LG Dishwasher tL Error Code — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The tL error on an LG dishwasher means the thermal limiter has been triggered due to excessive heat inside the dishwasher. The thermal limiter is a safety device that cuts power to the heating element if the temperature gets dangerously high. This prevents fires and component damage. You may notice the dishwasher stopping mid-cycle, dishes not drying properly, or the heating element not working at all.

Affected Models

LG LDT5665V
LG LDP6797ST
LG LDFN4542S
LG LDT7808BD
LG dishwashers with heated dry functions

Common Causes

Thermal limiter has blown from a one-time overtemperature event and must be replaced
Heating element is shorted and drawing excessive current, causing the thermal limiter to blow
Thermostat is faulty and not signaling the heater to turn off at the correct temperature
Restricted airflow or water circulation allowing heat to build up in one area
Control board is not regulating the heating element correctly, causing it to run too hot

How to Fix It

Check if any plastic items in the lower rack melted or were placed too close to the heating element area. Melted plastic can cause localized overheating.

Thin plastic items like lids, containers, and bags should always go in the top rack away from the heating zone.
Run a diagnostic cycle if your model supports it. Press and hold certain buttons (check your manual) to enter service mode, which may display more specific fault codes.

LG dishwasher service mode varies by model — search your model number plus 'service mode' for specific instructions.
Do not attempt to reset the thermal limiter by simply cycling power — once it blows, it must be replaced. Power cycling will not fix a blown thermal limiter.

The thermal limiter is designed to fail permanently as a safety measure — it cannot be reset like a fuse in some appliances.
Contact LG support or an authorized appliance technician to replace the thermal limiter. The technician should also test the heating element and thermostat to ensure they did not cause the failure.

Replacing the thermal limiter without fixing the underlying cause will result in the new one blowing again.
If the dishwasher is still under warranty, contact LG support at lgapplianceservice.com — heating element and thermal limiter failures within the warranty period are typically covered.

LG dishwashers carry a 1-year parts and labor warranty from the date of purchase.

When to Call a Professional

Replacing a thermal limiter or heating element in a dishwasher requires disassembly and knowledge of appliance electrical systems. This is not a beginner DIY repair — call an LG authorized technician. A technician can also determine whether the thermal limiter blew from a one-time event or whether the underlying heater or thermostat caused it to fail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my LG dishwasher after a tL error?

The dishwasher may still wash dishes using cold or ambient-temperature water, but it will not heat the water or dry dishes properly. You should get the thermal limiter replaced before continued use — especially because the root cause (shorted heater or faulty thermostat) may still be present.

How much does it cost to fix the tL error?

The thermal limiter itself is an inexpensive part — usually $5 to $20. However, labor to disassemble the dishwasher and access the component adds cost — expect $100 to $200 total at a repair shop. If the heating element also needs replacement, add another $50 to $120 for the part.

Can melted plastic in my dishwasher cause the tL error?

Yes. If a plastic item fell onto or near the heating element and melted, it can cause localized overheating that trips the thermal limiter. Always check the bottom of the dishwasher for melted plastic after a tL error. Clear any debris before having the thermal limiter replaced.