into this trough. Ran this dishwasher through several fill ups and discharged with no water coming from anywhere. I suspect that these tubes run from a fan assembly in behind the door panel. The water in the trough when I first checked it was minimal. Are these tubes running some condensate from a fan? Seems counter productive since it would trip this emergency switch which activates the extraction pump. Mind you, no leaks anywhere when I ran it. Owner says it codes out around the middle of the cycle. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[16345Ed]

Our Resident expert @john63 has addressed this issue before. 
 

Here’s what he had to say...

 

The tubes are part of a trough which leads to the leak sensor.

Identifying the cause of an "AE" leak error requires...at times... patience and determination.

Most of the time...the leak error is a nuisance triggered event. A one time in 1000 deal.

A common instance is...excessive suds...caused by loading items from the sink into the dishwasher...AFTER a large pot or pan had been hand washed in the sink using dishwashing detergent.

Small bowls or cups were in the sink at the time...the leftover/residual dishwasher detergent (in the cups/bowls) was later introduced to the dishwasher during loading of those items.

During the wash cycle...a large amount suds accumulated...leaked at the bottom of the door...into the trough...down into the leak sensor...triggering Emergency Drain and the error "AE".

Often...a cycle can be started...and after one or two minutes of the wash cycle...opening the door will reveal that suds is still a problem.

By adding 2 tablespoons of cheap cooking oil (dollar store cheap)...and running the wash cycle for at least 2 minutes...all suds will be eliminated.

If the leak error occurs frequently (no suds)...time to look for other possible causes...

1. Does the customer have a whole house water softener system? Reduce detergent dosage significantly.

2. Is the dishwasher level (front to back)? Correct as needed...best to elevate the front of the dishwasher *slightly* higher than the rear.

3. Is the dw secured to the cabinetry through the side mounting holes (rather than at the top to the counter)? Check that those mounting screws are not too tightly installed...which would cause the tub/frame to bow outward...creating a leak at the door gasket area.

4. Door gasket...good condition? No tears/rips/obvious deformity?

5. Lower door gasket/flap...no buckling/warping?

6. Both corners of the tub should have a plastic bushing at each corner...missing?

7. Wash motor seal leaking? This would cause water to spray about like a lawn sprinkler.

8. Hose leak under the dishwasher?

9. Is the drain hose elevated 20 inches or more?

10. Overfilling of fill water...can be checked using Test Mode...and noting the water level frequency number when filling has stopped. Possible failing to close fast-enough water valve (mineral deposits). Note: Service Manual has details for initiating Test Mode.

11. Cracked wash arm...bend/flex lower wash arm to inspect for crack...which would cause water to spray in a manner not intended...causing a leak.

Good luck:)

FWIW...Possibilities 7 thru 11 are *rare*.

 

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[bowhunter]

The trough that runs only from the right front leg to the right rear leg does not, that I can see capture any water except from those 2 tubes that empty right next to each other into that trough. Unless there is another trough that runs across under the front of the door and one of those black tubes comes from that. It did not leak at all the whole time that I filled it and emptied it. Also just a note, whoever installed this DW hooked up the water supply to the cold water faucet. Is this typical of an LG that they don’t need to be connected to hot water because the element heats the water? Unlike a Samsung DW which has a tray which covers the whole underneath and has the flood sensor in that, the flood sensor on this one assumes the leak will only appear from the door. All other areas that could leak ie. pumps, hoses etc are free to leak all over the floor. Seems like a crummy design. 

[ABA Tech]

13 hours ago, bowhunter said:

The trough that runs only from the right front leg to the right rear leg does not, that I can see capture any water except from those 2 tubes that empty right next to each other into that trough. Unless there is another trough that runs across under the front of the door and one of those black tubes comes from that. It did not leak at all the whole time that I filled it and emptied it. Also just a note, whoever installed this DW hooked up the water supply to the cold water faucet. Is this typical of an LG that they don’t need to be connected to hot water because the element heats the water? Unlike a Samsung DW which has a tray which covers the whole underneath and has the flood sensor in that, the flood sensor on this one assumes the leak will only appear from the door. All other areas that could leak ie. pumps, hoses etc are free to leak all over the floor. Seems like a crummy design. 

The installation instructions for this specific model says this:

”This dishwasher may be connected to either hot or cold water. If the water can not be maintained below 149F (65C), the dishwasher must be connected to cold water.”

Edited February 13, 2020 by ABA Tech

[bowhunter]

It hasn’t reoccurred since I dried everything out. Probably was over suds from dishes left in the sink that had Dish detergent in the them. Thank you

[William Lewis]

Thanks