If you own an LG dryer, you may have seen an error code like D90, D95, D80, or D75 flash on the display panel. These cryptic codes can be frustrating to decipher, but understanding what they mean is key to diagnosing and resolving the issue. This guide will explain the most common LG dryer error codes, their causes, and how to fix them.
What Do LG Dryer Error Codes Mean?
LG dryer error codes are a series of letters and numbers that indicate a specific issue or malfunction. They start with a letter, usually D, followed by a two digit number. Here are some of the most common LG dryer error codes and what they signify:
- D90 – This code indicates an airflow restriction of 90%. There is a significant blockage in the exhaust venting that is preventing proper airflow through the dryer.
- D95 – This code indicates an airflow restriction of 95%. There is a severe blockage in the exhaust venting that is dramatically reducing airflow.
- D80 – This code indicates an airflow restriction of 80%. There is a considerable blockage in the exhaust venting.
- D70 – This code indicates an airflow restriction of 70%. There is a noticeable blockage in the exhaust venting.
- D65 – This code indicates an airflow restriction of 65%. There is a moderate blockage in the exhaust venting.
- D60 – This code indicates an airflow restriction of 60%. There is a considerable blockage in the exhaust venting.
Essentially, these codes appear when lint or other debris accumulates in the exhaust venting system. This buildup obstructs airflow, which prevents the moisture from properly venting out of the dryer. Too much restricted airflow can lead to overheating, longer drying times, and even fire hazards.
Causes of LG Dryer Exhaust Restriction
There are a few common causes of restricted airflow that trigger these LG dryer error codes:
Clogged Lint Filter – The lint filter on your LG dryer traps lint and debris from clothes as they tumble dry. If this filter becomes clogged with lint buildup, it severely restricts airflow. This is one of the most common reasons for restricted exhaust venting.
Blocked Exhaust Vent Hood – Most dryers vent outdoors through an exhaust hood. If the hood becomes clogged with lint, wildlife nests, or other debris, it can greatly restrict airflow.
Kinked or Crushed Exhaust Vent Hose – The flexible vent hose that connects your dryer to the wall vent hood can become kinked or crushed. This reduces the diameter of the hose and limits airflow.
Clogged Wall Venting – The wall venting pipe that leads outdoors can accumulate lint over time. Long venting runs are prone to buildup.
Blocked Secondary Lint Trap – If your venting system has a secondary lint trap, this can also become clogged with lint and debris.
Damaged Blower Wheel – The blower wheel is responsible for pushing exhaust air through the venting system. If it becomes damaged or clogged, it reduces airflow.
Poor Venting Configuration – Improper venting setups with too many turns, crimps, or extra length can restrict airflow.
Fixing LG Dryer D90, D95, D80, and D70 Error Codes
If your LG dryer displays an airflow restriction error code, here are some steps to fix the problem:
1. Clean the Lint Filter
The first step is to clean out the lint filter. Remove it and wash it with warm water to remove any residue. Lint can stick to the filter screen and reduce airflow.
2. Clear the Exhaust Vent Hood
Go outside and inspect your dryer exhaust hood to make sure it is clear. Remove any debris, lint buildup, or animals/nests that are blocking the vent.
3. Check the Exhaust Vent Hose
Disconnect the flexible vent hose from the dryer and the wall and inspect it thoroughly. Straighten out any kinks or crushed sections to open it up.
4. Inspect the Wall Venting
Disconnect the vent hose from the vent hood. Use a flashlight to look down the wall vent pipe and see if there is any visible lint accumulation. If so, it may require professional cleaning.
5. Clean Secondary Lint Filter
If your venting setup includes a secondary lint filter, disconnect and clean it out.
6. Check Blower Wheel
Remove the back panel of the dryer to access the blower wheel housing. Carefully inspect the blower wheel for any debris or damage. Clean it if needed.
7. Improve Venting Setup
Consider shortening or straightening the venting run if it has excessive turns or length. Install a venting lint trap if your setup does not have one. Only use rigid, smooth wall venting pipes – not flexible ribbed ones.
8. Hire a Professional
If you cannot access or clean the wall venting yourself, hire an appliance repair technician or duct cleaning service. They have specialized tools to clean the entire length of your dryer ducts.
Thoroughly cleaning and checking your LG dryer’s venting system should resolve D90, D95, D80, D70 airflow restriction error codes. Be sure to vent your dryer properly going forward to prevent future blockages. Contact LG support if error codes persist after cleaning.
Preventing LG Dryer Exhaust Restrictions
To help prevent restricted airflow errors in the future, follow these dryer venting best practices:
- Clean the lint filter before every load.
- Wash lint filters monthly with warm water to remove residue.
- Clean the exhaust hood and vent hose yearly.
- Use a venting system cleaner kit annually.
- Use rigid, smooth wall venting pipes only.
- Ensure venting run is less than 25 feet.
- Use the straightest path outdoors with minimal turns.
- Confirm vent hood damper flap opens when running.
- Avoid crushing or kinking the vent hose.
- Make sure duct joints are properly connected.
- Clean around dryer cabinet to remove lingering lint.
- Consider hiring a professional vent cleaning annually.
Proper dryer venting maintenance and configuration will minimize airflow restrictions and keep your LG dryer running safely and efficiently.
When to Call a Repair Technician
If you have thoroughly cleaned your dryer exhaust system and venting and the D90, D95, D80 error codes persist, it’s time to contact an appliance repair technician. Other times you may want to call a professional include:
- You cannot access wall venting to inspect or clean it yourself.
- The blower wheel is damaged or needs replacement.
- You believe there is a problem with the moisture sensors or control board.
- There are signs of overheating damage around the drum or blower housing.
- The exhaust duct may need reconfiguring.
- You continually get airflow restriction codes even after cleaning.
- Other error codes appear related to temperature sensors, heating system, or electronics.
A technician can fully evaluate the dryer and venting, check components, and confirm that everything is functioning properly. They have the skills, tools, and access to parts needed to get your LG dryer running smoothly again.
LG Dryer Error Codes: The Bottom Line
In summary, LG dryer error codes starting with D and a number indicate an airflow restriction in the exhaust venting. D90, D95, and D80 specifically relate to blockages that reduce airflow by 90%, 95%, or 80% respectively. By cleaning your dryer vents, clearing debris from the exhaust hood, straightening your vent hose, and improving your overall venting setup, you can usually clear these LG dryer error codes yourself. But if problems persist, contact a dryer repair technician to inspect your machine and identify any underlying issues. With proper maintenance and troubleshooting, your LG dryer can go back to drying your clothes with ease.
What Causes D90 in an LG Dryer
A D90 error means there’s a 90% blockage in the exhaust venting. This prevents moist air from escaping properly. Causes include:
- Clogged lint filter
- Blocked exhaust vent hood outdoors
- Kinked or crushed vent hose
- Clogged wall vent pipe
- Damaged blower wheel
- Too many turns or crimps in vent system
In my experience, it’s usually a lint buildup problem somewhere along the venting path.
How I Go About Fixing a D90 Code
Whenever I get called for a D90 error, here are the steps I take to tackle it:
1. Clean the Lint Filter
Remove and wash it to get rid of any gunk and residue. Surprisingly effective first step.
2. Clear Out the Exhaust Vent Hood
Grab my heavy duty vent brush and clear out any lint or debris clogging the outdoor hood.
3. Check the Flexible Vent Hose
Disconnect at both ends and inspect thoroughly for kinks, cracks or collapsed sections.
4. Peer Down the Wall Vent Pipe
Shine a bright flashlight down the vent pipe, use a vent inspection camera if needed to spot any clogs.
5. Brush Out Secondary Lint Filter
If there’s a secondary lint filter in the system, pop it out and clean it.
6. Verify Blower Wheel is Functional
Remove back panel, check blower wheel spins freely with no obstructions.
7. Tweak the Vent System
Shorten or straighten vent pipe if possible. Add vent brush fittings to improve access.
Once I methodically go through these steps, that takes care of most D90 restricted airflow issues. A few other handy tips:
- Use rigid vent pipe, not flexible ribbed hose
- Keep vent system under 25 feet long
- Advise homeowners on better vent maintenance
My Advice for Avoiding D90 Errors
Based on my repair experience, here are my top tips to prevent D90 restricted airflow codes:
- Clean lint filter before every load
- Wash lint filter monthly to remove residue
- Vent outdoors if possible, not into a room
- Use smooth wall vent pipe, not flexible plastic hose
- Clean outdoor exhaust hood and vent pipe yearly
- Hire a vent cleaning service annually
- Ensure blower wheel spins freely, replace if damaged
- Use the shortest, straightest vent system possible
Proper dryer venting maintenance is crucial. A clean duct equals happy drying!
Comparison of D90 Fixing Methods
| Method | Effort | Cost | Effectiveness |
| Clean lint filter | Low | Free | Moderate |
| Clear vent hood | Moderate | Free | High |
| Check vent hose | Moderate | Free | High |
| Clean wall vent pipe | High | $$ hire pro | High |
| Replace blower | High | $$ parts/labor | Moderate |
| Improve vent setup | High | $-$$$ | High |
I’d tackle things in that order for a quick DIY fix. Calling a professional vent cleaner or ductwork installer might be worthwhile for a permanent solution.
Conclusion
In summary, LG dryer error code D90 indicates a major blockage in the appliance’s venting system, usually from lint buildup. By thoroughly cleaning each component, checking for kinks and damage, and optimizing the overall vent setup, homeowners can often clear the restricted airflow themselves. But don’t hesitate to call a repair pro for assistance if needed – cleaning long wall venting can be challenging. With some diligent troubleshooting and proper vent maintenance going forward, that pesky D90 can be banished for good!
Frequently Asked Questions About LG Dryer Error Code D90
Q: Why does my LG dryer show error code D90?
A: D90 indicates there is a 90% blockage in your dryer’s exhaust venting. This is usually caused by lint buildup in the ducts, vent hood, lint filter or other areas.
Q: Where should I check for clogs if I have a D90 error?
A: Start by cleaning the lint filter, checking the outdoor vent hood, inspecting the vent hose for kinks, looking down the wall vent pipe, and clearing any secondary lint traps.
Q: How can I prevent D90 restricted airflow errors?
A: Clean your lint filter before every load. Wash it monthly. Clean the outdoor vent hood and ducts yearly. Use smooth rigid vent materials, not flexible plastic. Keep duct runs as short and straight as possible.
Q: Should I hire a professional if I can’t fix a D90 error?
A: Yes, if you cannot access or clean the full vent system yourself, hire an appliance repair technician or duct cleaning service to inspect and clear any clogs.
Q: What if the D90 code reappears shortly after I fix it once?
A: The problem may be bigger than just surface lint. Have a technician evaluate your entire venting system and dryer to check for any underlying issues.
Q: Are D90 errors serious problems?
A: Yes, allowing the airflow restriction to persist can lead to overheating, long dry times, and fire hazards. Diagnose and fix a D90 code promptly.
Let me know if you have any other D90 questions! I’m always happy to chat dryer venting and repairs.