Though a dryer can be an essential time-saver, precious hours are wasted if it won’t even turn on. Why is my LG dryer not starting? Certain settings don’t have an immediate start or may lock the control panel, requiring a quick adjustment. Try these LG dryer troubleshooting tips to quickly resolve the problem when it just won’t start.
Why Is My LG Dryer Not Starting Up?
While it could be as simple as an incorrect setting selection, sometimes a part malfunction is responsible for an LG dryer not starting. We’ll pinpoint the most likely reasons to determine if the right fix is an easy adjustment or professional repair.
1. No Power to the Dryer
Before considering a dryer issue, consider its power source first. If the dryer drum’s light doesn’t turn on when you open the door, there may be a power problem.
Here’s how to assess your dryer’s power:
- Check the power cord and outlet: Make sure the cord is plugged into a functioning outlet.
- Look for tripped breakers: Check your home’s circuit breaker box and reset any tripped breakers. Even if the dryer’s breaker isn’t tripped, turn it off, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on. Whether you have an electric or gas dryer dictates how many circuit breakers to check. Electric dryers use two breakers while a gas dryer only has one.
- Never use an extension cord: These cords cant safely convey the voltage a dryer requires and can lead to overheating that will shut off power.
2. Dryer Door Not Closed All the Way
As a safety precaution, an LG dryer won’t turn on if the door isn’t completely closed. Always close the door with a firm push to make sure the latch is engaged. Once the latch engages, it signals the dryer that a cycle can begin.
If the door won’t close all the way it’s possible that the latch is damaged or has an electrical failure. If there is visible damage to the latch, or multimeter testing shows no continuity, it should be assessed by a professional service.
3. Need to Adjust Dryer Settings
Is your LG dryer not turning on even though the control panel is illuminated? It’s possible the wrong dryer setting is selected. Settings such as Steam Dry only tumble clothing intermittently and may not start immediately. Always double-check your cycle selections, making any necessary adjustments, before starting the dryer.
If the letters “CL” are illuminated on the control panel, it means the LG dryer Child Lock function is engaged. This feature locks the control panel, preventing the dryer from starting or performing any other function. To disable this feature, press and hold the Child Lock button for 3 seconds. The letters should disappear from the control panel and all other settings should be unlocked.
If the control panel is illuminated, the Child Lock feature is off and the dryer won’t start, it may require a hard reset.
Image from LG
Here’s how to perform an LG dryer hard reset to restore function:
- Unplug the dryer and turn off its circuit breaker
- Press and hold the POWER/START button for 5 seconds
- Press and hold the PLAY/PAUSE button for 5 seconds
- Plug the dryer back in and turn on the circuit breaker to
4. Blown LG Dryer Thermal Fuse
A thermal fuse is a safety device that blows if the dryer overheats. Once the fuse blows it no longer has continuity and the dryer won’t be able to start until it’s replaced. While an LG dryer thermal fuse may blow if it’s defective, overheating is a risk that’s associated with clogged dryer vents. If the thermal fuse has blown you may need to perform a dryer vent cleaning to remove any blockages.
5. LG Dryer Start Switch Failure
When you press the START button on the control panel it signals the start switch to activate a drying cycle. If you find your LG dryer not starting or making any noise after pressing the START button, it’s possible the start switch has failed. If multimeter testing confirms failure with a lack of continuity, the switch should be replaced by a professional dryer repair service.
The technicians at Cody’s Appliance Repair can help when you have an LG dryer not starting. Call us for an expert assessment of any dryer problem!
