LG Dishwasher: not heating
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.
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
- Disconnect power and water to dishwasher
- Remove lower dish rack and access panel
- Locate heating element at bottom, disconnect wiring
- Test continuity with multimeter; if no continuity, replace with LG OEM heating element
- Reassemble and test dishwasher
Check and Test Thermostat/Thermistor
- Turn off power and remove access panels
- Locate thermostat/thermistor near heating element
- Test resistance with multimeter per manufacturer specs
- Replace sensor if out of spec
- Reassemble and test
Verify Hot Water Supply Line
- Run hot water at sink nearest dishwasher before starting cycle
- Ensure inlet line to dishwasher uses hot water supply
- Check for kinks or cold water feed
Next step
Choose the next step for not heating
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Heating Element
Heats the water or air inside the appliance to the required temperature.
- Typical part-only price
- $40 - $95
- DIY difficulty
- Medium
- Estimated time
- 30-45 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Thermistor
Measures precise temperature changes and sends resistance feedback to the control board.
Thermostat
Regulates temperature by turning the heating or cooling system on or off.
Main Control Board
The central brain of the appliance that controls all components, cycles, and timings.
Model-compatible Dishwasher parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Dishwasher Cleaner and Descaler
Supports routine removal of mineral scale, grease, and odor. It is maintenance, not a repair for a failed pump, valve, or control.
Braided Dishwasher Inlet Hose
For replacement of an externally damaged supply hose. Verify connection size, length, and appliance installation requirements before ordering.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Replace Electronic Control Board
Pump and Motor Assembly Repair/Replacement
When to Call a Professional
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?
How do I fix LG Dishwasher not heating myself?
How much does it cost to fix not heating?
When should I call a technician for not heating?
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Faulty circulation pump assembly (2 mentions)
User Suggested Solutions
-
Replace the circulation pump assembly due to integrated heating element
-
Replace the wiring harness and ensure connections are secure
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
Community Discussions
HE error
Replace the entire circulation pump assembly due to integrated heating element.
pump assembly caught fire
Replace the wiring harness and ensure connections are secure.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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