LG AE
Aqua Stop Error
High severityVerified Diagnostic Guide
SeverityHigh
What Your Machine Is Actually Telling You
AE means LG's AquaLock leak detection system triggered. A moisture sensor or float switch in the base pan detected water where it shouldn't be.
Common causes:
1. Door seal leak (25%) — gasket torn or debris under seal.
2. Drain hose connection (15%) — loose clamp.
3. Inlet hose leak (15%) — worn washer or cracked hose.
4. Detergent overflow (10%) — excessive suds.
5. Internal hose (10%) — tub-to-pump hose loose.
6. Tub seal (10%) — bearing seal failed.
7. Condensation/splash (10%) — false alarm.
8. Sensor fault (5%) — corroded sensor.
Common causes:
1. Door seal leak (25%) — gasket torn or debris under seal.
2. Drain hose connection (15%) — loose clamp.
3. Inlet hose leak (15%) — worn washer or cracked hose.
4. Detergent overflow (10%) — excessive suds.
5. Internal hose (10%) — tub-to-pump hose loose.
6. Tub seal (10%) — bearing seal failed.
7. Condensation/splash (10%) — false alarm.
8. Sensor fault (5%) — corroded sensor.
What You're Probably Seeing Right Now
- AE on display — machine stopped.
- Water visible under or behind machine.
- AE during spin — pressure forces leak.
- AE appeared suddenly — hose disconnected.
DIY Fix — From Easiest to Hardest
1
Turn Off Water (Immediately)
1. Close BOTH taps behind the washer.
2. Unplug machine.
3. Place towels around base.
2. Unplug machine.
3. Place towels around base.
2
Find the Leak (10 minutes)
1. Wipe everything dry.
2. Turn on water slowly.
3. Watch for where water appears.
4. **Back** = inlet hoses.
5. **Front bottom** = door seal or pump.
6. **Center** = tub seal.
2. Turn on water slowly.
3. Watch for where water appears.
4. **Back** = inlet hoses.
5. **Front bottom** = door seal or pump.
6. **Center** = tub seal.
3
Check Door Seal (5 minutes)
1. Inspect entire rubber gasket.
2. Feel for tears, cuts, hardened sections.
3. Remove trapped debris.
4. Replace if torn ($30-80).
2. Feel for tears, cuts, hardened sections.
3. Remove trapped debris.
4. Replace if torn ($30-80).
4
Check Hose Connections (5 minutes)
1. Tighten inlet hoses — replace rubber washers.
2. Check drain hose clamp at pump.
3. Inspect internal hoses — tighten clamps.
2. Check drain hose clamp at pump.
3. Inspect internal hoses — tighten clamps.
5
Dry Base Pan Sensor (5 minutes)
Once leak is fixed:
1. Tilt machine slightly.
2. Dry the base pan.
3. Sensor resets when dry.
4. Power on and test.
1. Tilt machine slightly.
2. Dry the base pan.
3. Sensor resets when dry.
4. Power on and test.
When to Call a Pro
- •Tub seal/bearing — $250-$500.
- •Door gasket — $100-$250 installed.
- •Do not ignore — ongoing leaks damage floors.
What It'll Cost You
Swipe left to see full table
Frequently Asked Questions: Error AE
What does error code AE mean on a LG washing machine?
Water leak detected in the base of the unit.
What usually causes the LG AE error?
The primary cause is: Internal hose leak or overflow triggered flood protection.. It may also be caused by temporary sensor misreadings or wiring connection issues.
How do I reset and clear error AE?
Turn off water taps. Tilt machine slightly back to drain base pan. Call service. If the error persists, unplug the washer from electrical power for 10 minutes to perform a complete logic board reset.
Is it safe to continue using the machine with error AE?
This code has a High severity level. We recommend stopping the cycle and resolving the problem immediately to prevent further damage.