Lg Dishwasher: not heating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG dishwasher running cycles but failing to heat water? If dishes remain cold or damp post-wash, it may indicate a faulty heating element, thermostat issues, or low water supply temperature. Models may show error code HE for heating-related problems. Discover the causes and solutions to restore your dishwasher's heating function.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG models may display HE or tE error codes related to heating/thermistor faults helpful for diagnosis

Possible Causes

Faulty heating element

How to Identify: Dishwasher water remains cold, visible damage to element coil; continuity test with multimeter shows no continuity. (diy.

Part: Heating element

Malfunctioning thermostat/temperature sensor

How to Identify: Dishwasher doesn’t regulate or reach proper water temperature; thermistor error (tE/HE code shown on LG error lists. (Sears Home Services

Part: Thermostat/thermistor

Electronic control board failure

How to Identify: Dishwasher doesn’t activate heating element despite correct settings and intact element; control board fails to send current. (Sears Home Services

Part: Electronic control board

Poor water circulation (pump/motor assembly) affecting heat distribution

How to Identify: Proper heating element but water remains cold due to poor circulation; unusual noise or weak spray arms. (Sears Home Services

Part: Pump and motor assembly

Water supply temperature too low

How to Identify: Water entering dishwasher is cold because inlet hot supply line is cold; affects wash heat. (Sears Home Services

Part: Hot water supply connection

DIY Solutions

Test and Replace Heating Element

Moderate 45-90 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdrivers
  1. Disconnect power and water to dishwasher
  2. Remove lower dish rack and access panel
  3. Locate heating element at bottom, disconnect wiring
  4. Test continuity with multimeter; if no continuity, replace with LG OEM heating element
  5. Reassemble and test dishwasher
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect electrical power before working inside dishwasher

Check and Test Thermostat/Thermistor

Advanced 60-120 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter
  1. Turn off power and remove access panels
  2. Locate thermostat/thermistor near heating element
  3. Test resistance with multimeter per manufacturer specs
  4. Replace sensor if out of spec
  5. Reassemble and test
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power

Verify Hot Water Supply Line

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Run hot water at sink nearest dishwasher before starting cycle
  2. Ensure inlet line to dishwasher uses hot water supply
  3. Check for kinks or cold water feed

Professional Repairs

Replace Electronic Control Board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Pump and Motor Assembly Repair/Replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Visible electrical damage (burnt wiring)
Replacing control board or thermostat if uncomfortable
After replacing heating element and symptom persists

Preventive Maintenance

  • Ensure hot water feed to dishwasher: Cold wash conditions mimicking heating failure
    Frequency: each cycle
  • Regularly clean filters and spray arms: Improper circulation that may affect heating performance
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Dishwasher not heating?
Common causes include a faulty heating element, malfunctioning thermostat, or low water supply temperature.
How do I fix LG Dishwasher not heating myself?
Try testing and replacing the heating element or checking the thermostat. Ensure the hot water supply line is functioning.
How much does it cost to fix not heating?
Professional repairs can range from $100 to $350, depending on whether you need to replace the control board or pump.
When should I call a technician for not heating?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if complex repairs are needed, it's best to consult a professional.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty circulation pump assembly (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the circulation pump assembly due to integrated heating element

    Success rate: 50.0%

  2. Replace the wiring harness and ensure connections are secure

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. LG Dishwasher Pump assembly caught fire?
  2. LG Dishwasher part

Community Discussions

HE error

Replace the entire circulation pump assembly due to integrated heating element.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

pump assembly caught fire

Replace the wiring harness and ensure connections are secure.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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