LE
LG Dryer
Severity: CriticalWhat Does This Error Mean?
The LE error means your LG dryer's motor has locked up and cannot spin the drum. The motor is unable to start or has seized during a cycle. This is a critical error — the dryer cannot dry clothes with a locked motor. Overloading, a worn belt, or a failing motor are the most common causes.
Affected Models
- DLGX5002V
- DLE7300VE
- DLHC1455V
- DLEX3700W
- Most LG dryer models
Common Causes
- Drum is severely overloaded, physically preventing the motor from turning it
- Drive belt has snapped or slipped off, leaving the motor spinning freely with no load
- Drum glide or bearing has seized, locking the drum in place
- Foreign object (coin, button, underwire) jammed between the drum and cabinet
- Motor has failed internally — the windings have burned out or seized
How to Fix It
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Stop the dryer immediately and unplug it from the wall.
A locked motor can overheat and is a potential fire hazard. Do not attempt to restart the dryer repeatedly — this can cause further damage.
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Open the dryer door and remove all laundry from the drum.
Check if the drum is severely overloaded. Remove all items and try turning the drum by hand to see if the overload was the issue.
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Turn the drum by hand with the dryer unplugged.
The drum should rotate with moderate resistance. If it won't turn at all, something is jammed or seized. Listen for any grinding or scraping sounds.
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Look inside the drum for any foreign objects.
Small items like coins, bra underwires, or buttons can fall through drum holes and jam the drum against the cabinet. Remove any objects you find.
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If the drum still won't turn freely, call a technician.
A seized bearing, snapped belt, or failed motor requires professional disassembly. Do not try to force the drum to spin — you could cause additional damage.
When to Call a Professional
Motor lockup repairs almost always require professional service. Dissassembling a dryer to access the motor, belt, and bearings is complex work. A licensed appliance technician can diagnose and repair the LE error safely. Expect repair costs of $150–$400 depending on which component failed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a seized dryer motor mean?
It means the motor's internal moving parts have stopped moving. This can happen when motor bearings wear out and bind together. It can also happen when the motor overheats severely and the windings fuse. A seized motor cannot be repaired — it needs to be replaced.
How can I tell if the drive belt has snapped?
Open the dryer door and try to turn the drum by hand. If the drum spins very easily with almost no resistance at all, the belt has likely broken. Without the belt, the drum spins freely but the motor cannot drive it. A broken belt is one of the easier and cheaper dryer repairs — typically $20–$40 for the part.
Can the LE error be cleared by a reset?
A reset will clear the error code from the display. But if the underlying cause — a seized drum, broken belt, or failed motor — is not fixed, the LE error will return the moment you try to run a cycle. Always fix the cause before attempting to restart the dryer.