LG Dryer sensor not working

Common reasons your LG Dryer sensor not working

The most common reasons you LG dryer's sensor is not working are a faulty moisture sensor, a malfunctioning electronic control board, or a defective timer.

  • 41%

    41% of the time it's the
    Moisture Sensor

  • 38%

    38% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the
    Timer

  • 8%

    8% of the time it's the
    Something else

Schedule your dryer repair now!

We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 5,000 LG dryers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

Call (646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.
Chat

Most common repairs needed to fix a LG dryer

Moisture Sensor Replacement

The moisture sensor detects the level of moisture in your clothes and signals the dryer to stop when they are dry. If the sensor fails, it may incorrectly detect dryness, causing the dryer to shut off prematurely. You might notice that your clothes are still damp when the dryer stops. Sometimes, you can resolve the issue by removing any buildup of fabric softener. If this doesn’t fix the problem, schedule an in-home repair appointment through Sears Home Services.

Electronic Control Board Replacement

When your dryer is not drying clothes properly, a defective control board could be causing the problem. The electronic control board monitors a moisture sensor to detect when clothes are dry. If the dryer continues to run even though clothes are dry, electronic components on the circuit board may have failed. Also, if the dryer shut off even though clothes are still damp, the control board may not be interpreting signals from the moisture sensor properly. To fix the problem, schedule a Sears Home Services Technician to visit your home and examine the electronic control board. The technician will replace the control board if it's defective.

Timer Replacement

When your dryer is not working, a defective timer could be causing the failure. The timer has internal cams that open and close switches or contacts to operate the various electro-mechanical components in the dryer. The timer controls the length of the drying cycle and works in conjunction with the moisture sensor to determine when to end the cycle. If the timer is malfunctioning, it may not accurately signal the end of the drying cycle based on the moisture levels detected by the sensor. If you suspect the timer isn't working, have a Sears Home Services Technician examine the dryer and replace the timer if it's defective.

What to expect when you experience an LG dryer sensor not working issue

How is the dryer sensor not working issue fixed?

Correcting most dryer sensor not working issues involves replacing the moisture sensor, electronic control board, or timer. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dryer sensor not working problem

When a dryer sensor is not working, it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dryer failures.

What to look out for with a dryer sensor not working diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dryer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

Clothes emerging damp or overly hot from an LG dryer might signal a broken moisture sensor. Running more cycles wastes energy and can damage fabrics. Rather than trial-and-error, contact dryer repair near me. Sensor recalibration ensures balanced dryness with fewer restarts.

What our customers say about us

With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

Excellent service from Daniel

Daniel provided excellent service and was very quick to perform the repair. I have nothing good to say about the warranty program and the LACK of customer service and the inability to contact a human being to talk.


Tammy M, Hilton, NY

Satisfied customer

Excellent technician Very thorough and detail oriented Would be happy to have him work on appliances again He managed to find our ranch headquarters in the middle of the desert


Rose W, Las Cruces, NM

Dryer service

He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.


Terry F, Oklahoma City, OK

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my LG dryer’s moisture sensor seem to fail?
Lint or residue on the sensor bars, a malfunctioning control board, or wiring issues can cause inaccurate moisture readings, resulting in damp or over-dried clothes.
How do I clean the moisture sensor?
Unplug the dryer, locate the sensor inside the drum (usually near the lint screen), and gently wipe it with a soft cloth and mild rubbing alcohol to remove buildup.
Could a faulty control board misread sensor signals?
Yes. If the board can’t interpret sensor data correctly, the dryer may shut off too soon or run too long. Replacing the board often restores normal cycles.
When should I hire a technician for a sensor issue?
If cleaning the sensor doesn’t resolve the problem, a deeper electronic fault—like damaged wiring or a bad control board—may need professional attention.

Repair Dryer Resources

Banner image for blog article "Why is my Electric Dryer not Getting Hot?"
5 min readApr. 03

Find out why your electric dryer is not getting hot. Get expert tips to accurately diagnose and fix the heating problem.

Banner image for blog article "Why Does my Dryer Keep Stopping?"
6 min readApr. 02

Find out why your dryer keeps stopping in the middle of the cycle and how to fix the problem.

Title image for blog article "My Dryer Is Making a Loud Noise. When Should I Panic?"
9 min readMar. 24

Learn how to fix a dryer making grinding noise or other loud noises using our expert DIY tips.

dryer not heating
8 min readMar. 11

Learn 5 DIY troubleshooting tips to fix your dryer when it is not heating. Accurately diagnose why your dryer is not getting hot and fix the problem fast.

Glossary Terms

A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.

A dryer filter, commonly known as a lint filter, is a component of a clothes dryer that captures lint and other debris from clothes during the drying process, preventing them from clogging the dryer vent.

A dryer pedestal is a platform that elevates a dryer off the ground, making it easier to load and unload laundry while also providing additional storage space in some models.

A dryer rack is an accessory for clothes dryers that provides a stationary platform to dry items without tumbling, ideal for delicate or bulky items, or shoes that might be damaged by the usual drying cycle.