Lg Washer Dryer: not responding knob, poor drying

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing issues with your LG washer dryer combo? If the control knob is unresponsive and clothes are coming out damp, you might be facing a common problem. This can stem from a child lock being activated, poor airflow due to lint buildup, or an overloaded drum. Address these issues to restore functionality and improve drying performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG washer/dryer combos use a ventless condense drying system that relies on steam and water circulation; drain hose installation and cold water connection affect drying performance. (
  • LG official support recommends pressing dry button or additional drying options to improve results on combo units due to lower default drying settings. (

Possible Causes

Child Lock / Control Lock enabled affecting knob responsiveness

How to Identify: Control lock indicator (e.g., CL visible on display and buttons/knob unresponsive.

Part: Control Panel / Lock Function

Firmware or control panel glitch causing knob/buttons unresponsive

How to Identify: Knob and buttons unresponsive even with power cycling; display may be blank or show errors.

Part: Control Board / User Interface

Physical damage or worn knob / stripped splines

How to Identify: Knob spins freely without selecting cycles or feels loose; visible wear or cracks.

Part: Knob / Selector Switch

Poor airflow / blocked lint and condenser system

How to Identify: Clothes remain wet after cycle; internal lint buildup visible; restricted airflow; longer dry times even with correct settings.

Part: Lint Filter / Vent / Internal Condenser

Overloading and improper load distribution

How to Identify: Drying poor when large or heavy mixed loads are used; performance improves with smaller loads.

Part: Drum Load Management

Heating element or heat pump system issue

How to Identify: No or low heat during drying, long drying times despite clear filter and proper load.

Part: Dryer Heating Element / Heat Pump

DIY Solutions

Deactivate Control/Child Lock

Easy 2-5 minutes
  1. Locate and press the control lock/child lock button combination (usually press and hold a specific button for 3 seconds).
  2. Ensure lock icon disappears and try rotating the knob again.

Reset the Washer/Dryer Combo

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Power OFF the unit and unplug from outlet.
  2. Wait 2-5 minutes to allow electronic reset.
  3. Plug in and power ON the unit, then test knob responsiveness and start a drying cycle.

Clean Lint Filter and Accessible Internal Vents

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: Soft brush, Warm water
  1. Open door and locate lint filter.
  2. Remove and rinse filter to remove debris.
  3. Brush accessible vents and filter housings.
  4. Replace filter and run a short drying-only cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure unit is powered off before accessing internal parts.

Reduce Load Size and Properly Distribute Clothes

Easy 2 minutes
  1. Remove some items to decrease load to about half-capacity.
  2. Balance heavy and light items evenly in the drum.
  3. Run proper drying program for load type.

Professional Repairs

Replace Control Knob or Interface Board

Estimated Cost: $50 - $250

Service Heating Element / Heat Pump or Condenser Components

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Knob or buttons remain unresponsive after reset and control lock off
No heat output despite proper maintenance and load size
Visible component damage inside control panel or error codes showing electrical faults

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Poor drying performance due to airflow restriction
    Frequency: after every use
  • Inspect and clear vent paths: Internal airflow blockages and reduced drying performance
    Frequency: every 3 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washer Dryer not responding knob, poor drying?
Common causes include child lock activation, poor airflow due to lint buildup, or an overloaded drum.
How do I fix LG Washer Dryer not responding knob, poor drying myself?
Try deactivating the control lock, resetting the unit, cleaning the lint filter, and reducing the load size.
How much does it cost to fix not responding knob, poor drying?
Professional repair costs range from $50 to $250 for knob replacement and $150 to $400 for heating element repairs.
When should I call a technician for not responding knob, poor drying?
If DIY solutions don’t resolve the issue or if you suspect a serious problem like a heating element failure.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty control board causing erratic behavior and knob unresponsiveness.
  • Blocked lint filter or vent leading to poor drying performance.
  • Worn out or malfunctioning door latch preventing proper operation.

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and clean the lint filter and vent. Ensure all lint is removed and that there are no blockages in the venting system. Test the drying function after cleaning.

  2. Check the control board connections for any loose wires or damage. If necessary, replace the control board. Consult the user manual for specific instructions on accessing the board.

  3. Inspect and replace the door latch if it is not engaging properly. Ensure that the door closes securely to allow the washer dryer to function correctly.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. LG Thinq washer dryer - random errors TE or FF, not respondi...

Community Discussions

random errors TE or FF, not responding knob every tick, poor drying

Cleaning improved drying performance and knob functionality returned after reassembly.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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