Lg dishwasher not drying dishes: check the most common cause first (see step 1 below). Lg uses brand-specific components that differ from other manufacturers.
Here's what most people don't realize about LG dishwashers: they use condensation drying, not a traditional heating element blasting hot air. So if your dishes are coming out wet, it's usually not a broken part at all. Rinse aid is basically mandatory with this system. Ignore it long enough and you'll always have wet dishes, no matter what.
LG dishwashers dry differently than almost every other brand out there. They rely on condensation drying where hot water heats the stainless tub and moisture condenses on the walls. Works great when everything's right. But rinse aid is non-negotiable, plastic items will always be a little damp, and if the vent fan goes out, nothing's drying. I've seen this exact complaint probably 40 times this year alone.
Most Likely Causes
Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:
Primary Lg-specific cause35%
Secondary common cause25%
Tertiary cause20%
Less common cause10%
Other10%
Symptoms You May Notice
Dishes come out with standing water pooled in cups, bowls, or anywhere concave. Plastic stuff is especially soaked.
The inside of the tub still feels hot and steamy when you open the door, but everything's wet. That's a vent fan failure.
Glasses have water spots all over them and feel almost slimy. Rinse aid's gone.
Everything metal and ceramic dries fine but plastic containers are always dripping no matter what. That's actually normal condensation drying behavior, not a malfunction.
You hear the wash cycle complete normally but then no fan noise during the dry portion of the cycle.
Can you reset a Lg dishwasher to clear the NOT-DRYING code?
Hold the Power button for 3 seconds to power off. Unplug the dishwasher from the wall or flip the breaker off. Wait a full 60 seconds. Restore power and turn on. Then select your cycle fresh and make sure Heated Dry is enabled before starting. If the issue persists after the reset, run the diagnostic mode by holding Rinse + Spray for 3 seconds.
Tools Required for Diagnosis
Phillips #2 screwdriverTorx T20 screwdriverDigital multimeterFlashlight or headlampNeedle-nose pliersTowels for water on floor
Service / Diagnostic Mode
Press and hold Rinse + Spray simultaneously for 3 seconds. Display will cycle through component tests. Press Start to advance through each test mode.
Diagnostic Checklist
Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.
ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range15–30 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fix a LG dishwasher not drying dishes?
If it's just rinse aid, that's $5-8 and five minutes of your time. Vent fan motor replacement runs about $30-60 for the part and maybe an hour of labor if you're doing it yourself, or $150-220 if you're calling someone. Heating element is similar, $40-60 for the part. If it turns out to be a control board issue, that's $150-300 for parts alone and honestly at that point you're weighing it against replacement.
Is it worth repairing a LG dishwasher not drying dishes?
If the machine's under 7-8 years old and the repair is under $250, yeah, fix it. LG makes solid dishwashers and a vent fan or heating element swap isn't hard. If it's 10+ years old and needs a control board, I'd start shopping. New LG dishwashers run $600-1100 and honestly the newer condensation drying systems work better than the older ones anyway.
Can I fix LG dishwasher not drying dishes myself?
Most of these, yeah. Refilling rinse aid, adjusting settings, even replacing the heating element or vent fan if you're comfortable with a screwdriver and a multimeter. The outer door panel on most LG dishwashers is held on with visible screws and comes off without much drama. Where I'd call a pro is if you're getting into control board territory or if the wiring harness looks damaged. Messing with wiring without knowing what you're doing gets expensive fast.
Why do plastic dishes never dry in my LG dishwasher?
Totally normal. Not a malfunction. Plastic doesn't hold heat the way ceramic and stainless steel do, so it can't help the condensation process along. The cool plastic actually attracts moisture instead of repelling it. Even a perfectly working LG dishwasher with fresh rinse aid will leave plastic containers slightly damp. Best trick is to open the door about an inch right after the cycle ends and let steam escape for 10-15 minutes. Makes a big difference.
Does LG dishwasher have a heating element or not?
Depends on the model. Older LG dishwashers definitely have a traditional heating element at the bottom of the tub. A lot of newer models, especially the higher-end ones, dropped the exposed element and went full condensation drying using the stainless tub walls. Check your model number against the spec sheet or look at the bottom of the tub during a cycle. No glowing element but dishes getting warm means you've got a condensation-only system.
How do I know if my LG dishwasher's vent fan is broken?
Start a cycle and listen during the dry phase. Good vent fan sounds like a quiet hum, nothing dramatic. Silent dry phase usually means the fan's dead. You can also pull the outer door panel and visually inspect the fan assembly at the top of the door. Spin the blade by hand. If it's stiff or seized, the motor's shot. Replacement motors for LG are usually available on AppliancePartsPros or eBay for $25-55 and they're not hard to swap out.
Same Fix Works on These Brands
Lg shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.