What this error means
Inlet error — the dishwasher is not filling with water correctly
The IE error on an LG dishwasher means the machine has failed to receive sufficient water during the fill phase. This is most commonly caused by a closed or partially open water supply tap, a kinked inlet hose, a blocked inlet filter mesh, or low water pressure. A faulty solenoid inlet valve will also produce this code.
What you'll need first
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Step-by-step
Symptoms to look for
- Dishwasher starts but does not fill with water
- Programme stops within the first few minutes with IE displayed
- Machine makes a humming sound but no water is heard entering
- Fill phase takes far longer than normal before the wash cycle begins
How to fix it
Find the cold water isolation tap under the sink. Turn it fully anti-clockwise. If uncertain whether it moved, close it fully then reopen anti-clockwise.
Open the under-sink cabinet and trace the hose from the tap fitting to the back of the dishwasher. Straighten every kink and sharp bend. Ease the dishwasher forward slightly if the hose is pinched between the machine and the cabinet wall.
Turn the tap off. Place a towel under the hose connection at the back of the machine. Unscrew the fitting anti-clockwise. Inside the inlet port is a small flat or cylindrical mesh filter. Remove it with tweezers, rinse under running water and scrub with an old toothbrush to remove limescale. Refit firmly.
With the hose disconnected from the machine, point it into a bucket and briefly open the tap for 3 seconds. You should see a strong, steady, uninterrupted flow. A weak trickle indicates a property supply pressure problem — LG dishwashers require a minimum of 0.5 bar to fill reliably.
With the dishwasher completely unplugged, remove the lower kickplate panel. The inlet valve is where the hose connects internally — a solenoid body with a wiring connector. Check for corrosion, cracking, or mineral deposits around the valve body.
Reassemble everything and run a Quick Wash. The dishwasher should begin filling within 60 seconds — you will hear water entering the base.
When to call an engineer
- Water supply pressure confirmed adequate but IE persists after filter cleaning
- Inlet valve solenoid reads open circuit on a multimeter — valve has failed
- Inlet hose flow restrictor is blocked with limescale — hose needs replacing
- Wiring to the inlet valve is burnt, corroded, or the connector is melted
Frequently asked questions
Why does IE appear even though the water is connected?
What minimum water pressure does an LG dishwasher need?
Can limescale cause IE on an LG dishwasher?
Is it safe to use the dishwasher after IE?
🎯 What is likely causing this fault?
⚠️ Estimates based on common faults — not a guaranteed diagnosis. Always verify before ordering parts.
Parts you may need
Enter your model number to filter results to your exact machine
Usually found on a label inside the door frame or on the back panel of the machine.
| Part | Approx. UK Cost | Find it |
|---|---|---|
| Inlet valve | £20 - £30 | 🏷️ eBay UK → |
ℹ️ Prices are approximate. Always check the part number matches your model before ordering. Not sure of your model number? Find out how to locate it here.