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LG Dryer Gets Too Hot - Causes & Fix

3 min read

Independent. We don't sell parts, so we tell you when not to buy one.

⚡ Quick Answer

Blocked exhaust duct or clogged lint screen restricts airflow, causing overheating. Clean the vent system and inspect the thermistor.

Difficulty Intermediate (DIY)
Est. time 15-60 min
Tools Multimeter , nut driver, screwdrivers

LG Dryer Gets Too Hot — What’s Happening

When an LG dryer gets too hot, you’re seeing an overheating or airflow restriction condition. LG may display codes like tE1, tE2, or tE3 (thermistor temperature sensor faults) or HC, hE, HC4, or 1 HC (overheating messages tied to blocked exhaust or abnormal temperature rise). If no code appears but clothes are too hot or the cabinet is overheating, the problem is usually still airflow restriction, a faulty thermistor, or a heating control issue.

LG specifically links codes like d75, d80, d90, and d95 to clogged exhaust ducts. Lint buildup at the rear exhaust duct, long vent runs, crushed ducting, or multiple elbows all reduce airflow and cause the dryer to run hotter than normal. The thermistor measures drum temperature, so if it fails or its wiring is loose, the control board can’t regulate heat properly. Heating element faults and incorrect 240 V power supply on electric models can also create abnormal operation.

Jump to Fix

Most Likely Causes

How to Diagnose and Fix

  1. Check the display for any fault codes (tE1, tE2, tE3, HC, hE, HC4, d75, d80, d90, d95) to guide your diagnosis.
  2. Remove and clean the lint screen thoroughly, then inspect the lint filter housing for buildup.
  3. Disconnect the exhaust duct at the rear of the dryer and check the rear exhaust port, the full duct run, the wall cap, and all elbows for lint blockage or crushing.
  4. Turn off the circuit breaker for at least 10 seconds (or unplug the dryer) to reset the control board, then restore power.
  5. Run the dryer briefly with the vent disconnected to see if temperatures normalize, which confirms the vent system is the fault.
  6. Unplug the dryer, locate the thermistor (usually on the blower housing or heater duct), and measure its resistance with a multimeter (expect about 10,000 ohms at room temperature).
  7. Inspect the thermistor wiring and connector for corrosion, breaks, or heat damage.
  8. Check the heating element for continuity and inspect the thermal fuse or thermal cut-off for continuity if overheating persists.

Parts You Might Need

PartNotes
LG dryer thermistorAmazon | Temperature sensor, about 10,000 ohms at room temperature
LG dryer heating elementAmazon | Check continuity, replace if shorted or open
LG dryer thermal fuseAmazon | One-time safety device, replace if open
Rigid aluminum vent ductAmazon | Reduces lint buildup and airflow restriction

If your appliance also shows a code on the display, these match this problem:

When to Call a Pro

Call a tech if you’ve cleaned the entire vent system and the dryer still overheats or displays tE or HC codes. Thermistor replacement, heating element testing, and control board diagnosis require disassembly and live voltage checks. If you have a gas dryer and suspect burner or ignition problems, have a qualified technician handle all gas connections and burner service. A pro can also verify correct 240 V supply on electric models and measure airflow to confirm the vent system meets LG’s installation requirements.


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