EN

Severity: Moderate

LG Washer-Dryer Error dHE – Causes & Fix

dHE on an LG washer dryer combo: the drying system failed – usually the drying fan motor.

At a glance

Severity: 3/5 – Moderate3/5

Severity: Moderate

Meaning
Drying System Error – Dry Fan or Dry Heater
Typical repair cost
$0–$550
DIY difficulty
Moderate

dHE only appears during a dry cycle on LG washer dryer combos, and it's a protective shutdown of the drying system. LG's own support explanation points first at the drying fan motor, which pushes warm air through the duct and into the drum; if the fan doesn't turn or has an electrical fault, the control stops the dry cycle rather than let the heater run without airflow. The same drying circuit also includes the dry heater and its thermistor, so an open heater or a bad sensor can lead technicians to the same code. A power blip can trigger a false dHE, which is why LG recommends a full power reset first. Washing and spinning usually still work, but LG advises not using the unit until it has been checked.

How it looks on the display

LG Washer-Dryer display showing error dHE

Model families & display variants

Model familyShowsNote
LG washer dryer combos (ventless all-in-one units)dHEDrying system fault; LG's support article names the drying fan motor first.
Displays that use capitalsDHESame code; the lowercase d is just how the segment display draws it.
Not to be confused withdEdE, dE1 and dE2 are door errors, not drying errors.

Safety first · Consult a professional

The drying heater and fan run on line voltage and stay hot for a while after a cycle. Unplug the unit before touching anything, and don't open the cabinet or duct yourself – LG warns against disassembling these parts.

  • Unplug the appliance or switch off the breaker before opening any panel. Mains voltage can kill.
  • Hot surfaces and hot water can cause burns. Let the appliance cool down first.

Symptoms

  • dHE shows up partway into a dry or wash-and-dry cycle
  • Washing and spinning work, but the load comes out wet
  • No airflow or fan hum during drying
  • Drum is barely warm when the code appears
  • Code comes back every time a dry-only cycle is started

Possible causes

Ranked by how often each cause is behind this code (editorial estimate).

  1. Drying fan motor not turning or with an electrical fault 35%
  2. Momentary power fluctuation or control glitch (false detection) 18%
  3. Lint buildup in the drying duct or fan housing slowing the fan 15%
  4. Dry heater open or its safety thermostat tripped 14%
  5. Drying thermistor or wiring fault 10%
  6. Main control board fault 8%

Fix it step by step

Diagnostic flow: dHE1Do LG's power reset2Listen for the fan3Check the outlet and circuit4Run a lint-clearing cycle5Book LG service

  1. Do LG's power reset

    Unplug the combo and wait about five minutes so the control fully discharges. Plug it back in, power on and start a dry-only cycle to see whether dHE returns.

  2. Listen for the fan

    During the first minutes of a dry cycle there should be a steady fan whoosh on top of the drum noise. Silence, a faint buzz or grinding before dHE all point at the fan motor.

  3. Check the outlet and circuit

    Plug the unit directly into its own wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip. If the breaker or outlet has tripped before, have the circuit checked – drying draws much more current than washing.

  4. Run a lint-clearing cycle

    Many LG combos have a tub or duct cleaning routine in the manual. Running it after heavy lint loads such as new towels can clear lint that slows the fan; don't try to open the duct yourself.

  5. Book LG service

    If dHE comes back after the reset, schedule an LG repair. The technician checks the fan motor, dry heater, its thermostat and thermistor, and the control, and replaces the failed part.

    Tools: Multimeter

How to reset dHE

  1. Press Power to turn the unit off.
  2. Unplug it and wait about five minutes.
  3. Plug back in and start a dry-only cycle.
  4. If dHE appears again, stop using the dryer function and contact LG.

Where the parts are

Washing machine: drain filter, pump and door lock – dHE12345678
Washing machine: drain filter, pump and door lock
  1. 1Door lock
  2. 2Water inlet valve
  3. 3Water level sensor
  4. 4Filter
  5. 5Drain pump
  6. 6Motor
  7. 7Heating element
  8. 8Temperature sensor

Repair options & costs

RepairDIY?Estimated cost
Power reset, dedicated outlet Yes $0
Drying fan motor replacement No $220–$400
Dry heater or safety thermostat replacement No $200–$380
Drying thermistor or wiring repair No $150–$280
Main control board replacement No $300–$550

Rough US estimates; technician call-out fees vary by region. Not a quote.

When to call a technician

Call LG or an appliance technician if dHE returns after the five-minute power reset. Until then LG recommends not using the unit; if you must wash, skip the dry portion and air-dry the load.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still wash clothes with dHE on my LG combo?

Wash and spin may still start, but cycles might not finish properly, and LG recommends not using the unit until it's inspected. If you do wash, choose a program without drying.

Is dHE the same as dE?

No. dE, dE1 and dE2 relate to the door or door lock. dHE is specific to the drying system – fan, heater and their sensors.

Why does LG say to wait five minutes before plugging back in?

So the control fully powers down and restarts clean. A power fluctuation can make the board wrongly detect a fan problem, and a full reset clears that.

Can I replace the drying fan myself?

LG advises against disassembling the fan and surrounding parts yourself, since they carry line voltage and get hot. It's a job for an LG or appliance technician.

Sources