At a Glance
If your LG dryer is taking too long to dry your clothes or your dryer is not heating properly this is likely due to a blockage to the dryer's airflow, which will make dry times longer than normal. Airflow blockages can be caused by an obstruction in the duct work or lint build-up on your air filter.
Try This
Let's Perform an Installation Test
The Installation Test will measure multiple internal components of the dryer and will provide an error code, if an issue is detected. Afterward, make a note of the displayed error code or choose a scenario, if no error code appears.
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Prepare to Start the Test
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Remove clothes from the dryer and any lint from the lint tray.
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Make sure the dryer is cool and powered off.
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Reference the chart below or your owner’s manual to determine which buttons start the test on your model.
Buttons to press for the installation test Designated Controls Models Temp + Signal Buttons
DLEX**00*/ DLGX**01* DLE3500*/ DLE3460*/ DLG3501*/ DLG3461*/ DLE7300*/ DLG7300*/ DLE7400*/ DLG7400*/ Temp + Wrinkle Care Buttons
DL3400*/ DLG3401* DLE7100*/ DLG7101*/ DLE7150*/ DLG7151*/ DLE7000*/ DLG7001*/
Temp + Energy Saver Buttons
DLE3600*/ DLG3601*/
More Time + Damp Dry Signal Buttons
DLEX8900*/ DLGX8901*/
Low Static + Options Buttons
DLEX6700*/ DLGX6700* DLEX6500*/ DLGX6500*/ DLEX5500*/ DLGX5500*/
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Starting the Test
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Press and release the POWER button
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IMMEDIATELY press and hold the two designated buttons.
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If done correctly, the display will show (installation test).
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If it finishes beeping, and does not show this, power off the dryer and try again. It may take multiple attempts to get the timing right.
NoteYou MUST press the two designated buttons before the end of the startup chime.
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Test Expectations
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Press START/PAUSE. Take note of the number the display changes to, if any.
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After 1 minute, the display should change back to “InS”. Take note of the first number shown and the highest number that displayed right before that.
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After the second minute, the display will read “End” or “0”.
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20 seconds later, it will either go completely blank, or it will start flashing error codes.
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Understanding the Result
The numbers shown are the temperatures detected inside the dryer. Please use the chart below to understand your results and determine the next steps.
What Scenario/Error Code Occurred?
- nP H5 d80 / d85 / d90 / d95 / Flow Sense Scenario: The numbers stayed the same or went up and down. Scenario: The numbers increased by between 2 and 9. Scenario: The numbers increased more than 10. No Error Code Displayed. I DO NOT see my Error Code here. Dryer Still Not Heating
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Your error code may be resolved easily with a few troubleshooting steps. Please visit our LG Dryer - Error Code List article for further assistance.
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It seems like there's an issue with your dryer's heating system. To address this problem, you'll need to schedule a repair. Request a repair with our 24/7 Chat Support.
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The dryer is indicating that the airflow is restricted somewhere between the dryer and the outside exhaust exit. Normally, this is a sign to have a yearly vent cleaning completed by a professional vent cleaner, here is a list of possible resolutions without a vent specialist.
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Clean Inside the Dryer
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Clean Behind the Dryer
- Check that the exhaust hose behind the dryer is not crushed, dented, kinked, or compressed.
- Verify the exhaust hose is completely straight or in an S curve. It can be an S-curve (picture below).
- Check for holes or loose connections.
- Verify exhaust hose is rigid duct or semi rigid duct.
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Outside of the Home
- Start Air Dry Cycle.
- Locate outside exhaust outlet.
- Verify flappers are opening all the way.
- If flappers are unable to open, replace exhaust cover.
- Remove any visible lint around the exhaust.
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Issue Persists: Inside the Walls
Contact a professional vent cleaning specialist to inspect the home ventilation.
TipAsk the vent specialists to check the following:
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Lint accumulation.
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Length of the ventilation system from dryer to outside exhaust.
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Number of 90 degree angles within the ventilation system.
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Check for any needed modifications.
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Request a Repair
If all of these steps have been completed and the issue still persists, a technician visit may be required. Request a repair with our 24/7 Chat Support.
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Good news. The dryer not heating or not drying properly is almost always a simple at home fix with no technician required. Follow the steps below to find the correct resolution for your situation:
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Turn Off Energy Saver
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Energy Saver is on by default for the Cotton/Normal cycle.
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This cycle air dries without heat for most of the cycle resulting in a longer run time, but less electricity/gas is used.
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Energy Saver can be turned off for one cycle or for some models by default. The indicator light will deactivate.
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Turning off for one cycle: Press and release the Energy Saver button.
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Turning off the default: Press and hold the Energy Saver Default On/Off button for 3 seconds.
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Sensor Operation
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The sensors operate by making direct contact with the clothing to detect the moisture level.
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Once anything in the dryer reaches the cutoff point and touches the sensor, the load will stop, regardless of the estimated time shown.
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This cutoff point is chosen with the Dryness Level button.
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By default, this is set to 80% or “Normal.”
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Manual or Time Dry Recommended
For certain load types, it is better to use a manual or time dry option instead of a sensor dry option.
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Small Loads → Constant contact cannot be maintained with the sensors
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Bed Sheets → Dry patches develop
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Bulky, single items like blankets → They make take the form of a ball, and the outside will get dry before the inside
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Mixed Loads (Socks, Jeans, T-shirts, etc. all in the same load) → Thinner materials will get dry before the thicker ones
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Maintenance: Sensors & Home Ventilation
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Clean the humidity sensor once per month to remove any residue build-up.
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Use a damp cloth to wipe over each sensor bar 4-5 times and let them dry completely before use.
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Have the home ventilation system cleaned by a professional vent cleaner once per year.
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Remove any lint build-up from the home ventilation system to allow for better heating performance.
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Request a Repair
If all of these steps have been completed and the issue still persists, a technician visit may be required. Request a repair with our 24/7 Chat Support.
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For further assistance resolving your issue, please click here to speak with LG customer service.
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If you have tried the recommended troubleshooting above and your dryer still isn’t heating, service will be required for a proper diagnosis. Request a repair with our 24/7 Chat Support.