LG Dishwasher Error Code FE3 — Fan Error

What Does This Error Mean?

The FE3 error means the drying fan inside your LG dishwasher isn't working correctly. Some LG dishwashers use an internal fan to circulate air and improve drying results after the rinse cycle. When this fan fails or its speed sensor reports an unexpected reading, FE3 appears. Your dishes will come out wet rather than dry, but the washing function usually still works. This is a repair-able issue that doesn't always require a technician.

Affected Models

LDT5678SS
LDT7808SS
LDFN4542D
LDP6811SS
LG TrueSteam dishwasher models with fan assist drying

Common Causes

Fan motor has worn out and can no longer spin at the required speed
Food debris or a foreign object is jamming the fan blades
Fan speed sensor (tachometer) has failed and is sending incorrect speed data to the control board
Wiring connector to the fan motor is loose or corroded
Control board is not sending the correct voltage signal to operate the fan

How to Fix It

Unplug the dishwasher for 5 minutes and plug it back in. Run a test cycle and see if FE3 returns. Intermittent fan errors caused by a momentary speed sensor glitch often clear with a power reset.

Also check your drying results — if dishes come out dry despite FE3 showing, the fan may be working but the sensor is giving a false fault.
Remove the bottom rack and check the fan vent area inside the tub (usually in the back wall or door bottom area depending on model). Look for any food debris, broken glass, or small items that may have fallen through and are preventing the fan from spinning freely.

A piece of broken plastic or a small bone near the fan vent can stop the fan and trigger FE3.
Check whether FE3 appears every cycle or only occasionally. Intermittent FE3 that clears after a reset points to a sensor issue or loose connection. Consistent FE3 that never clears points to a motor or wiring problem.

Log when the error appears — if it always happens at the same point in the cycle (always during drying phase), that confirms it's the drying fan specifically.
Inspect the wiring connector for the fan motor. To access this, you'll need to remove the bottom panel or tilt the dishwasher. The fan is typically a small squirrel-cage or axial fan near the bottom of the machine. Check the connector for corrosion or looseness and reseat it.

Dishwasher fans are exposed to moist, warm air and connector corrosion is not uncommon after several years.
If the fan doesn't spin when the drying cycle starts and connections are secure, the fan motor has failed. Replacement fan assemblies for LG are available from appliance parts suppliers. The fan assembly typically includes both the motor and blades as a single replaceable unit.

Confirm the replacement part matches your model number exactly — LG fan assemblies vary between models.

When to Call a Professional

Fan motor replacement requires accessing the interior of the dishwasher, usually by tilting the machine and working from the bottom. A replacement LG fan assembly costs $30-$80 depending on the model. A technician typically charges $120-$250 for the full repair. If your dishes are already coming out dry, FE3 may be appearing for a different reason — confirm drying quality first.

Frequently Asked Questions

My dishes are coming out dry. Why does FE3 still show?

If drying quality is fine, the fan motor is likely working but the fan speed sensor is giving incorrect data. The sensor reads the fan's rotation speed and if the reading falls outside expected range — even slightly — it triggers FE3. A new fan assembly (which includes the sensor) typically fixes this. Or a technician can test whether the sensor specifically is at fault.

Can I use the dishwasher with FE3 active?

Usually yes — the washing cycles typically still run normally. You'll just have poor drying results. If FE3 is causing the entire cycle to abort before completion, then you can't use it normally. In either case, schedule the repair soon — a non-functioning drying fan also traps excess humidity inside the machine.

Does every LG dishwasher have a drying fan?

Not all models — some rely on residual heat and condensation drying instead. FE3 only applies to models with an active fan-assist drying system. Check your model's specifications or user manual under 'Drying System' to confirm whether your dishwasher has a fan. If it doesn't, FE3 may indicate a different fan-related component.