LG · Washer Serious

AE — Leak (Front-Load) or Drum Drive Fault (Top-Load)

AE means different things depending on your washer type. On LG FRONT-LOAD washers, AE is a leak/auto-shutoff code: the leak/float sensor in the base pan has detected water and shut the washer down to prevent flooding. On LG TOP-LOAD washers, AE means the gears/clutch responsible for rotating the drum cannot operate — a mechanical drive fault, not a leak. Confirm which type of washer you have before troubleshooting.

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

How to fix it

  1. Confirm which type of LG washer you have — front-load or top-load — since AE means something different on each.
  2. FRONT-LOAD: Press Power to stop the cycle and turn off both hot and cold supply valves behind the washer; unplug the washer or trip the breaker and place towels around the base to catch water.
  3. FRONT-LOAD: Tilt the washer back roughly 15 degrees for 30 seconds to drain water out of the base pan and clear the float, then set it back level.
  4. FRONT-LOAD: Remove the lower front access panel and check the tub-to-pump hose, dispenser-to-tub hose, all clamps, and the door boot gasket for wet spots, trails, or tears.
  5. FRONT-LOAD: If suds residue is present, switch to HE detergent (no more than 2 tablespoons per load) and run an empty Tub Clean cycle to verify the leak is resolved.
  6. TOP-LOAD: Unplug the washer, then try turning the drum by hand — resistance, grinding, or a drum that spins freely without engaging the motor point to the clutch or gearcase.
  7. TOP-LOAD: Access the drive assembly beneath the tub per your model's service sheet and inspect the clutch and gearcase for wear, stripped teeth, or a broken drive component.
  8. TOP-LOAD: Replace the clutch or gearcase if worn or broken.
  9. If AE returns after service on either type, the underlying fault hasn't been fully resolved — call for service before running another load.

Why it happens

Typical signs: AE shown on display · FRONT-LOAD: cycle stops mid-wash or mid-spin, water visible under the washer or in the base pan, washer beeps and won't respond to Start · TOP-LOAD: drum doesn't turn or agitate, washer may fill and pause but never spin, unusual grinding or clunking from the drive area before the fault

  • Torn or displaced door boot/gasket (front-load) Rips, mold damage, or items pushed under the gasket let water escape during wash and spin and pool in the base.
  • Cracked internal tub-to-pump hose (front-load) The hose between the outer tub and drain pump can crack or slip its clamp, dripping into the pan.
  • Dispenser hose or housing crack (front-load) Hose from the detergent dispenser to the tub, or the dispenser box itself, can leak during fill.
  • Excessive suds (front-load) Too much detergent or non-HE detergent pushes suds past the gasket and the leak sensor reads it as a leak.
  • Loose hose clamps or fittings (front-load) Vibration over time loosens clamps on internal hoses and the inlet manifold.
  • Worn or broken clutch (top-load) The clutch that engages the drive motor to the drum has worn out or failed, so the motor can't rotate the tub.
  • Failed drive gears/gearcase (top-load) Internal gears in the transmission/gearcase are stripped or broken.

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.

  • Door boot gasket (front-load) Common replacement
    Amazon →
  • Drain pump hose / clamp Common replacement
    Amazon →
  • LG top-load washer clutch assembly Common replacement
    Amazon →
  • LG top-load washer gearcase / transmission Common replacement
    Amazon →

Related repair guides

Washing Machine Leaking Water — Find the Source →

More LG washer codes

CE CE — Overcurrent Error CL CL — Child Lock Is On dE dE / dE1 / dE2 Error — Door Will Not Lock dE1 dE1 — Door not fully closed dE2 dE2 — Door closed but won't lock dHE dHE — Drying heater error (combo / WashTower)

All LG codes → All washer codes →

Frequently asked questions

What does the AE code mean on a LG washer?

AE means different things depending on your washer type. On LG FRONT-LOAD washers, AE is a leak/auto-shutoff code: the leak/float sensor in the base pan has detected water and shut the washer down to prevent flooding. On LG TOP-LOAD washers, AE means the gears/clutch responsible for rotating the drum cannot operate — a mechanical drive fault, not a leak. Confirm which type of washer you have before troubleshooting.

What causes the AE code on a LG washer?

Torn or displaced door boot/gasket (front-load): Rips, mold damage, or items pushed under the gasket let water escape during wash and spin and pool in the base. Cracked internal tub-to-pump hose (front-load): The hose between the outer tub and drain pump can crack or slip its clamp, dripping into the pan. Dispenser hose or housing crack (front-load): Hose from the detergent dispenser to the tub, or the dispenser box itself, can leak during fill.

Is it safe to keep using a LG washer with a AE error?

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

How do I fix AE on a LG washer?

Confirm which type of LG washer you have — front-load or top-load — since AE means something different on each. FRONT-LOAD: Press Power to stop the cycle and turn off both hot and cold supply valves behind the washer; unplug the washer or trip the breaker and place towels around the base to catch water. FRONT-LOAD: Tilt the washer back roughly 15 degrees for 30 seconds to drain water out of the base pan and clear the float, then set it back level.

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.