LG dryer stopped working

Common reasons your LG dryer stopped working

The most common reasons your LG dryer stopped working are an open heating element, faulty thermal fuse or a worn drum bearing.

  • 49%

    49% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 25%

    25% of the time it's the
    Thermal Fuse

  • 8%

    8% of the time it's the
    Drum Bearing

  • 18%

    18% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a LG dryer

Heating Element Replacement

If your dryer stopped working, an open heating element could be causing the problem. An open (or broken) heating element can short against metal inside the dryer cabinet and cause the house circuit breaker for the dryer to trip. If you reset the tripped breaker and tips right away when you start a heated cycle in the dryer, then you should have a Sears Home Services Technician check the dryer. The technician will replace the heating element if it’s open.

Thermal Fuse Replacement

A faulty or blown thermal fuse can keep the dryer from starting. The thermal fuse is a safety device mounted on the blower housing that trips when the dryer overheats. The thermal fuse in most electric dryers prevents the motor from running. In some gas dryers, a blown thermal fuse will also prevent the motor from running. A clogged exhaust vent system often causes the dryer to overheat and the thermal fuse to blow. When the dryer won’t run, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and fix the dryer. The technician will replace the thermal fuse if it’s blown.

Drum Bearing Replacement

A worn drum bearing can stop the dryer from working by overheating the dryer drive motor. Friction caused by a worn drum bearing will cause the drive motor to overheat and trip the overload that protects the motor from damage. A worn drum bearing can also slow the rotation of the drum and blower wheel so the thermal fuse blows. When your dryer stops working, have a Sears Home Services Technician examine the dryer and replace the drum bearing if it’s worn.

Why did my LG dryer suddenly stop working?

Power issues with your LG dryer can stem from your home’s power supply. A bad power cord, wiring failure or defective electronic control board in the dryer can also prevent the dryer from powering up.

Image of homeowner shutting off the circuit breaker for the stove

Check the power supply

Follow these basic troubleshooting steps to check the power supply going to your dryer:

  1. Make sure that the dryer power cord is properly plugged in.
  2. Reset the house circuit breaker for the dryer to make sure the outlet is getting power.
  3. For a gas dryer, plug a night light or small appliance into the electrical outlet for the dryer to test for power. If the item doesn’t get power from the outlet, have an electrician repair the electrical outlet in your home.

diagram-showing-how-to-wire-an-electric-dryer-power-cord

Examine the power cord and its wiring connections

Unplug the dryer and check the power cord for damage. Replace the power cord if it’s damaged.

For an electric dryer, check the power cord wire connections on the terminal block at the back of the dryer (with the dryer still unplugged). The image above shows how the power cord wires should be connected on an electric dryer.

Reconnect any loose power cord wires.

Check control board wiring

With the dryer still unplugged, check the wiring connection on the main electronic control board. Reconnect any loose wires.

If you see damage to the control board such as burn spots, you’ll likely need to replace the main control board.

Here’s a safe DIY video that shows how to replace the main electronic control board on a common type of dryer:

If you’re not completely confident that you can repair the dryer on your own, schedule dryer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.

What to expect when you experience an LG dryer stopped working issue

How is the stopped working problem fixed?

Correcting most stopped working problems usually involves replacing the heating element, thermal fuse or drum bearing. 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 that has stopped working

When the dryer has stopped 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 stopped 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.

When your LG dryer halts mid-cycle, sensor malfunctions or overheating may be at fault. Damp clothes left inside risk odor and wrinkles. Immediately book dryer repair near me to diagnose root causes. Quick fixes let you finish loads without prolonged wait times.

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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.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my LG dryer quit in the middle of a cycle?
An overheated motor, blown thermal fuse, or loose door latch can cause abrupt shutdown. Let the dryer cool, then check the fuse and door components.
Could a failing motor overheat and shut off mid-cycle?
Yes. If the motor is overheating, it may trigger a safety cutoff. Replacing the motor often prevents repeated shutdowns.
How do I test the thermal fuse if the dryer stops unexpectedly?
Unplug the dryer, locate the fuse on the blower housing or heating element assembly, and use a multimeter for continuity. Replace if open.
When should I consult a technician for an LG dryer that stops mid-cycle?
If replacing fuses and ensuring door latch alignment doesn’t help, the motor or control board could be defective. A pro can perform deeper mechanical checks.

Repair Dryer Resources

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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.

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