LG Dishwasher making grinding noise then blinking E1 code 10 minutes later

I solved my own problem but thought I should share my experience. Just in case someone else runs into the same problem. It turns out there is nothing wrong with the wash motor. The grinding noise is actually water and air being mixed together because the water level was too low. The water level was low because water was being siphoned out of the tub while the machine was running. This would also explain why I would get a leak error code. The solution to the problem was an easy fix. I cut a coat hanger and made a s-hook to elevate the outlet hose. By elevating the outlet hose, water is not being siphoned out of the dishwasher tub. I solved my own problem but thought I should share my experience. Just in case someone else runs into the same problem. It turns out there is nothing wrong with the wash motor. The grinding noise is actually water and air being mixed together because the water level was too low. The water level was low because water was being siphoned out of the tub while the machine was running. This would also explain why I would get a leak error code. The solution to the problem was an easy fix. I cut a coat hanger and made a s-hook to elevate the outlet hose. By elevating the outlet hose, water is not being siphoned out of the dishwasher tub.

Neo,


This really interesting and useful information from LG. Unfortunatly, the problems encountered by the original poster is on an LG Dishwasher [LG Dishwasher Model: LDF6810ST], not an LG clothes washer. I have not worked on an LG clothes washer before, it is interesting to learn both types of washers use (at least some of) the same error codes. Neo,
This really interesting and useful information from LG. Unfortunatly, the problems encountered by the original poster is on an LG Dishwasher [LG Dishwasher Model: LDF6810ST], not an LG clothes washer. I have not worked on an LG clothes washer before, it is interesting to learn both types of washers use (at least some of) the same error codes.

Hi there,
Here is text of very helpful email from LG 

When you receive the LE error code, unplug the machine for approximately 15 - 20 
minutes. This will reset the microprocessor. 

The LE error code can be an indication of several different issues. 

The most common cause is over-sudsing in the machine. Many times owners 
experiencing the LE error code are using regular detergent. It is recommended to 
use a high efficiency or low sudsing detergent. Many of the leading detergent 
manufacturers have a high-efficiency (HE) selection. The HE detergents are 
designed for lower suds levels and enhanced cleaning performance in 
front-loading washers. 

Overloading the wash with too much laundry may also cause the LE error code. A 
good rule is to load the washer until the clothes in the drum are no more than 
three-fourths of the way up the window of the door. This will allow them 
sufficient room for tumbling. The clothing having sufficient room to tumble is 
more important than either the weight or the number of items in the washer. It 
is the tumbling action that provides the washing effect. 

Lastly, a breakdown in the signal between the microprocessor and the motor may 
cause the error code. This can occur if there is a loose wire, dislodged ball 
sensor, or if the shipping bolts are removed prior to situating the washer. . In 
this case, a servicer would need to take a look at the unit. In this case, you 
will need a service center to look at your unit. For service assistance, please 
visit our website at us.lgservice.com Click on "Service Center". Enter your 
zipcode and product type. Click search. 

In the event that you cannot find a service center, please call 1-800-243-0000 
for assistance. There, an agent will be able to provide you with an Authorized 
LG Service Center in your area. 

Please have your model and serial number available along with your zip code when 
you call. If you have a customer service issue, please let the agent know and 
they will set up a customer service file for you. If your unit is under the 
factory warranty, your purchase receipt will validate the warranty. 

Business hours are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

I have taken the liberty of providing some hints and additional information that 
may be helpful concerning your LG washer. 

If you must use a regular detergent, you will only need to use 1/2-1/3 the 
amount you would normally use in a conventional top-loading machine. However, 
the HE and the conventional detergents are different formulae, and your machine 
will not perform as efficiently or effectively. Using half the required amount 
of regular detergent will 
give half the cleaning performance. As the new LG washers accept a larger than 
usual load, the cleaning performance could be further reduced. In addition to 
the reduced cleaning, there will be oversudsing. The excess suds will cause the 
washer to stop and rid itself of the suds before continuing its cycle. Getting 
rid of the detergent will further reduce cleaning performance. 

Using too much detergent can cause a build-up on the outer drum over time, which 
can result in mold and even mildew growth in your washer. Should this occur, do 
a load of whites on the SANITARY cycle. Use the extra rinse and stain options. 
Use NO detergent and use a liquid bleach. This will remove the build-up and any 
odors accompanying it. This procedure may need to be repeated a couple of times 
depending on the degree of build-up. 

The washing time may vary by the amount of laundry, water pressure, water 
temperature, and other using conditions. 

The 'SenseClean Washing System' has a built-in turbidity sensor that measures 
the detergent/suds residue in the water during the rinse and then makes an 
adjustment of time and water usage based on the detected residue level. 

The machine will detect an imbalance and attempt to correct it. If the imbalance 
is detected or if the suds removing program operates, the wash time will be 
increased. 

A built-in water heater in the washer assures that incoming water is the correct 
temperature to optimize cleaning performance. Most laundry detergents must be 
activated at certain temperatures to work correctly. We use thermisters 
(electronic thermostats that have a high degree of accuracy) to detect incoming 
water temperatures. Our 1000-watt heater adjusts the incoming water to ensure 
superior thermal action performance. 

You won't see a "visible" water level in the window of the unit. The water is 
pooled in the inner drum. RollerJets are built into the baffles of the washer. 
The holes in the baffle collect water and re-circulate it during the wash. This 
increases the mechanical action to achieve best cleaning performance. The 
rollers gently move fabrics 
along in the wash cycle. 

This action aids in reducing the amount of water required for thorough 
cleansing. In contrast with a top-loading machine, which always fills the 
machine to a precise measured level of water, depending on the size of load you 
select (small, medium, large), the LG machine will "sense" the size of the load 
and only recirculate a minimal amount of water, thus making it very energy 
efficient, efficient in the use of detergents, and extremely efficient in its 
water usage. 

Forced Water Circulation in the washer pumps water during the wash. It 
recirculates it back up and over the laundry to further increase mechanical 
action and cleaning performance. 

With front loading washers, the door seals so very tightly unlike a conventional 
machine, that it is recommended to dry the seal when you are done with your 
laundry for the day to prevent an atmosphere where mold and mildew can grow. 

To get the best results, sort clothes into loads that can be washed with the 
same wash cycle. Different fabrics need to be washed in different ways. Always 
sort dark colors from pale colors and whites. Wash separately as dye and lint 
transfer can occur causing discoloration of white clothing. If possible, do not 
wash heavily soiled items with lightly soiled ones. 

Combine large and small items in a load. Load large items first. Large items 
should not be more than half the total wash load. Do not wash single items. This 
may cause an out-of-balance load. Add one or two similar items.

Hope This help
Good Luck!!!
neo



Hi there,
Here is text of very helpful email from LG 

When you receive the LE error code, unplug the machine for approximately 15 - 20 
minutes. This will reset the microprocessor. 

The LE error code can be an indication of several different issues. 

The most common cause is over-sudsing in the machine. Many times owners 
experiencing the LE error code are using regular detergent. It is recommended to 
use a high efficiency or low sudsing detergent. Many of the leading detergent 
manufacturers have a high-efficiency (HE) selection. The HE detergents are 
designed for lower suds levels and enhanced cleaning performance in 
front-loading washers. 

Overloading the wash with too much laundry may also cause the LE error code. A 
good rule is to load the washer until the clothes in the drum are no more than 
three-fourths of the way up the window of the door. This will allow them 
sufficient room for tumbling. The clothing having sufficient room to tumble is 
more important than either the weight or the number of items in the washer. It 
is the tumbling action that provides the washing effect. 

Lastly, a breakdown in the signal between the microprocessor and the motor may 
cause the error code. This can occur if there is a loose wire, dislodged ball 
sensor, or if the shipping bolts are removed prior to situating the washer. . In 
this case, a servicer would need to take a look at the unit. In this case, you 
will need a service center to look at your unit. For service assistance, please 
visit our website at us.lgservice.com Click on "Service Center". Enter your 
zipcode and product type. Click search. 

In the event that you cannot find a service center, please call 1-800-243-0000 
for assistance. There, an agent will be able to provide you with an Authorized 
LG Service Center in your area. 

Please have your model and serial number available along with your zip code when 
you call. If you have a customer service issue, please let the agent know and 
they will set up a customer service file for you. If your unit is under the 
factory warranty, your purchase receipt will validate the warranty. 

Business hours are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

I have taken the liberty of providing some hints and additional information that 
may be helpful concerning your LG washer. 

If you must use a regular detergent, you will only need to use 1/2-1/3 the 
amount you would normally use in a conventional top-loading machine. However, 
the HE and the conventional detergents are different formulae, and your machine 
will not perform as efficiently or effectively. Using half the required amount 
of regular detergent will 
give half the cleaning performance. As the new LG washers accept a larger than 
usual load, the cleaning performance could be further reduced. In addition to 
the reduced cleaning, there will be oversudsing. The excess suds will cause the 
washer to stop and rid itself of the suds before continuing its cycle. Getting 
rid of the detergent will further reduce cleaning performance. 

Using too much detergent can cause a build-up on the outer drum over time, which 
can result in mold and even mildew growth in your washer. Should this occur, do 
a load of whites on the SANITARY cycle. Use the extra rinse and stain options. 
Use NO detergent and use a liquid bleach. This will remove the build-up and any 
odors accompanying it. This procedure may need to be repeated a couple of times 
depending on the degree of build-up. 

The washing time may vary by the amount of laundry, water pressure, water 
temperature, and other using conditions. 

The 'SenseClean Washing System' has a built-in turbidity sensor that measures 
the detergent/suds residue in the water during the rinse and then makes an 
adjustment of time and water usage based on the detected residue level. 

The machine will detect an imbalance and attempt to correct it. If the imbalance 
is detected or if the suds removing program operates, the wash time will be 
increased. 

A built-in water heater in the washer assures that incoming water is the correct 
temperature to optimize cleaning performance. Most laundry detergents must be 
activated at certain temperatures to work correctly. We use thermisters 
(electronic thermostats that have a high degree of accuracy) to detect incoming 
water temperatures. Our 1000-watt heater adjusts the incoming water to ensure 
superior thermal action performance. 

You won't see a "visible" water level in the window of the unit. The water is 
pooled in the inner drum. RollerJets are built into the baffles of the washer. 
The holes in the baffle collect water and re-circulate it during the wash. This 
increases the mechanical action to achieve best cleaning performance. The 
rollers gently move fabrics 
along in the wash cycle. 

This action aids in reducing the amount of water required for thorough 
cleansing. In contrast with a top-loading machine, which always fills the 
machine to a precise measured level of water, depending on the size of load you 
select (small, medium, large), the LG machine will "sense" the size of the load 
and only recirculate a minimal amount of water, thus making it very energy 
efficient, efficient in the use of detergents, and extremely efficient in its 
water usage. 

Forced Water Circulation in the washer pumps water during the wash. It 
recirculates it back up and over the laundry to further increase mechanical 
action and cleaning performance. 

With front loading washers, the door seals so very tightly unlike a conventional 
machine, that it is recommended to dry the seal when you are done with your 
laundry for the day to prevent an atmosphere where mold and mildew can grow. 

To get the best results, sort clothes into loads that can be washed with the 
same wash cycle. Different fabrics need to be washed in different ways. Always 
sort dark colors from pale colors and whites. Wash separately as dye and lint 
transfer can occur causing discoloration of white clothing. If possible, do not 
wash heavily soiled items with lightly soiled ones. 

Combine large and small items in a load. Load large items first. Large items 
should not be more than half the total wash load. Do not wash single items. This 
may cause an out-of-balance load. Add one or two similar items.

Hope This help
Good Luck!!!
neo