LG · Dryer
LG Dryer HE Error Code
Heater circuit not producing heat
What this error means
HE indicates a heating error—the dryer ran but exhaust temperature never reached the target within the allowed time. On electric models this points to the element or thermal fuse; on gas models, igniter or gas supply.
How HE is detected
When HE appears on a LG dryer, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On LG DLEX4000W, LG DLG7151W, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most HE calls are resolved without parts: reset the double-pole dryer breaker fully off then on. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If HE returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Tripped house breaker on electric dryers—heat leg lost while motor leg runs
- Blown thermal fuse from prior vent blockage overheating
- Gas supply valve closed or flex line kinked on gas dryers
- Failed heating element coil on electric models
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Reset the double-pole dryer breaker fully off then on
- 2Confirm strong airflow at the exterior vent before testing heat again
- 3On gas units, verify the shutoff valve behind the dryer is parallel to the pipe
- 4Run Timed Dry high—if drum turns but air stays cold, stop and schedule heater service
When to call a technician
Element, igniter, and thermal fuse tests require cabinet disassembly and live voltage checks.
Affected models
- LG DLEX4000W
- LG DLG7151W
- LG DLE7300WE
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dryers to prevent HE from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when HE appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your LG dryer—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for HE; LG uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting HE; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.