When your dishwasher suddenly stops mid-cycle and starts flashing an error code, it can feel like something major just broke. At Quick Fix Appliance Repair, we receive calls like this every day from homeowners across Winnipeg using LG, Samsung, Bosch, Whirlpool, GE, KitchenAid, Inglis, and many other brands.
The good news? In many cases, the issue is something simple you can fix yourself in just a few minutes.
Before scheduling professional dishwasher repair, here are the most common dishwasher error codes we see — and what you can safely try at home.
1. Dishwasher Not Draining (OE, 5E, F9, E24)
Common brands: LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Bosch
This is one of the most frequent dishwasher repair calls we receive.
What It Means
Your dishwasher is not draining water properly.
What You Can Try First
- Turn the dishwasher off and unplug it for 10–15 minutes to reset it.
- Remove and clean the bottom filter inside the tub.
- Check if the drain hose under the sink is kinked.
- Make sure the kitchen sink drain is not clogged.
In many homes, the issue is simply food buildup in the filter or a blocked sink line.
When to Call a Technician
If water remains at the bottom after cleaning the filter and resetting the unit, the drain pump may require professional service.
2. Water Supply Error (IE, 4C, F6, E1)
Common brands: LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, GE
What It Means
The dishwasher is not getting enough water.
What You Can Try First
- Check that the water supply valve under the sink is fully open.
- Inspect the inlet hose for bends or kinks.
- Turn off the water, disconnect the hose, and clean the small mesh filter inside the inlet valve.
- Reset the dishwasher.
This often happens after plumbing work or when the valve was partially closed.
When to Call a Technician
If the machine still won’t fill with water, the inlet valve or control board may need inspection.
3. Leak or Overflow Detection (AE, LE, E15)
Common brands: LG, Samsung, Bosch
What It Means
The dishwasher detected moisture in the bottom pan.
What You Can Try First
- Unplug the dishwasher for 20–30 minutes.
- Check if too much detergent was used — excess foam can trigger this error.
- Make sure the dishwasher is level.
- Clean the interior filter thoroughly.
In many cases, excess soap or minor splashing causes a temporary false alarm.
When to Call a Technician
If the error keeps returning, there may be a genuine leak that requires professional diagnosis.
4. Dishwasher Won’t Start or Flashing Lights
Common brands: GE, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Inglis
What It Means
The control panel is not starting the wash cycle.
What You Can Try First
- Ensure the door is fully closed and latched.
- Turn off the breaker for 5 minutes, then turn it back on.
- Cancel the current cycle and restart it.
Very often this is simply a door latch issue or minor power interruption.
When to Call a Technician
If the control panel remains unresponsive after resetting, professional service may be required.
5. Heating Error (HE, hE)
Common brands: Samsung, LG, Bosch
What It Means
The dishwasher is not heating the water properly.
What You Can Try First
- Reset the dishwasher.
- Run a normal or heavy cycle instead of Eco mode.
- Make sure your home’s hot water supply is functioning correctly.
Sometimes this is simply a temporary electronic glitch.
When to Call a Technician
If dishes consistently come out cold and wet, the heating element may need professional repair.
6. Child Lock (CL)
Common brands: LG, Samsung
What It Means
The child lock feature has been activated.
What You Can Try First
Press and hold the indicated buttons (usually 3–5 seconds depending on the model) until the control panel unlocks.
This is one of the most common “emergency” calls that turns out to be a simple setting adjustment.
When You Need Professional Dishwasher Repair in Winnipeg
Modern dishwashers are complex appliances with sensors, control boards, pumps, and heating systems. While basic resets and cleaning can solve many minor issues, recurring problems or leaks should be addressed professionally.
At Quick Fix Appliance Repair, we service all major dishwasher brands used in Winnipeg homes, including LG, Samsung, Bosch, Whirlpool, GE, KitchenAid, Inglis, and more.
If your dishwasher error code won’t clear or keeps returning, our experienced technicians are ready to help.
Need Reliable Dishwasher Repair?
If you’ve tried the simple fixes above and your dishwasher is still not working properly, contact Quick Fix Appliance Repair today. We provide fast, professional appliance repair and honest diagnostics — so you don’t waste time guessing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dishwasher Error Codes
Why does my dishwasher keep showing the same error code?
If the same error code keeps coming back after resetting the unit and cleaning the filter, it usually means the issue is not temporary. While many dishwasher error codes can be cleared with a simple reset, recurring errors often indicate a failing pump, sensor, or water inlet valve. In this case, professional inspection is recommended.
Can I reset my dishwasher to clear an error code?
Yes. In many cases, unplugging the dishwasher for 10–15 minutes or turning off the breaker can reset the control board and clear temporary glitches. However, if the code returns immediately after restarting, the problem may require service.
Is it safe to keep using my dishwasher if it shows an error?
It depends on the type of error. Drain or water supply errors may stop the cycle automatically, but leak detection or heating errors should not be ignored. Continuing to use the appliance may cause further damage.
What is the most common dishwasher problem in Canadian homes?
From our experience at Quick Fix Appliance Repair, the most common issues are clogged drain filters, blocked sink connections, and water supply interruptions. These problems are often easy to fix without tools.
When should I call a dishwasher repair technician?
You should contact a technician if the error code keeps returning, the dishwasher is leaking, making unusual noises, not powering on, or not completing cycles. Modern dishwashers use sensitive electronic components that require proper diagnostics.
Do you repair all dishwasher brands?
Yes. Quick Fix Appliance Repair services all major brands commonly used in Canada, including LG, Samsung, Bosch, Whirlpool, GE, KitchenAid, Inglis and more.
