TE1 error on an LG dryer: A DIY troubleshooting guide


Steven E / Friday June 9, 2023


Interior view of tumble dryer with drying clothes

When your LG dryer displays the TE1 error code, it’s letting you know that there’s a problem related to the thermistor. The thermistor monitors the temperature and communicates with the control board to regulate the temperature and prevent overheating. 

Luckily, troubleshooting the TE1 fault code is relatively simple and shouldn’t take long. So get ready to conquer this code and get your dryer back up and running!

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your LG dryer while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Disclaimer: The error code information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What does the TE1 error mean?

There are only a few likely culprits behind this LG error code:

A faulty thermistor

The thermistor monitors the temperature inside the dryer and provides feedback to the control board to maintain the drying temperature. When the thermistor malfunctions or fails to provide accurate temperature readings, the dryer detects an abnormality and displays the TE1 code.

Loose or damaged wiring

Loose connections or damaged wiring between the thermistor and the control board can interfere with the temperature sensor.

A bad control board

If the control board, which receives input from the thermistor, is faulty, it may not interpret the temperature data correctly.

Read more:  How to Clean a Dryer Vent

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

  • Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock. 
  • If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it. 
  • Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
  • Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
  • Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
  • Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
  • Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part. 
  • Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
  • Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
  • When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
  • Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
  • Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
  • Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Read more:  How To Disassemble A Dryer

How to troubleshoot the TE1 error code

Now that you know the causes, how can you determine which part is causing the TE1 error code? The steps may vary slightly depending on which model you have, but here’s a general guide on how to proceed with troubleshooting:

Step 1: Power cycle the dryer

  1. Unplug the LG dryer from the power source.  
  2. Wait for about 5 minutes so the dryer can reset.
  3. Plug the dryer back in and power it on.
  4. See if the TE1 error code still appears. If it does, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Test the thermistor and wiring

  1. Find the thermistor, which is usually located near the dryer’s exhaust vent.
  2. Disconnect the wires connected to the thermistor. Check for any damage to the wiring and connectors as you do this. If you find damage, replace the wire harness.
  3. Set a multimeter to measure resistance (Ω).
  4. Use the meter probes to test the thermistor’s resistance.
  5. Check the meter reading. Compare the measured resistance values with the specifications in the dryer’s user manual. The thermistor should read around 10-11k Ohms at room temperature. If the thermistor shows readings outside the specified range, it should be replaced. 

If the thermistor and wiring are good, replace the control board as a last resort.

Read more:  Dryer Settings: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding, Using, and Maintaining Your Appliance

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your LG dryer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos. 

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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