LG · Dishwasher Serious

CE — Motor / communication error

On many LG dishwashers CE is grouped with LE and means the main board has lost feedback from the wash motor; on some recent models CE means the main PCB and sub PCB have lost communication.

Keep using it?
Limited use only
DIY difficulty
Moderate
Verified against
lg.com ↗

How to fix it

  1. Cycle power at the breaker for 2 minutes.
  2. Open the door, remove the inner door trim screws, and inspect the UI ribbon connector.
  3. Reseat both ends of the communication cable; look for corrosion or melted pins.
  4. If CE returns, swap or replace the UI (sub) PCB first — it is the cheaper part.
  5. If CE persists with a known-good UI, replace the main PCB.
  6. Verify ground continuity to the dishwasher chassis at the power cord.
  7. Confirm the unit is on a dedicated 15 A circuit per LG spec.

Why it happens

Typical signs: CE shown shortly after start · Cycle aborts · No wash sound · Display freezes or flickers

  • Loose ribbon / harness between PCBs Communication cable between main and sub board unseated.
  • Motor feedback fault Same root cause as LE on shared firmware.
  • Moisture in a control connector Steam intrusion at the door latch or top trim corrodes pins.
  • Failed sub PCB (display/UI board) User-interface board no longer responds to main PCB.
  • Failed main PCB Driver IC failure preventing motor command.

Parts you may need

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

  • LG dishwasher UI / sub PCB Common replacement
    Amazon →
  • LG dishwasher main control board Common replacement
    Amazon →

More LG dishwasher codes

2H 2H — Delay-start indicator (2 hours remaining) AE AE — Leak Detected (Aqua Error) bE bE — Bubble / oversuds error CL CL — Child lock / control lock active CR CR — Test / calibration mode E1 E1 — Leak detected (newer display label)

All LG codes → All dishwasher codes →

Frequently asked questions

What does the CE code mean on a LG dishwasher?

On many LG dishwashers CE is grouped with LE and means the main board has lost feedback from the wash motor; on some recent models CE means the main PCB and sub PCB have lost communication.

What causes the CE code on a LG dishwasher?

Loose ribbon / harness between PCBs: Communication cable between main and sub board unseated. Motor feedback fault: Same root cause as LE on shared firmware. Moisture in a control connector: Steam intrusion at the door latch or top trim corrodes pins.

Is it safe to keep using a LG dishwasher with a CE error?

Limited use only. This is rated a serious-severity fault.

How do I fix CE on a LG dishwasher?

Cycle power at the breaker for 2 minutes. Open the door, remove the inner door trim screws, and inspect the UI ribbon connector. Reseat both ends of the communication cable; look for corrosion or melted pins.

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: lg.com.