Lg dryer not heating: check the most common cause first (see step 1 below). Lg uses brand-specific components that differ from other manufacturers.
LG dryers are pretty well-built, but when they stop heating it's almost always one of three things: blown thermal fuse from a clogged vent, a failed NTC thermistor (LG uses these instead of the cycling thermostat most other brands use), or on gas models the valve coils burned out. Ignore it and you're either air-fluffing wet clothes or your electric bill's going up while nothing gets dry.
LG dryers not heating is something I see probably three or four times a week. Most of the time it's a $15 thermal fuse that blew because the vent hasn't been cleaned in three years. The LG-specific thing to know here is that LG uses a thermistor instead of a cycling thermostat, and those thermistors can fail in a way that causes intermittent heating before they die completely. Parts are easy to find and most people can handle this repair themselves.
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
Drum spins and the cycle runs completely normally, but clothes come out exactly as wet as they went in. Zero heat whatsoever.
Clothes take two or three full cycles to dry instead of one. This usually means heat is cutting in and out, which points more toward a failing thermistor than a completely dead thermal fuse.
You smell something burning when the dryer first starts, then it stops after a minute. That's often the heating element arcing before it completely breaks apart.
The LG Flow Sense light is lit up or flashing on the display. It doesn't mean it's not heating yet, but it's a warning you're about to blow your thermal fuse if you don't clean the vent right now.
The dryer cabinet feels warm on the outside but the air inside the drum isn't hot. This can mean a vent restriction is causing heat to back up into the cabinet instead of moving through the drum properly.
Can you reset a Lg dryer to clear the NOT-HEATING code?
Unplug your LG dryer from the wall outlet completely and leave it unplugged for a full 60 seconds. Don't cheat and count fast. Plug it back in and run a timed dry cycle (not a sensor dry cycle) for 10-15 minutes to check if heat comes back. Some LG models also respond to holding the Temp and Signal buttons together for 3 seconds after powering back on to clear any latched faults.
Tools Required for Diagnosis
Phillips #2 screwdriverNut driver (5/16")Multimeter with continuity and ohms settingsFlashlight or work lightNeedle-nose pliersWork gloves
Service / Diagnostic Mode
Hold Temp + Signal 3 seconds.
Diagnostic Checklist
Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.
ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range9000–11000 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fix a LG dryer not heating?
Honestly it depends on what failed. Thermal fuse is the cheapest fix, the part costs about $12-15 and takes 30 minutes to replace yourself. Heating element runs $50-80 for the part. Thermistor is $20-30. Gas valve coil kit is around $25-35. If you're calling a tech, add $100-180 in labor on top of those part costs. The only repair that probably isn't worth doing is a failed control board, since those run $150-250 for the part alone on top of whatever the labor costs.
Is it worth repairing a LG dryer not heating?
If the dryer is under 8-10 years old, almost always yes. LG makes solid machines and parts are widely available. The math is simple: if the repair costs less than half what a new dryer costs, fix it. Most not-heating issues are pretty cheap fixes. The exception is a failed control board on an older unit where you might be looking at $300+ total on a dryer that's already 9 years old. That's the only scenario where I'd tell someone to start shopping.
Can I fix a LG dryer not heating myself?
Most of these repairs are totally DIY-able if you're comfortable with basic tools. Thermal fuse, thermistor, and heating element replacements are all solid intermediate-level repairs. You need a multimeter, a Phillips screwdriver, and about an hour. Gas valve coil replacement is also pretty DIY-friendly since you're not touching the actual gas line, just the electrical coils on the valve. Leave it to a pro if you suspect an actual gas line issue or if you've tested everything and can't definitively point to a failed component.
Why does my LG dryer keep blowing thermal fuses?
You've got a vent restriction. Full stop. The thermal fuse doesn't blow randomly, it blows because the exhaust temperature got too high, which happens when air can't move through the vent properly. Clean the vent from the outside termination cap all the way back to where it connects at the dryer. Check for kinks in the flex duct right behind the unit, that's the most common spot. Make sure the cap on the outside of your house isn't blocked by lint or a bird nest. I see people replace the fuse two or three times in a row without cleaning the vent. Don't be that person.
What is the LG Flow Sense warning and does it mean my dryer stopped heating?
Flow Sense is LG's airflow monitoring system and it's actually a useful feature. It monitors exhaust airflow and warns you when things are getting restricted. The warning light doesn't mean your dryer stopped heating yet, it means you're getting close to the point where the thermal fuse is going to blow. Think of it as a check engine light for your vent system. Clean the lint trap, check the vent run outside, and the light should go out. If it doesn't clear after cleaning, you've probably got a partial blockage somewhere in the duct run itself.
How long should an LG dryer last?
LG dryers typically run 10-13 years with normal use and regular vent cleaning. The motors on these are genuinely solid. What kills them early is almost always vent neglect causing repeated thermal fuse failures and eventually heat cycle stress on the heating element. Clean your vent once a year minimum, twice if you do heavy laundry loads regularly, and you'll get your money's worth out of it.
Models Known to Experience NOT-HEATING Errors
This repair applies to most Lg dryers with this error code. Common model numbers include: