LG Dryer Error Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them

Last updated: · Applies to LG electric, gas, steam and heat-pump dryers (some codes appear only on certain model types — labelled where known) · Sources

LG dryers flag airflow, heating, power and sensor problems with short codes. The most common — d80, d90 and d95 — aren’t faults at all but warnings that the exhaust vent is getting blocked. This guide covers 14 LG dryer codes and code groups, starting with the ones you can fix yourself.

Before you start

Note the exact code and your model number (on the label inside the door opening). Codes marked Verify in your manual apply only to certain LG dryer types or vary by model.

LG dryer error code table

Always unplug the dryer or switch off its breakers before cleaning the lint housing, sensors or vent.

CodeMeaningLikely causeStep-by-step fix
d80 / d90 / d95 Exhaust airflow is restricted — about 80%, 90% or 95% blocked. The dryer still runs but drying takes longer. Lint build-up in the duct; crushed or kinked flexible duct; blocked outside vent hood; vent run too long.
  1. Clean the lint filter.
  2. Disconnect and clean the full exhaust duct.
  3. Check the outside hood flap opens freely.
  4. Replace crushed foil or plastic duct with rigid or semi-rigid metal duct.
  5. Run a cycle; the code clears when airflow improves.
tE1 – tE6 A thermistor (temperature sensor) reading is out of range. Sensor or wiring fault; sometimes a power glitch.
  1. Unplug the dryer, press and hold Start/Pause for 5 seconds while unplugged, then plug it back in.
  2. If the code returns, schedule service.
nPelectric The dryer isn’t detecting power to the heater (electric models). Tripped breaker on one leg of the 240-volt supply; power cord problem.
  1. Turn the dryer’s breaker off for 10 seconds and back on.
  2. Make sure the dryer is plugged into a 240-volt outlet.
  3. If it continues, have the outlet and cord checked.
PS Improper voltage — often the power cord’s red and white wires are reversed at the terminal block. Installation wiring error.
  1. Unplug the dryer.
  2. Have a qualified installer or electrician check the power-cord connections at the terminal block.
dE / dE4 The door is open or the door switch isn’t sensing it closed. Door not fully closed; clothes in the door; switch fault.
  1. Close the door firmly and check nothing is caught.
  2. If the code continues with the door closed, schedule service.
FO The lint filter isn’t detected (may show as INSERT FILTER). Lint filter missing or not fully seated.
  1. Push the lint filter fully into its slot.
  2. Never run the dryer without the filter.
HS Humidity (moisture) sensor fault. Residue on the sensor bars; sensor fault.
  1. Clean the moisture-sensor bars just below the lint filter opening.
  2. Restart. With this code, sensor cycles may run for about 2.5 hours.
  3. If it continues, schedule service.
PF The dryer lost power during a cycle. Outage, loose plug or tripped breaker.
  1. Check the plug and breakers.
  2. Use the same reset as tE (unplug, hold Start/Pause 5 seconds, plug back in) and restart.
gASgas Gas dryers: the burner isn’t lighting. Gas valve closed; gas supply interrupted.
  1. Make sure the gas shut-off valve behind the dryer is open (handle in line with the pipe).
  2. Check other gas appliances work.
  3. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility. Otherwise schedule service.
CL Child Lock is on — not a fault. Child Lock activated.
  1. Press and hold the Child Lock button (often marked on a shared button) for 3–5 seconds.
Verify in your manual: which button
Add Watersteam models Steam models: the steam water container is empty. Container empty or not seated.
  1. Fill the steam water container with tap water (LG says not to use distilled water) and seat it fully.
E05 / E1 / E4steam models Steam models: water supply (E05) or steam generator faults (E1, E4). Low water supply to the steam generator; generator fault.
  1. Check the steam water container or inlet supply.
  2. Unplug and restart. If the code returns, schedule service.
Verify in your manual
drn / OE / E13condensing / heat-pump Condensing and heat-pump models: the water container is full or the drain line is blocked. Full container; kinked drain hose.
  1. Empty the water container and reinsert it fully.
  2. If a drain hose is fitted, check it isn’t kinked or raised too high.
Verify in your manual
LE1 / LE2 / AE / CE1heat-pump Heat-pump models: compressor or fan system faults. Internal fault.
  1. Unplug for a few minutes and restart.
  2. If the code returns, schedule service.
Verify in your manual

Don’t see your code? Search your model number on LG’s official support site for the owner’s manual.

Troubleshooting without an error code

No code on the display, but something’s not right? Work through these safe checks for the most common dryer problems, in order. They apply to most LG dryers. Unplug the dryer before touching hoses, filters or panels.

Dryer won’t start

  1. Close the door firmly — the dryer won’t run if the door switch doesn’t detect it closed.
  2. Check the plug and the breaker. Electric dryers use a 240-volt circuit with a double breaker (or two fuses) — reset both sides if one has tripped.
  3. Check whether Control/Child Lock is on (lock icon or a lock message on the display).
  4. Press and hold Start for a second or two — many dryers need a longer press than a tap.

Dryer runs but doesn’t heat

  1. Make sure you didn’t select an air-only, no-heat or Air Fluff setting.
  2. Electric dryers: check both breakers or fuses for the dryer circuit — a dryer can tumble with one leg of power but won’t heat.
  3. Gas dryers: confirm the gas shut-off valve behind the dryer is open and other gas appliances are working.
  4. Clean the lint filter and check the vent (see “takes too long”) — a blocked vent can trip a safety thermostat or fuse that stops heating.
  5. If it still won’t heat, the heating element, igniter, gas valve, thermal fuse or thermostat may need testing by a technician.

Dryer takes too long or clothes are still damp

  1. Clean the lint filter before every load. If you use dryer sheets, wash the screen occasionally with warm soapy water and a soft brush to remove residue.
  2. Pull the dryer out and check the duct behind it isn’t crushed, kinked or coiled.
  3. Go outside and check the vent hood: the flap should open freely when the dryer runs and there should be strong airflow.
  4. Don’t overload the dryer, and make sure the washer spun the load properly (very wet loads take much longer).
  5. On sensor-dry models, wipe the metal moisture-sensor bars inside the drum with a soft cloth; residue can make the dryer end cycles early or late.
  6. Have the full vent run professionally cleaned if it has been more than a year or the run is long.
  7. LG dryers show d80, d90 or d95 when the vent is restricted, so check the display for one of these first.

Dryer runs but the drum won’t turn

  1. Unplug the dryer, then try turning the drum by hand. If it spins very freely with no resistance, the drive belt may be broken.
  2. Check for an item jammed between the drum and the front of the dryer.
  3. If you hear the motor hum but the drum doesn’t move, stop using the dryer — the belt, idler pulley or motor need a technician.

Dryer is squeaking, thumping or noisy

  1. Check pockets and the drum for coins, buttons, zippers and other hard objects.
  2. Level the dryer so it doesn’t rock.
  3. Squealing or squeaking that grows over time usually points to worn drum rollers, an idler pulley or drum glides; thumping can be a flat spot on a roller. These are repair jobs for a technician or an experienced DIYer.
  4. A burning smell, smoke or sparks: switch off at the breaker and don’t use the dryer until it has been inspected.

Common mistakes

Many “faults” are caused by how the dryer is loaded, installed or maintained. Avoid these and you’ll see far fewer codes:

  • Skipping the lint filter. Clean it before every load. A clogged filter slows drying, raises temperatures and can trigger vent or overheat codes.
  • Neglecting the vent. Crushed foil ducts, long runs and lint-clogged outside hoods are the top causes of long drying times and overheating. Use rigid or semi-rigid metal duct and clean the run regularly.
  • Overloading. Clothes need space to tumble. Overfilled drums dry unevenly and take longer.
  • Drying very wet loads. If the washer didn’t spin properly, fix that first — the dryer isn’t designed to remove standing water.
  • Ignoring residue on the lint screen and sensors. Dryer-sheet film can block airflow through the screen and fool moisture sensors. Wash the screen and wipe the sensor bars occasionally.
  • Using an extension cord or wrong outlet. Dryers should be plugged directly into a correctly rated outlet; low or incorrect voltage causes heating and power codes.

Tips and tricks for LG owners

Useful LG-specific features and procedures, confirmed from LG’s own support pages and manuals. Exact buttons vary by model, so check your manual.

  • d80–d95 are percentages. LG explains that the number shows roughly how restricted the exhaust is (80%, 90%, 95%). The dryer keeps running, but each one is a warning to clean the duct before it gets worse.
  • LG’s hidden reset. For tE and PF codes LG recommends unplugging the dryer, holding Start/Pause for 5 seconds while it’s unplugged, then plugging it back in.
  • Clean the moisture sensor. The sensor bars sit just below the lint filter opening. Fabric-softener residue on them causes HS codes and clothes coming out damp.
  • Steam models need tap water. LG says not to use distilled water in the steam container.
  • Smart Diagnosis™. Many LG dryers can send diagnostic data to LG by phone tones or through the LG ThinQ app. Your manual lists the button to hold.

Safety note

Read this before any DIY fix

Unplug the dryer (or switch off both breakers for an electric dryer) before cleaning the lint housing, moving the dryer or touching the vent. Gas dryers: if you smell gas, don’t operate any switches or the dryer — leave the house and call your gas utility from outside. Don’t disconnect or reconnect gas lines yourself. Never run a dryer without the lint filter, and never ignore repeated overheating or vent warnings — lint build-up is a fire risk. Don’t open the cabinet or touch internal wiring. If your dryer is under warranty, DIY repairs beyond basic cleaning may affect coverage — check with LG first.

When to call a pro

The steps above are limited to safe, user-level checks. Call an LG-authorized service center or a qualified appliance technician if:

  • d80–d95 keep coming back after the full vent run is cleaned — the vent route may need redesigning.
  • tE codes return after the reset.
  • nP continues with breakers and outlet checked, or PS needs the cord rewired.
  • gAS continues with the gas valve open, or you smell gas (leave and call your gas utility).
  • The drum won’t turn, or you notice burning, smoke or sparks.

Get the part

Have your model number ready — dryer parts are model-specific.

Buy parts online

LG parts & accessories (official) RepairClinic AppliancePartsPros

Local help

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Frequently asked questions

What does d80 mean on an LG dryer?

d80 means the exhaust vent is about 80% restricted. The dryer keeps working, but drying takes longer. Clean the lint filter, the full duct and the outside hood. d90 and d95 mean the restriction is worse.

How do I reset an LG dryer?

Unplug the dryer, press and hold Start/Pause for 5 seconds while it’s unplugged, then plug it back in. LG recommends this for tE and PF codes.

What does tE1 mean on an LG dryer?

tE1 to tE6 are temperature-sensor (thermistor) errors. Try the reset; if the code returns, schedule service.

What does nP mean on an LG dryer?

nP means the dryer isn’t detecting power to the heater. Turn the dryer’s breaker off for 10 seconds and back on, and make sure it’s on a 240-volt outlet.

Why is my LG dryer showing HS?

HS is a humidity-sensor error. Clean the metal sensor bars just below the lint filter opening and restart.

Sources

LG USA support help library (dryer error code list, d80/d90/d95, tE, nP, PS and HS articles); LG dryer owner’s manuals.

Last updated: . This guide was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the manufacturer sources above; items marked Verify in your manual vary by model. FixCode is not affiliated with LG Electronics. LG is a trademark of LG Corp.