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LG Dryer Error Code tE1

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026
⚠ Medium Severity 🔧 Easy DIY Also shown as: tE2

Thermistor error — air temperature sensor out of range

The most common cause of the tE1 error on a LG dryer is failed thermistor (open or shorted) (~55% of cases); start with: clean around the sensor.

💰 DIY cost: $10–$30 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $130–$250 Save $120+ by doing it yourself
LG Dryer error code tE1 on the display panel
How the tE1 code appears on a LG dryer display

What Does Error Code tE1 Mean on a LG Dryer?

Thermistor error — air temperature sensor out of range.

The control board continuously monitors resistance across the air thermistor, which changes predictably with temperature. tE1 fires when the exhaust/air sensor reads an implausible value — effectively an open or shorted circuit or a resistance far outside the expected curve — so the board cannot trust the reading and disables heat. tE2 points instead at the inlet sensor circuit on models that carry a second thermistor. Unlike a heater or gas-valve fault, the failure is in the sensing path, not the heat source itself.

Models affected: LG dryers with electronic thermistor-based temperature control, including electric and gas models roughly 2015 onward (examples include DLEX3900W, DLE3500W, DLEX4500B, DLE7150W, DLG3601W)
What owners report: Owners commonly report this code appearing mid-cycle or when the dryer refuses to heat, sometimes after long stretches without cleaning. A lint-packed sensor is a frequent false trigger, and many find a quick vacuum around the thermistor clears the code before any part is needed.

What Causes Error Code tE1?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Failed thermistor (open or shorted) 55% of cases
  2. 2
    Connector or harness fault 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Lint packed around the sensor skewing readings 20% of cases

How to Fix LG Dryer Error Code tE1

🔧 Easy DIY Est. time: 10–20 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Clean around the sensor

    Unplug the dryer, remove the lower front or back panel, and vacuum lint from the thermistor on the blower/heater housing.

  2. 2

    Test the thermistor

    Measure resistance at room temperature — roughly 10kΩ on LG dryers. Open or near-zero readings confirm replacement.

  3. 3

    Replace the sensor

    One or two screws plus a connector.

    🔩 LG dryer thermistor ($10–$30)
    ⚠️ Unplug the dryer before removing panels.

How to Reset Error Code tE1

After cleaning or replacement, plug back in and run a Time Dry cycle on medium heat to verify the code is gone.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full LG dryer reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If a new thermistor reads correctly at the board connector but tE1 persists, the main board's sensor input has failed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $130–$250

Related Error Codes

D80
Duct blockage detected — exhaust duct 80% blocked
⚠ Medium Severity
nP
No power to the heating element
⚠ High Severity
nF
No heat / airflow fault — dryer runs but cannot maintain heating
⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code tE1 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows tE1 →

Samsung logo
Samsung Washing Machine tE1
Water temperature sensor (thermistor) error — heater thermistor out of range

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your LG Dryer:

🔩
Search PartSelect
LG Dryer repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More LG Dryer Error Codes

D90 Duct blockage detected — exhaust duct 90% blocked D95 Duct blockage detected — exhaust duct 95% blocked F9 Thermistor failure — temperature sensor not reading CL Child lock is active — controls are locked D75 Exhaust duct ~75% blocked — airflow restriction warning PS Power supply error — improper voltage at the cord or terminal block

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my LG Dryer when error tE1 appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the sensor issue behind tE1 will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.
What most commonly causes tE1 on a LG Dryer? +
Across reported LG dryer repairs, the most frequent is failed thermistor (open or shorted) (55% of cases), connector or harness fault (25%), then lint packed around the sensor skewing readings (20%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
tE1 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored tE1 fault; if it returns, the sensor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — clean around the sensor, then test the thermistor — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a beginner-friendly job needing only basic hand tools.
How much does it cost to fix LG Dryer error tE1? +
A DIY repair typically runs $10–$30 in parts, versus $130–$250 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $120. Expect the work to take about 10–20 minutes.
Which LG Dryer models show error tE1? +
tE1 is documented on LG dryers with electronic thermistor-based temperature control, including electric and gas models roughly 2015 onward (examples include DLEX3900W, DLE3500W, DLEX4500B, DLE7150W, DLG3601W). Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 11, 2026.

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