LG Dryer Moisture Sensor & Thermistor Replacement — What This Part Does
The moisture sensor uses conductive bars in the lint-filter area or front bulkhead to detect whether clothes are still wet and tells the control board when to stop the cycle. The thermistor monitors air temperature in the blower housing or duct and signals the control to regulate heating. Both sensors work together to deliver proper drying performance.
Moisture sensors fail when lint, fabric softener residue, or oxidation builds up on the bars and blocks conductivity, causing the dryer to think clothes are dry too early. Thermistors fail internally or from wiring damage, which leads to overheating, long drying times, or erratic cycle behavior. Loose connectors or corroded wiring at either sensor can create intermittent faults that mimic a failed part.
Signs It Needs Replacing
- Dryer stops early but clothes are still damp The moisture sensor bars are contaminated or faulty and signal the control that the load is dry before it really is.
- Clothes take much longer to dry than normal A failed thermistor prevents the control from accurately regulating heat, so the dryer never reaches or maintains proper temperature.
- Dryer overheats or shuts off on thermal cutout The thermistor sends bad temperature data, so the control cannot limit heat correctly and the safety thermostat trips.
- Cycle runs forever or will not advance The moisture sensor does not detect changing wetness levels, so the control never receives the signal to move to the next phase or end.
- Inconsistent drying results from load to load Intermittent connection or partial sensor failure causes erratic sensing and unpredictable cycle behavior.
- Error codes related to temperature or sensor fault The control board flags a thermistor or moisture sensor problem when it receives no signal or an out-of-range reading.
How to Replace It
- Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet or shut off the circuit breaker to kill all power before you begin.
- Locate the moisture sensor bars, usually visible in the lint-filter opening or mounted on the front bulkhead, and inspect them for lint buildup, white film, or corrosion that blocks conductivity.
- If replacing the moisture sensor, disconnect its wire connector, remove any retaining screws or clips securing the bracket, and lift the old sensor assembly out.
- Remove the dryer top and front panels as needed to access the blower housing or duct area where the thermistor mounts (specific disassembly varies by model, so consult your service manual).
- Unplug the thermistor wire connector, remove the single retaining screw holding the sensor to the housing or duct, and pull the old thermistor free.
- Install the new thermistor by sliding it into the mounting hole, securing it with the screw, and reconnecting the wire harness plug firmly.
- Install the new moisture sensor assembly (if applicable) by seating the bracket, fastening the screws, and plugging in the connector.
- Reassemble the dryer panels in reverse order, restore power, and run a timed or auto-dry test cycle to confirm normal sensing, heating, and shutdown behavior.
- Clean the moisture sensor bars with fine sandpaper or rubbing alcohol and a cloth if you are reusing the original sensor, then verify good contact and dry the bars completely before reassembly.
The Part You Need
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| LG dryer moisture sensor assembly | Amazon | Part number varies by model. Example part 6500EL3001A fits some LG models. Check your model and serial plate on the door rim or rear panel and cross-reference at an LG parts supplier. |
| LG dryer thermistor (temperature sensor) | Amazon | Common part numbers include 6323EL2001B and AGM30045804 for various LG dryers. Verify fitment by your full model number on the data plate. |
Related Error Codes
If this part is failing you may also see one of these codes:
- Lg Dryer Add error code
- Lg Dryer D75 error code
- Lg Dryer D80 error code
- Lg Dryer D90 error code
- Lg Dryer D95 error code
- Lg Dryer De error code
- Lg Dryer E00 error code
- Lg Dryer E1 error code
- Lg Dryer E13 error code
- Lg Dryer E4 error code
When to Call a Pro
If you are uncomfortable working inside the dryer cabinet, cannot locate the thermistor or moisture sensor after removing panels, or if replacing both sensors does not fix the problem, call a qualified appliance technician. Persistent error codes after sensor replacement usually mean a control-board or wiring harness fault that requires diagnostic tools and schematic knowledge. A pro can also test sensor resistance values against factory specifications to confirm the part is truly bad before you buy a replacement.