LG Dishwasher IE Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Inlet error: the dishwasher did not fill with enough water in the allowed time.
- Can I fix it?
- Sometimes, may need a pro
- Seen on
- LG dishwashers.
LG’s checks for IE all start outside the dishwasher. Is the water valve under the sink fully open? Is the inlet hose kinked, or frozen in a cold kitchen? Is the kitchen faucet running at normal pressure? If the dishwasher was just installed and still won’t fill, call the installer.
Try this first
- Open the water valve under the sink all the way.
- Turn on the hot tap at the sink. If the flow is weak there too, the problem is the house supply.
- Pull the dishwasher out a little or look under the sink for a kinked or crushed inlet hose.
- Turn the dishwasher off at the breaker for a minute, then start a short cycle.
What causes IE
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Water valve closed or partly closed | Little or no water at the bottom of the tub | The supply valve under the sink |
| Kinked or crushed inlet hose | IE after the dishwasher was moved or the cabinet was used | The hose between the valve and the dishwasher |
| Clogged inlet screen | Slow fill, often after plumbing work | The small screen where the hose meets the inlet valve |
| Low water pressure | Other taps run weak too | The kitchen tap |
| Frozen inlet hose | IE in cold weather | Warm the hose with a warm towel |
| Faulty inlet valve | Supply is fine but no water enters | Needs a technician to test the valve |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
-
Turn off power and water
Switch the dishwasher off at the breaker and close the supply valve under the sink.
Safety: Use the breaker, or unplug the dishwasher under the sink, not just the control panel.
-
Remove the kick plate
Take off the panel along the bottom front of the dishwasher. It is usually held by two screws. The inlet valve is behind it on the left front.
Safety: Steps 2 and 3 are for confident DIYers. If you'd rather not disconnect the water line, call a technician.
-
Clean the inlet screen
Put a shallow tray and a towel under the valve. Disconnect the inlet hose from the valve and rinse any grit out of the small filter screen at the inlet valve. Reconnect it as your installation manual describes, without tape or pipe compound on the valve.
Safety: Some water will run out when you disconnect the hose. Keep the towel ready.
-
Test the fill
Open the supply valve and check the fitting for drips. Restore power and start a short cycle. After a minute or two you should hear water coming in and see it in the bottom of the tub.
When to call a technician
If the valve is open, the hose and screen are clear and water pressure is normal, but IE keeps coming back, the water inlet valve or its wiring is the likely cause. A technician can test the valve and replace it.
Questions people ask
How do I reset an LG dishwasher with an IE code?
Turn it off at the breaker for about a minute, then turn it back on. The code won't stay cleared until the dishwasher can fill normally, so check the water supply first.
Can a new installation cause IE?
Yes. A valve left partly closed or a kinked hose can slow the fill enough to trigger IE. LG suggests contacting the installer if water still doesn't flow after a recent install.
Is IE the same as OE on an LG dishwasher?
No. IE means water isn't coming in fast enough. OE means water isn't draining out.