LG · Dryer Serious

tE2 — Outlet thermistor / temperature out of range

tE2 indicates the outlet (exhaust) thermistor is reading temperatures outside the expected range — most commonly during cold start conditions, on Steam cycles, or with severely restricted airflow.

Keep using it?
Limited use only
DIY difficulty
Moderate
Verified against
lg.com ↗

How to fix it

  1. Unplug for 60 seconds and hold Start/Pause for 5 seconds to attempt a soft reset.
  2. Clean the lint filter and confirm exhaust duct flows freely.
  3. If the dryer is in a sub-freezing space, warm the area or move the dryer indoors and retry.
  4. Unplug, remove the back/top panel, and locate the outlet thermistor on the blower housing.
  5. Measure resistance at room temperature — should be approximately 10 kΩ at 25°C; if open or far off, replace the thermistor.
  6. Check the harness from thermistor to main board for damaged pins, then reassemble and retest.

Why it happens

Typical signs: tE2 on display · Cycle ends early without drying · Drum is cold or only briefly warm · Error returns within minutes of restart

  • Restricted airflow Clogged lint filter or duct prevents heated air from reaching the sensor.
  • Cold ambient location Dryer in an unheated garage below thermistor's valid start range.
  • Failed thermistor Out-of-range resistance or open winding in the outlet thermistor.
  • Loose thermistor wiring Connector unseated or wire chafed against cabinet.
  • Bad main control board Board misreads a healthy thermistor.

Parts you may need

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

  • LG dryer outlet thermistor Common replacement
    Amazon →

More LG dryer codes

AE AE — Compressor / heat-pump system fault bE bE — Drum drive belt broken or off CL CL — Child Lock / Control Lock active d80 d80 / d90 / d95 — Exhaust Duct Blocked D90 D80 / D90 / D95 — Clogged Exhaust Vent d95 d95 — Exhaust duct ~95% blocked

All LG codes → All dryer codes →

Frequently asked questions

What does the tE2 code mean on a LG dryer?

tE2 indicates the outlet (exhaust) thermistor is reading temperatures outside the expected range — most commonly during cold start conditions, on Steam cycles, or with severely restricted airflow.

What causes the tE2 code on a LG dryer?

Restricted airflow: Clogged lint filter or duct prevents heated air from reaching the sensor. Cold ambient location: Dryer in an unheated garage below thermistor's valid start range. Failed thermistor: Out-of-range resistance or open winding in the outlet thermistor.

Is it safe to keep using a LG dryer with a tE2 error?

Limited use only. This is rated a serious-severity fault.

How do I fix tE2 on a LG dryer?

Unplug for 60 seconds and hold Start/Pause for 5 seconds to attempt a soft reset. Clean the lint filter and confirm exhaust duct flows freely. If the dryer is in a sub-freezing space, warm the area or move the dryer indoors and retry.

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: lg.com.