LG Dryer Not Heating But Still Running l Find Out What's Wrong
The drum is spinning, the timer is counting down, and everything sounds normal but when the cycle ends, the clothes are just as wet as when they went in. An LG dryer not heating but runs is one of the more confusing appliance problems because the machine appears to be working. It isn't. Here's exactly what's causing it and how to fix it
Why This Happens
When an LG dryer runs but produces no heat, the motor and control board are functioning but the heating circuit has been cut. This can happen because of a safety component that tripped, a part that failed, or a power supply issue that affects only the heater. The dryer is designed to keep tumbling even when heating is disabled, which is why the problem isn't always obvious right away.
Common Causes
Tripped Thermal Cutout The thermal cutout sometimes called the thermal limit switch or reset button is a safety device that trips when the dryer overheats. Unlike the thermal fuse, it can be manually reset without replacement. On most LG models, there's a small reset button behind a plastic cover on the back right-hand side of the dryer. When lint buildup or restricted airflow pushes the temperature too high, this switch trips and cuts heat leaving the LG dryer not heating but runs symptom intact.
Blown Thermal Fuse If the thermal fuse blows, the heating circuit is permanently broken until the fuse is replaced. The dryer runs normally but produces zero heat. Unlike the thermal cutout, the thermal fuse cannot be reset once blown, it must be replaced. A blown fuse is always a symptom of something else: restricted airflow is the most common trigger.
Burned-Out Heating Element The heating coil inside an electric LG dryer can break over time, especially if the dryer has been running with restricted airflow. A broken element produces no heat at all. Testing with a multimeter for continuity confirms whether it has failed no continuity means replacement is needed.
Poor airflow traps heat inside the dryer, causing safety sensors to shut off the heater to prevent a fire. The drum keeps spinning while the heating circuit stays off. If your LG dryer not heating but runs problem appeared gradually clothes taking longer and longer to dry before heat disappeared entirely a blocked vent is almost certainly involved. Restricted airflow is also the root cause behind the D80, D90, and D95 codes LG dryer airflow errors explained covers exactly how a blocked vent leads to component failure over time.
Insufficient Power Electric Models Electric dryers run on two separate circuit breakers one powers the motor, the other powers the heater. If only the heater breaker trips, the dryer tumbles normally but produces no heat. This is one of the most commonly missed causes of an LG dryer not heating but runs. Check the breaker panel and confirm both breakers are fully set not just partially tripped.
Broken Igniter Gas Models On gas LG dryers, the igniter must glow to light the burner. If the igniter is cracked or burned out, the gas valve never opens and no heat is produced. The drum runs, the igniter may attempt to glow briefly, but the burner never ignites.
Failed High-Limit Thermostat The high-limit thermostat acts as a secondary safety cutoff. It can fail in the open position, permanently cutting the heating circuit in the same way as a blown thermal fuse. Testing with a multimeter confirms whether it's functioning correctly.
Troubleshooting Steps
How to Reset the LG Dryer Sensor Dry
If the Sensor Dry feature is giving inconsistent results stopping cycles early or not detecting moisture correctly the sensors may need cleaning rather than a full reset. Wipe the two metal sensor bars inside the drum with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove fabric softener residue. For a full system reset, unplug the dryer for 10 minutes and plug back in. This clears stored cycle data and recalibrates the sensor dry system.
When to Call a Technician
If you've reset the breakers, cleared the vents, pressed the thermal cutout reset, and the LG dryer not heating but runs problem persists the heating element, thermal fuse, or high-limit thermostat has likely failed and needs professional testing. Gas dryer igniter issues also require a technician, as gas system components carry a safety risk when handled incorrectly.
Promix Appliance Repair handles LG dryer heating repairs as part of our complete washer and dryer repair service and LG appliance repair service. Call (781) 666-9565 to schedule service.
