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LG Dryer Error Code tE4

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: July 19, 2026
⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Thermistor error — secondary/outlet temperature sensor fault

The most common cause of the tE4 error on a LG dryer is secondary thermistor failure (~55% of cases); start with: power cycle.

💰 DIY cost: $15–$40 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$300 Save $135+ by doing it yourself
LG Dryer error code tE4 on the display panel
How the tE4 code appears on a LG dryer display

What Does Error Code tE4 Mean on a LG Dryer?

Thermistor error — secondary/outlet temperature sensor fault.

tE4 fires when the control board reads the secondary (outlet) thermistor as out of spec or inconsistent with the inlet sensor. The board continuously compares both sensors; a resistance value beyond the expected range, or a mismatch that suggests one sensor is drifting, triggers this code and halts heating as a safety precaution. Unlike tE3, which points at the inlet sensor, tE4 implicates the outlet thermistor or the comparison between the two, distinguishing it from a straightforward single-sensor fault.

Models affected: LG electric and gas dryers with dual thermistor temperature sensing, which covers most modern models including DLEX3900W, DLE3500W, DLEX4500B, DLE7150W and DLG3601W
What owners report: Owners commonly report tE4 appearing mid-cycle or shortly after startup, sometimes after the dryer has been moved or serviced, which can loosen a connector. A quick reseat of the outlet thermistor plug or a five-minute power cycle occasionally clears a transient trigger before any part replacement is needed.

What Causes Error Code tE4?

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

  1. 1
    Secondary thermistor failure 55% of cases
  2. 2
    Connector loose 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Wiring harness damaged 15% of cases
  4. 4
    Control board sensor input fault 5% of cases

How to Fix LG Dryer Error Code tE4

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Power cycle

    Unplug for 5 minutes to clear a transient fault.

  2. 2

    Inspect both thermistors

    Reseat connectors on the inlet and outlet thermistors; a mismatch between them can trigger tE4.

  3. 3

    Test and replace the sensor

    Measure resistance against spec and replace the out-of-range thermistor.

    🔩 Multimeter 🔩 LG dryer thermistor ($15–$40)
    ⚠️ Unplug before reaching into the blower housing.

How to Reset Error Code tE4

Unplug 5 minutes and restart. If tE4 returns, reseat and test both thermistors.

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 →

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When to Call a Professional

If both thermistors test good but tE4 persists, the control board sensor input has failed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$300

Related Error Codes

tE3
Thermistor error — drying temperature sensor out of range
⚠ High Severity
HS
Humidity sensor error — moisture sensing failure
⚠ Medium Severity

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

D80 Duct blockage detected — exhaust duct 80% blocked 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 nP No power to the heating element

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my LG Dryer when error tE4 appears? +
It is not advisable. The dryer may still power on, but running it while tE4 is active can worsen the sensor fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes tE4 on a LG Dryer? +
Across reported LG dryer repairs, the most frequent is secondary thermistor failure (55% of cases), connector loose (25%), then wiring harness damaged (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
tE4 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored tE4 fault; if it returns, the sensor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — power cycle, then inspect both thermistors — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.
How much does it cost to fix LG Dryer error tE4? +
A DIY repair typically runs $15–$40 in parts, versus $150–$300 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $135. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.
Which LG Dryer models show error tE4? +
tE4 is documented on LG electric and gas dryers with dual thermistor temperature sensing, which covers most modern models including DLEX3900W, DLE3500W, DLEX4500B, DLE7150W and 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: July 19, 2026.

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