LG Dishwasher Error FE: Float Assembly Stuck

The Logic Verdict

I watched the DIY tech drag an FE-tagged LG dishwasher out, disconnect power, and lock onto the float tower on the left wall. After removing the interior nut, he freed the exterior clip, unplugged the two microswitch connectors, loosened the hose clamp, and dropped the entire float assembly in his hands. The floats were coated in sludge, so they never sank and the control thought the tub was overflowing. A deep rinse, quick bench test in a cup of water, and careful reinstallation of the housing and gasket cleared the FE alert on the next fill.

What It Means

FE is LG’s overflow/fill error. The tub drained, but the float switch stayed in the “high water” position, so the control shuts the inlet valve and halts the cycle until the float drops again.

Common Causes

• Float tower packed with debris. Grease, detergent residue, and food bits make the floats stick in the raised position.
• Sticky microswitches. The twin switches on the tower fill with moisture and stay closed even when the floats drop.
• Damaged float assembly or gasket. Warped plastic or a torn seal lets water bypass the housing and keep the float lifted.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Kill power and water. Unplug the dishwasher or trip the breaker and close the hot-water valve to stay dry when the hose comes off.
2. Pull the cabinet forward. Remove the toe-kick, lift out the strip of insulation, back out the two mounting screws, and slide the tub forward enough to reach the left side.
3. Remove the interior nut. Inside the tub, pull the lower rack and unthread the plastic retainer that holds the float tower to the liner.
4. Free the float assembly. Outside, pop the clip, snip or undo the wire tie, unplug both microswitch connectors, and loosen the hose clamp so the float housing drops free. Tip the hose upward to keep residual water from dumping out.
5. Disassemble and clean. Separate the cover, lift out both floats, and rinse everything with warm water. Use a soft brush to scrub sludge off the float slides and microswitch actuators until they move freely.
6. Bench-test the floats. Pour water into the tower while it is off the machine; the floats should rise smoothly and fall instantly when you dump the water. Replace the assembly if they still hang up.
7. Reinstall the tower. Reinsert the floats, snap the cover on, reconnect the hose and wiring, secure the clip, and make sure the gasket seats flat before threading the interior nut back on.
8. Secure and test. Push the dishwasher back into the cabinet, reinstall the mounting screws, restore power and water, and run a quick cycle. You should hear a healthy fill with no FE warning.

Parts & Tools

• LG 4769DD2001A float assembly (replaces clogged overflow towers)
• OTC 4525 hose clamp pliers for the float hose clamp

Resources