Dryer problems often require the help of a professional to fix because they involve complicated electricity. However, some solutions can be done at home, and it’s helpful to understand what might be going on with your machine, even before contacting a professional.
Your LG dryer won’t turn on, turn off, spin, or stop spinning because of a problem with the hardware or the electrical supply. You can usually diagnose these problems with a few simple steps that will tell you what needs to be reset, replaced, or rewired.
This article will walk you through common problems and troubleshooting techniques for LG dryers, along with how-to solutions.
LG Dryer Won’t Turn On
If your dryer doesn’t turn on, you likely have an issue with your power supply or the power connection to the dryer.
Causes
An LG dryer gives three different error messages related to power:
- An error code PS means that the wrong amount of voltage is being supplied at the power source.
- An error code PF means that there is a power failure, usually following a power outage.
- An error code nP means that no electrical current is being detected.
All of these mean that power is not being supplied to the dryer, which is the reason why it won’t turn on.
It is also possible that your child lock is enabled, in which case you would see a CL message and non-responsive display.
How to Fix
The right way to fix power issues with an LG dryer depends on the error code you’re getting.
PS
- Check the white and red wire connections on the dryer’s terminal block to be sure they aren’t reversed.
- Reset the home circuit breaker, leaving it off for at least 10 seconds.
- Make sure the power cord is connected to a grounded, 240V outlet.
- If this doesn’t fix the problem, call a repair service.
PF
- Either unplug the dryer or trip the circuit breaker.
- While the dryer is off, press and hold the Start/Pause button for five seconds.
- Restore power.
- If this doesn’t fix the problem, call a repair service.
nP
- Check that the dryer is plugged into a grounded, 240V outlet.
- Reset the home circuit breaker.
- If this doesn’t fix the problem, call a repair service.
If you’re seeing a CL message indicating that the child lock is on, simply press and hold the Child Lock button for three seconds.
LG Dryer Stops Early or Under 5 Minutes
If a dryer unit stops before the end of a cycle, it may be due to one of these issues:
- The power supply was interrupted mid-cycle.
- The load is too small.
- There is residue on the sensors.
You can resolve these issues with the following steps:
- Reset the power supply.
- Add more to the load, or change the setting to Speed Dry or Timed Dry.
- Clean the sensors.
If none of these solutions solve the problem, you will need to perform a hard reset by powering the machine off, then holding the Power/Start button for five seconds, then hold the Play/Pause button for five seconds.
LG Dryer Shuts Off Immediately / After Pressing Start
If your dryer stops running immediately after pressing start, it is likely for one of the following reasons:
- The power cord is loose or broken, and so is not supplying constant power.
- The door latch is broken, and the movement of the load is slightly pushing the door open.
- The venting system is clogged with lint and debris.
LG Dryer Won’t Start and Just Beeps
If your dryer beeps but won’t start, it’s most likely an issue with the door switch. However, it could also be due to a failure in any of the following parts:
- Door switch
- Motor
- Thermal fuse
- Belt switch
- Main control
These issues will require the use of an ohmmeter to diagnose and fix, and so most likely will require expert technical support.
LG Dryer Won’t Turn Off
If your LG dryer won’t turn off, a common issue could be a malfunctioning door switch. The door switch acts as a safety feature, automatically turning off the dryer when the door is opened. If it’s faulty, the dryer may not turn off as it should.
To fix this, unplug the dryer and locate the door switch, which is usually found where the door latches shut. Examine it for any visible damage and use a multimeter to test for continuity. If the switch is faulty, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. Plug the dryer back in and check if the issue is resolved.
Another reason why your LG dryer may not turn off could be related to the timer or control board. A faulty timer or control board can send incorrect signals to the dryer, causing it to continue running even when it should turn off.
To troubleshoot, you may need to consult your user manual for instructions on how to access and test these components. Replacement may be necessary if they are found to be faulty. It’s recommended to consult a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair in this case.
Issues with the moisture sensor could also cause the dryer to keep running. The moisture sensor measures the dampness of the clothes and shuts off the dryer when they are dry. If the sensor is dirty or faulty, it may not accurately detect moisture levels, causing the dryer to keep running.
Clean the moisture sensor using a soft cloth and some isopropyl alcohol, and then try running the dryer again. If the problem persists, the sensor may need to be replaced.
LG Dryer Won’t Spin
If your dryer won’t spin, there is likely a problem with a part of the drum mechanism.
Causes
This problem may be caused by the malfunction of one of the following parts:
- The drive belt
- The drum roller
- The drum roller axle
- The drum bearing
- The drum support roller & axle
- The drum slide, glide, or pad
- The drum support bearing
- The idler pulley
- The drive motor
These parts can malfunction due to errors made in manufacturing or simply due to wear and tear over time.
How to Fix
First, diagnose which part is causing the drum to malfunction, or hire a professional to perform diagnostics. You can use the following steps as a diagnostic guide:
- If you can turn the drum by hand very easily, the belt likely needs to be replaced.
- If the drum does not turn freely after the belt is removed, the rollers need to be replaced. If it turns freely but wobbles, the drum roller axle needs to be replaced.
- If the drum makes grinding or squealing sounds while turning by hand, the drum bearing or drum support bearing likely needs to be replaced.
- Inspect the drum glides; if they look worn, then they need to be replaced.
- Inspect the idler pulley; if it does not spin freely or is damaged or worn, replace both the belt and the pulley.
- Check the motor for a humming noise. If it hums, remove the belt and check the blower wheel for obstructions. If the drum can then be moved freely by hand, the motor might need to be replaced.
If you’re planning to replace a broken part, be sure to order the correct part for your particular model.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on November 25, 2020.
LG Dryer Won’t Stop Spinning
A dryer that keeps spinning after a cycle is complete or when the door is open may be malfunctioning for various different reasons.
Causes
- The door switch is broken.
- A power surge has caused the timer switch to fuse in the on position.
- The timer motor is broken and not moving the switch to off.
- There is a problem with the wiring.
- The cycling thermostat is failing to sense the right temperatures.
- The cooldown thermostat is malfunctioning.
How to Fix
Depending on which cause is behind your eternal spinning problems, one of the following solutions should restore your dryer’s proper function:
- Replace the dryer door switch.
- Replace the dryer timer.
- Replace the wires or wiring harness.
- Replace the cycling thermostat.
- Replace the cooldown thermostat.
Remember that parts can be expensive and difficult to replace, especially in the dryer’s wiring. Contact a professional if you need assistance with either the diagnostics or the installation.
LG Dryer Overheats and Shuts Off
If an LG dryer overheats, it will typically shut off to prevent a fire or other damage from happening.
Causes
Overheating is most commonly caused by problems with the heating element, although it can also be caused by the inability of the cycling thermostat to properly read and maintain temperature. Additionally, overheating problems can be caused by obstructed airflow or the lack of an effective felt seal.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on November 25, 2020.
How to Fix
First, diagnose the problem more specifically, then determine the right way to fix the problem based on what you’ve found.
- Use a multimeter like the Etekcity Digital Multimeter to test each dryer terminal for continuity to the case. If the heating element has continuity to the case, it is shorted out and needs to be replaced. If it does have continuity, there may be an issue with the heating element assembly that also requires replacement.
- If the vent is clogged, clean it; this should be done preventatively at least once a year.
- Use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If it does not have continuity, replace it.
- Check that the felt seal is providing a reliable seal all the way around the drum, and if it is not, replace it.
- Remove the dryer vent and test the airflow. If it is weak, check the blower wheel for obstructions and test to see whether it can be turned by hand. Remove any obstructions and replace the blower wheel if it wobbles as it turns.
LG Dryer Won’t Stay on Running
A dryer may stop running before the end of a cycle for a number of reasons.
Causes
If the dryer stops spinning mid-way through or near the end of a cycle, you likely have a problem with the fuse box where the dryer is attached to the power supply and not with the dryer itself.
How to Fix
- Replace the fuses with two 30 amp fuses.
- Run the dryer for 15 minutes.
- Turn the dryer off again.
- Take the new fuses out of the box and feel them to see whether they are hot, especially at the ends.
- If these are hot, contact an electrician for repairs. The fuses are likely melting the fuse link internally.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons why an LG dryer might malfunction, some of which require professional support to repair. However, narrowing down the problem can help you figure out which problems you can solve at home, whether it be a simple reset or a short DIY installation.
Related Articles
ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on November 25, 2020.