Sometimes, your LG dryer can trick you into thinking it is working properly when it’s actually not. It can be quite frustrating to think that your clothes will be dry soon because you hear the appliance spinning only to find out that they are still wet. How come an LG dryer is spinning but not heating? There could be several reasons why this is happening. Let’s go through them one by one.
Why Your LG Dryer Is Spinning But Not Heating
There are 7 likely causes preventing your dryer from heating. Below I have listed each of the reasons and the action you can take to fix the problem. The list of reasons is in order that they are the most probable cause, so be sure to work your way down the list until you find the correct diagnosis for your appliance.
1. Clogged Dryer Vent or Lint Filter
This is the most common reason why your LG dryer might not be heating even though it’s spinning. Debris and dust accumulate over time in the dryer vent and cause the machine to stop working properly. It’s important to clean the dryer vent at least once every few months.
How to Clean a Blocked Dryer Vent
You can easily clean a blocked dryer vent. The first thing you’ll have to do is unplug the dryer (or turn off the gas valve in case it’s a gas dryer) and disconnect the duct in the back of the appliance. Vacuum the inside of the duct to remove all of the debris and dust.
2. LG Dryer Is Overloaded
It’s normal to occasionally try to fit in more clothes than the dryer can handle. You can do this unintentionally and although it might temporarily prevent the appliance from heating, you can easily solve the problem. The reason why this can affect the heating system of the appliance is that dryers need space for clothes to tumble and the hot air to circulate.
Check The Load Size
Take a second look and check how many clothes you put in the dryer. You should always make sure to fill up the drum up to 75% at the most. Try drying your clothes again with fewer clothes and the appliance should be working properly.
3. Thermal Fuse Blown
The thermal fuse is an essential component of every dryer because it prevents potential fires. It works by shutting off the appliance in case the temperature within the dryer becomes too high. This component is designed for one-time use, which means you’ll need to replace it in case it gets activated.
How to Locate the Thermal Fuse in Your Dryer
To locate the thermal fuse, you’ll first need to disconnect the dryer from its power source. This component is located on the exhaust duct, which you can’t miss. The thermal fuse is only one to two inches long and will usually show visible signs of damage if it’s blown.
4. Burnt Heating Element
Another common reason why your LG dryer is not heating can be due to a broken heating element. As the name suggests, this component generates heat inside the appliance.
How to Check a Burnt Heating Element
To check whether the heating element is working properly, you’ll need a screwdriver and a multimeter. You can easily spot this component since it features a metal frame that holds heating coils. Simply use the screwdriver to remove the metal frame and grab your multimeter. Turn it to the continuity setting and place the probes of the multimeter on each of the leads of the heating element. In case you hear a beeping noise once you do this, it means that the heating element is working properly.
5. Cycling Thermostat Failed
The cycling thermostat in an LG dryer is tasked with regulating the air temperature in the appliance. This component prevents the dryer from overheating by switching off the voltage to the heating element or the burner assembly.
How to Test a Cycling Thermostat
To test the cycling thermostat, you will need a multimeter and a screwdriver. Here’s how you can do it.
- Remove the access panel on the back of the appliance by removing the screws holding it.
- The thermostat is a small oval-shaped component that you can find inside the venting system or on the blower wheel housing, depending on the model of your dryer.
- Set your multimeter to the resistance setting and connect its leads to the terminals of the thermostat.
- If you get a reading of infinity, it means that you’ll need to replace the cycling thermostat.
Here’s a short video on how to test a cycling thermostat.
6. Faulty Igniter Element
Gas dryers feature a component known as the igniter, which produces heat that ignites the gas after the valve opens. Since this component comes into direct contact with heat frequently, the metal parts can break down over time. This will cause the igniter to stop generating the heat required to ignite the gas.
How to Test a Faulty Igniter Element
You can test the igniter inside your LG dryer with a multimeter. Here’s how you can do it.
- Grab a screwdriver and a multimeter and remove the front panel of the appliance.
- After you remove the belt and the drum from your dryer, you’ll notice the igniter on the lower left side of the appliance. It looks like a metallic cylinder.
- Set your multimeter to the lowest resistance setting and connect its leads to the terminals of the igniter.
- Your igniter is working properly if you get a reading between 50 and 400 ohms.
7. Failing Flame Sensor
If you have a gas dryer that’s not heating, it may be due to a faulty flame sensor. This component is located right next to the igniter.
How to Test the Flame Sensor
Most dryers have a small access panel in the front bottom part of the appliance that makes it easy to access the flame sensor. To test the component, remove the sensor and set your multimeter to the lowest resistance setting. Grab the leads of the multimeter and connect them to the terminals of the flame sensor. In case you get a reading of 0 ohms, it means that the flame sensor is working.
LG Dryer Spins But Not Heating: SOLVED
This is a common problem that many people have to deal with, and there’s usually an easy way to fix it. The reason could be something as simple as overloading the machine. It can also be due to a faulty component, like a faulty igniter element or a blown thermal fuse.
Andy has over 8 years of experience working on residential household appliances, performing diagnostics, and repairs across most major brands. He graduated from the Denver Institute of Technology, is NASTeC certified, and has worked for Mr. Appliance. Andy has contributed to features on major publications including Better Home & Gardens, Family Handyman, and Yahoo.com.
