LG Dishwasher CE Error: Motor Current Error
LG dishwasher error — here’s what you need to know. The CE error code on your LG dishwasher indicates the control board has detected abnormal electrical current on the wash motor circuit. This is a High severity issue. What Does CE Mean on an LG Dishwasher? CE stands for “Current Error.” LG’s inverter direct-drive motor […]
~30%
DIY Fixable
From $195
Typical Repair Cost
1.5 – 4 hrs
Pro Repair Time
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. A CE code indicates a potentially dangerous electrical fault — a motor short can generate heat that damages wiring and creates a fire hazard. Do not use the dishwasher until the cause of the overcurrent is identified and resolved.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. A reset is a valid first step after clearing an impeller obstruction. However, if the CE code is caused by a motor winding short or wiring damage, the reset will not prevent the fault from recurring and should not be used repeatedly.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: There is any burning smell, smoke, or discoloration around the motor or wiring., CE code appears immediately every time the motor tries to start, with no obstruction found..
Symptoms You May Notice
Dishwasher Trips Its Own Internal Protection and Shuts Down
The dishwasher abruptly stops mid-cycle with no warning sound — the inverter controller cuts motor power instantly when overcurrent is detected.
CE Code on Display
The control panel shows CE immediately after motor startup or within the first few minutes of the wash phase.
Burning or Electrical Smell During Cycle
A faint burning or warm electrical odor from the base of the dishwasher as motor windings or wiring experience abnormal current before the controller shuts down.
Burning or electrical smell
A hot or acrid smell near the dishwasher suggests the motor is straining against a mechanical lock or drawing excessive current before the protection circuit trips.
Possible Causes
Foreign Object Jammed in Wash Pump Impeller
Glass, a bone, or a small utensil physically blocks the impeller, causing the motor to draw current many times above normal as it tries to overcome the mechanical load.
DIY PossibleShorted or Grounded Motor Winding
Moisture intrusion or insulation breakdown in the motor windings creates a short circuit that causes excessive current draw immediately on startup.
Requires ProfessionalDamaged Motor Wiring Harness
Chafed, pinched, or corroded wiring between the motor and the inverter control board causes an intermittent short or ground fault that the controller reads as overcurrent.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Check for and Remove Any Impeller Obstruction
With the dishwasher unplugged, remove the filter assembly and reach into the sump with a flashlight. Look and feel for any hard objects — glass shards, pits, or debris — near the pump impeller opening. Remove carefully with needle-nose pliers.
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2
Perform a Hard Reset and Observe Behavior
After clearing any obstruction, reset the dishwasher by unplugging for 10 minutes. Restart on a Normal cycle and note whether CE appears immediately on startup (suggesting a motor or wiring fault) or only after a few minutes of running.
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3
Inspect Accessible Wiring at the Motor Connector
With the dishwasher off and unplugged, remove the kick plate and look at the wiring harness visible at the motor. Look for melted insulation, pinched wires against the frame, or a loose connector plug. Reseat any loose plugs firmly.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Motor winding resistance tests shorted between phases or to ground with a multimeter.
- Wiring harness shows melted insulation or continuity to chassis ground where there should be none.
- Inverter control board output stage shows signs of damage from sustained overcurrent.
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
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