AE Serious Moderate DIY

LG Washer AE — Leak / auto shut-off (base pan water detected)

LG Washer · Error code AE

What AE Means

The leak/float sensor in the base pan has detected water and shut the washer down to prevent flooding. Water must be removed and the source of the leak found before the washer will continue.

Symptoms

  • AE shown on display
  • Cycle stops mid-wash or mid-spin
  • Water visible under the washer or in the base pan
  • Washer beeps and will not respond to Start

Common Causes

1
Torn or displaced door boot/gasket

Rips, mold damage, or items pushed under the gasket let water escape during wash and spin and pool in the base.

2
Cracked internal tub-to-pump hose

The hose between the outer tub and drain pump can crack or slip its clamp, dripping into the pan.

3
Dispenser hose or housing crack

Hose from the detergent dispenser to the tub, or the dispenser box itself, can leak during fill.

4
Excessive suds

Too much detergent or non-HE detergent pushes suds past the gasket and the leak sensor reads it as a leak.

5
Loose hose clamps or fittings

Vibration over time loosens clamps on internal hoses and the inlet manifold.

How to Fix It

  1. Press Power to stop the cycle and turn off both hot and cold supply valves behind the washer.
  2. Unplug the washer or trip the breaker; place towels around the base to catch water.
  3. Tilt the washer back ~15° for 30 seconds to drain water out of the base pan and clear the float, then set it back level.
  4. Remove the lower front access panel and shine a flashlight on the tub-to-pump hose, dispenser-to-tub hose, and all clamps; look for wet spots and trails.
  5. Inspect the door boot gasket carefully — peel it back and look for tears or trapped items.
  6. If suds residue is present, switch to HE detergent and use no more than 2 tablespoons per load.
  7. Restore power and run a Tub Clean (empty) cycle to verify the leak is resolved.
  8. If AE returns, the leak source is not yet found — call for service before running another load.

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.

Common replacement Door boot gasket (front-load) View on Amazon→ Common replacement Drain pump hose / clamp View on Amazon→

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 →

Verified against manufacturer documentation: trueprohome.com

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician.