An LG dryer that runs but doesn’t heat is a common problem for San Diego homeowners. LG dryers are popular for their sleek design and smart features, but their heating system has a few components that are known to fail. The good news is that most LG dryer heating problems can be diagnosed and fixed in a single service visit.
Table of Contents
- Why LG Dryers Stop Heating
- Common Causes of an LG Dryer Not Heating
- 1. Broken Heating Element
- 2. Faulty Thermistor
- 3. Blown Thermal Fuse
- 4. Faulty High-Limit Thermostat
- 5. Clogged Dryer Vent
- 6. Failed Control Board
- 7. LG Dryer Stuck in Cooling Mode
- 8. Tripped Circuit Breaker
- LG Dryer Error Codes for Heating Problems
- How to Reset an LG Dryer
- How to Tell if an LG Dryer Heating Element Is Bad
- LG Dryer Not Heating: Gas vs Electric
- When to Call a Professional for LG Dryer Repair
- LG Dryer Repair Costs in San Diego
- Preventing Future LG Dryer Heating Problems
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is my LG dryer running but not heating?
- How do I reset my LG dryer that is not heating?
- How much does it cost to replace the heating element in an LG dryer?
- Is there a reset button on an LG dryer?
- What does the tE1 error code mean on an LG dryer?
- Can a clogged dryer vent cause my LG dryer not to heat?
911 Appliance Repair has been fixing LG dryers in San Diego since 1991. This guide walks through the most common reasons an LG dryer stops heating, how to test each component, and when to call a professional.
TL;DR: The most common causes of an LG dryer not heating are a broken heating element, a faulty thermistor, and a blown thermal fuse. LG dryers may display error codes tE1 or tE2 when the thermistor fails. Most repairs cost $120 to $300. If your LG dryer isn’t heating, call 911 Appliance Repair at 800-929-1192 for same-day service in San Diego.
Why LG Dryers Stop Heating
LG dryers use a heating element located inside the cabinet, along with a thermistor that monitors the drum temperature and communicates with the control board. Unlike some brands where the thermal fuse is the most common failure, LG dryers frequently fail due to a broken heating element or a faulty thermistor.
LG dryers also have a unique airflow path that can be sensitive to vent restrictions. When the dryer vent is clogged, the restricted airflow causes the heating element to overheat, which can break the element or blow the thermal fuse. Always check the vent before replacing any parts.
Common Causes of an LG Dryer Not Heating
1. Broken Heating Element
The heating element is the most common failure point on an LG dryer. LG uses a wire coil inside a metal housing, and the coil can break or burn through over time. Lint accumulation around the element housing accelerates this failure by trapping heat around the coil.
How to check: Unplug the dryer and access the heating element (on most LG models, it’s inside the cabinet, accessible from the front or rear). Remove the element and inspect the coil for visible breaks. Test with a multimeter for continuity. If the coil is broken or shows no continuity, replace the heating element.
Cost to replace: The part typically costs $40 to $100. Total repair cost including labor is usually $150 to $300.
2. Faulty Thermistor
LG dryers use a thermistor to measure the temperature inside the drum and send that reading to the control board. If the thermistor fails, the control board may not activate the heating element. LG dryers commonly display error codes tE1 or tE2 when the thermistor fails.
How to check: Test the thermistor with a multimeter. At room temperature (77 degrees F), an LG thermistor should read approximately 10,000 ohms. If the reading is far off, shows no continuity, or shows a short circuit, replace the thermistor.
3. Blown Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is a safety device that cuts power to the heating element if the dryer overheats. Once it blows, the dryer will run but will not heat. On LG dryers, a clogged dryer vent is the most common cause of a blown thermal fuse.
How to check: Unplug the dryer, locate the thermal fuse (on the blower housing or near the heating element), and test it with a multimeter for continuity. If there is no continuity, the fuse is blown and must be replaced.
Important: Always check and clean your dryer vent before replacing a thermal fuse. If the vent is clogged, the new fuse will blow again.
4. Faulty High-Limit Thermostat
The high-limit thermostat shuts off the heating element if the dryer gets too hot. If it fails in the open position, the dryer will not heat. This is often caused by the same airflow problem that blows the thermal fuse.
How to check: Test the high-limit thermostat with a multimeter for continuity at room temperature. If it shows no continuity, it has failed and needs replacement.
5. Clogged Dryer Vent
A clogged dryer vent is the most overlooked cause of LG dryer heating problems. When lint builds up in the vent, airflow is restricted, the dryer takes longer to dry clothes, and eventually the thermal fuse blows or the high-limit thermostat trips. LG dryers are particularly sensitive to airflow restrictions because of their internal duct design.
How to check: Disconnect the dryer vent hose from the back of the dryer and check for lint buildup. Check the exterior vent cap outside your home to make sure it opens fully when the dryer runs. If you find significant lint, clean the vent or have it professionally cleaned.
6. Failed Control Board
The electronic control board manages all dryer functions including the heating cycle. If the control board fails, it may not send power to the heating element even though everything else works. This is less common than a heating element or thermistor failure but does happen, especially on older LG dryers.
How to check: Check for burned or scorched spots on the control board. Test for voltage at the heating element terminals when the dryer is running. If there is no voltage reaching the element but the thermistor and thermostats test fine, the control board is likely the problem.
7. LG Dryer Stuck in Cooling Mode
Some LG dryers have a cooling mode that prevents the heating element from activating. This can happen after a power outage, a control board glitch, or if the thermistor sends an incorrect temperature reading. The dryer will run and tumble but produce no heat.
How to fix: Try resetting the dryer by unplugging it for 10 minutes, then plugging it back in. If the dryer is still stuck in cooling mode after a reset, the thermistor is likely sending an incorrect reading and needs replacement.
8. Tripped Circuit Breaker
Electric dryers use 240 volts, which means they use two circuit breakers. If one trips, the dryer will run (the motor uses 120V) but won’t heat (the heating element uses 240V). This is a simple fix that doesn’t require any parts.
How to check: Check your electrical panel for tripped breakers. If one is tripped, reset it. If it trips again, there may be a short circuit in the dryer that needs professional diagnosis.
LG Dryer Error Codes for Heating Problems
| Error Code | Meaning | Likely Cause |
|---|---|---|
| tE1 | Thermistor open circuit | Faulty thermistor or wiring |
| tE2 | Thermistor short circuit | Faulty thermistor |
| tE5 | Temperature sensor error | Faulty thermistor or control board |
| HE | Heater error | Broken heating element or wiring failure |
| FE | Frequency error | Control board failure (less common) |
If your LG dryer displays any of these error codes, the thermistor or heating element is the most likely culprit. Write down the code before calling for repair so the technician can bring the right parts.
How to Reset an LG Dryer
Some LG dryer heating issues can be resolved with a simple reset, especially if the problem started after a power outage or if the dryer is stuck in cooling mode:
- Unplug the dryer from the power outlet.
- Wait at least 10 minutes for the control board to fully discharge.
- Plug the dryer back in.
- Run a test cycle on high heat with a small load of damp clothes.
If the dryer heats after the reset, the issue was likely a temporary control board glitch. If it still doesn’t heat, there is a hardware failure that needs diagnosis. A reset will not fix a broken heating element, a blown thermal fuse, or a faulty thermistor.
How to Tell if an LG Dryer Heating Element Is Bad
- Unplug the dryer and access the heating element inside the cabinet.
- Disconnect the two wires from the heating element terminals.
- Set your multimeter to the resistance (ohms) setting.
- Touch one probe to each terminal on the heating element.
- A functioning element should read between 10 and 50 ohms. If the reading is infinite (no continuity) or far outside this range, the element is broken.
- Also inspect the coil visually for breaks, scorch marks, or gaps.
If you don’t have a multimeter or aren’t comfortable working with electrical components, a technician can test the element in about 10 minutes during a service call.
LG Dryer Not Heating: Gas vs Electric
If you have an LG gas dryer, the heating system works differently. Instead of a heating element, gas dryers use an igniter, gas valve solenoids, and a burner. The most common gas dryer heating failures are:
- Failed igniter: The igniter glows to light the gas. If it cracks or burns out, the gas valve won’t open and the dryer won’t heat. Test with a multimeter for continuity.
- Bad gas valve solenoids: If the igniter glows but the burner doesn’t light, one or both solenoids have failed. Replace both as a set.
- Flame sensor: The flame sensor detects whether the burner lit. If it fails, the gas valve closes and the dryer stops heating.
When to Call a Professional for LG Dryer Repair
Call 911 Appliance Repair if:
- You don’t have a multimeter or aren’t comfortable testing electrical components
- Your LG dryer is displaying an error code you can’t identify
- Your LG dryer is stuck in cooling mode and a reset didn’t fix it
- You replaced the thermal fuse and it blew again (indicates a deeper airflow or thermostat problem)
- You suspect the control board has failed
- You have a gas LG dryer and suspect a gas valve or igniter problem
- The dryer vent is long, runs through walls, or you can’t clean it yourself
LG Dryer Repair Costs in San Diego
| Part | Part Cost | Total Repair Cost (Parts + Labor) |
|---|---|---|
| Heating element | $40 to $100 | $150 to $300 |
| Thermistor | $15 to $40 | $120 to $220 |
| Thermal fuse | $10 to $30 | $120 to $200 |
| High-limit thermostat | $15 to $40 | $120 to $220 |
| Cycling thermostat | $20 to $50 | $130 to $250 |
| Control board | $100 to $250 | $250 to $500 |
| Gas valve solenoids (gas models) | $20 to $60 | $130 to $250 |
| Igniter (gas models) | $30 to $80 | $140 to $280 |
At 911 Appliance Repair, our $49.95 house call is free when you approve the repair. We provide upfront pricing before any work begins, and every repair is backed by a 1-year warranty on parts and labor. We stock common LG dryer parts in our service trucks for single-visit repairs.
Preventing Future LG Dryer Heating Problems
- Clean the lint screen before every load. LG dryers are sensitive to lint buildup, so this is the single most important preventive step.
- Clean the dryer vent annually. Have the vent professionally cleaned if it runs through walls or is longer than 10 feet.
- Check the exterior vent cap. Make sure it opens fully when the dryer runs and isn’t blocked by debris or animal nests.
- Don’t overload the dryer. Overloading restricts airflow and forces the heating element to work harder, which shortens its lifespan.
- Use the right heat setting. Delicate fabrics should use low heat. High heat on every load shortens the heating element’s lifespan.
If your LG dryer isn’t heating and you need professional repair in San Diego, call 911 Appliance Repair at 800-929-1192. Same-day service is available for most calls. You can also read our general dryer not heating troubleshooting guide for brand-agnostic information, or visit our LG appliance repair page for help with other LG appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my LG dryer running but not heating?
The most common causes are a broken heating element, a faulty thermistor, a blown thermal fuse, or a clogged dryer vent. LG dryers frequently fail due to the thermistor, which can cause the control board to stop activating the heating element. Start by checking the circuit breaker and the dryer vent, then test the heating element and thermistor with a multimeter.
How do I reset my LG dryer that is not heating?
Unplug the dryer from the power outlet, wait at least 10 minutes for the control board to fully discharge, then plug it back in and run a test cycle on high heat. A reset can fix temporary control board glitches and may resolve the cooling mode issue. If the dryer still doesn’t heat after a reset, there is a hardware failure.
How much does it cost to replace the heating element in an LG dryer?
An LG dryer heating element replacement costs $150 to $300 total, including parts and labor. The part itself typically costs $40 to $100. At 911 Appliance Repair, our $49.95 house call is free when you approve the repair, and every repair is backed by a 1-year warranty.
Is there a reset button on an LG dryer?
LG dryers do not have a physical reset button. To reset the dryer, unplug it from the power outlet, wait 10 minutes, and plug it back in. This resets the electronic control board. If the heating problem is caused by a hardware failure (broken element, blown fuse, bad thermistor), a reset will not fix it.
What does the tE1 error code mean on an LG dryer?
The tE1 error code means the thermistor has an open circuit. This usually means the thermistor has failed and needs replacement. The tE2 code means the thermistor has a short circuit. In both cases, the control board cannot read the temperature inside the drum and will not activate the heating element.
Can a clogged dryer vent cause my LG dryer not to heat?
Yes. A clogged vent restricts airflow, causing the dryer to overheat. This blows the thermal fuse or trips the high-limit thermostat, which shuts off the heating element. LG dryers are particularly sensitive to airflow restrictions because of their internal duct design. Always clean the vent before replacing a blown thermal fuse, or the new fuse will blow again.
