What to check first
Can I keep using it?
Do not keep using the appliance while this warning is active.
Do not keep running a dryer that overheats, smells hot, or has a severe airflow restriction warning.
A restricted vent can increase dryer fire risk; stop if there is burning smell, smoke, or repeated overheating. Persistent headaches, dizziness, nausea, or weakness near a gas appliance can be a carbon monoxide warning: leave the area, ventilate only if safe, and call emergency services or qualified service for a CO check.
- Safe next step
- Stop the cycle, let the dryer cool, clean the lint screen, and check only visible vent restrictions before retrying.
- Stop when
- Airflow stays weak, the dryer overheats, the outside vent cannot open, or gas/electrical supply concerns appear.
Do not keep using the appliance if the code points to voltage, wiring, control power, burning smell, smoke, or a possible miswired supply.
- Safe next step
- Use only safe owner-level power checks, then involve a qualified technician or electrician when the source points to wiring or supply voltage.
- Stop when
- Breakers trip, lights dim, the appliance smells hot, wiring may be miswired, or the warning returns after a safe reset.
Safety boundaries
Safe first
- Match the exact brand, appliance type, and displayed code first.
- Use the model manual as the final authority for access steps.
- Disconnect power before any service-access step.
Do not do this
- Do not keep running the appliance while this code is active.
- Do not bypass locks, float switches, leak sensors, or other safety systems.
Common causes include
- Thermistor or temperature sensor reading outside the expected range
- Cold-condition behavior on steam cycles for tE2
- Restricted airflow contributing to abnormal temperature behavior
Basic checks
- Stop the cycle and let the dryer cool.
- Clean the lint filter and check visible airflow restrictions.
- Review the model manual before any internal inspection.
- Let the appliance cool before any retry; if the code appears cold, the sensor warning is still active.
- Check for unusual heat or odor from outside the appliance; if present, stop use and keep power off.
- Try one normal restart only after cooling; if the code returns, avoid repeated heating cycles.
Reset or retry steps
- LG points users to a simple power reset path for tE1 and tE3.
- If tE2 appears during a steam cycle, follow LG's model-specific steam-cycle guidance before retrying.
When to call a technician
- Request service if a thermistor code returns after reset.
- Call service if the dryer overheats, shuts down repeatedly, or has damaged wiring.
Before approving a paid visit, check warranty status and reviewquestions to ask before repair.
FAQ
What does LG Dryer code tE1 usually mean?
Commonly logged when the dryer detected a thermistor or temperature-sensing issue. Model context matters: LG separates tE2 as a thermistor-related cold-condition behavior that can appear during some steam cycles.
Can I keep using the dryer with code tE1?
Do not keep using the appliance until the visible issue has been checked and the relevant safety warnings have been addressed. Do not bypass temperature sensors.
When should I call a technician for LG tE1?
Request service if a thermistor code returns after reset. A qualified technician may check Thermistor, Temperature sensor, and Wiring harness against the model's service information before treating any part as failed.