Lg Dryer: overheating and pausing

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG dryer overheating and pausing mid-cycle? This issue often results in longer drying times and clothes that feel excessively hot. The dryer may shut off as a safety precaution to prevent damage. Understanding the common causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG’s official support notes restricted exhaust duct can cause overheating and recommends cleaning annually

Possible Causes

Restricted airflow (lint filter or blocked vent)

How to Identify: Dryer overheats before shutdown; longer drying times; visible lint buildup; air does not flow freely from exterior vent

Part: Lint filter and vent system

Faulty thermostat or thermistor

How to Identify: Dryer overheats even with clear airflow; components fail continuity tests on multimeter; thermal cut‑offs trigger prematurely

Part: Cycling thermostat/high‑limit thermostat/thermistor

Malfunctioning drive motor or blower wheel

How to Identify: Dryer runs then stops; insufficient airflow; blower wheel damage or motor overheating

Part: Drive motor and blower wheel

Thermal fuse tripping

How to Identify: Dryer pauses or won’t restart until fuse replaced; no airflow issue found; multimeter shows open fuse

Part: Thermal fuse

Faulty control board or timer

How to Identify: Erratic stopping unrelated to temperature or airflow; diagnostics indicate control errors

Part: Control board/timer

DIY Solutions

Clean lint filter and dryer vent

Easy 15-60 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum cleaner, vent brush kit
  1. Unplug dryer and pull unit away from wall
  2. Remove and clean lint filter
  3. Disconnect vent hose and vacuum out lint from hose and dryer vent
  4. Use vent brush to clean full length of vent to exterior
  5. Ensure exterior vent flap opens freely and reconnect hose
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before accessing vent and internal components

Test and replace thermostats/thermistor

Moderate 60-120 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdrivers
  1. Unplug dryer and access back panel
  2. Locate cycling and high‑limit thermostats and thermistor near heating element/blower housing
  3. Use multimeter to test for continuity per part specifications
  4. Replace any part that fails continuity test
  5. Reassemble and test dryer
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected; handle electrical parts carefully

Inspect and fix blower wheel/motor airflow

Advanced 90-180 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, nut drivers, multimeter
  1. Unplug and remove dryer panels
  2. Locate blower wheel and inspect for damage or obstruction
  3. Ensure blower spins freely and is securely mounted
  4. Replace defective blower wheel or motor as needed
⚠️ Safety First: Complex disassembly; consider professional help if unsure

Professional Repairs

Replace thermal fuse and related safety components

Estimated Cost: $30 - $120

Control board or timer replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

When to Call a Professional

Dryer continues to overheat after vent and thermostat testing
Blower wheel or motor replacement needed
Motherboard or complex electronic issues suspected

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Airflow restriction and overheating
    Frequency: after every load
  • Inspect and clean dryer vent: Blocked airflow that causes temperature buildup
    Frequency: every 6–12 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Dryer overheating and pausing?
Common causes include restricted airflow from a blocked vent or lint filter, faulty thermostat, or malfunctioning motor.
How do I fix LG Dryer overheating and pausing myself?
Start by cleaning the lint filter and vent. For deeper issues, test and replace thermostats or inspect the blower motor.
How much does it cost to fix overheating and pausing?
Professional repairs typically range from $30 to $120 for a thermal fuse replacement, or $150 to $350 for control board issues.
When should I call a technician for overheating and pausing?
If basic troubleshooting doesn't resolve the issue or if you're unsure about advanced repairs, 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?

80%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Blocked vent or lint trap
  • Faulty thermostat
  • Overloading the dryer

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Clean the lint trap and vent system. Disconnect the dryer from power, remove the lint trap, and clean it thoroughly. Inspect and clean the vent hose and duct to ensure there are no blockages.

  2. Replace the faulty thermostat. Unplug the dryer, locate the thermostat (usually near the heating element), and test it with a multimeter. If defective, replace it with a new one.

  3. Reduce the load size. Ensure that the dryer is not overloaded, as this can cause overheating and pausing. Divide larger loads into smaller ones and try drying them separately.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. LG Dryer overheating and pausing loads (not airflow)

Community Discussions

overheating and pausing loads

Realigned the door to fix the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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