LG Dryer Error Code E16 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error code E16 on an LG dryer means the drum motor has overloaded or has stopped responding correctly. The motor spins the drum and powers the blower fan. When the motor draws too much current or stops spinning at the right speed, the control board shuts it down and sets E16. Common causes include an overloaded drum, a seized motor bearing, or a worn motor. Do not force the dryer to run — this can damage the motor further.

Affected Models

LG Front-Load Dryers
LG DLE series electric dryers
LG DLG series gas dryers
LG DLGX series
LG DLEX series steam dryers

Common Causes

An overloaded drum with too many items packed too tightly
A worn or seized drum motor bearing causing high current draw
A drum belt that has come off the pulley, making the motor work against resistance
A faulty motor start capacitor not giving the motor enough starting torque
A control board fault incorrectly detecting motor overload

How to Fix It

Check the load size. Remove about half of the items from the drum and run the dryer again. An overloaded drum makes the motor work much harder than designed, eventually tripping the overload protection.

LG recommends filling the drum no more than three-quarters full. Heavy, wet items like jeans or blankets are especially hard on the motor.
Unplug the dryer and open the door. Try to turn the drum by hand. It should rotate smoothly with moderate effort. If the drum is very stiff, jerky, or completely seized, there is a mechanical issue — motor bearings, belt, or idler pulley.

A drum that turns freely eliminates most mechanical faults.
Check the drum belt. Access the inside of the dryer cabinet by removing the front panel. The drum belt wraps around the drum and runs to the motor and idler pulley. If the belt has broken or slipped off, re-route it according to the belt routing diagram.

A broken belt is a common cause of drum stoppage and is a relatively inexpensive repair — belts cost $10-$20.
Inspect the idler pulley for wear or damage. The idler pulley maintains tension on the drum belt. A worn pulley with damaged bearings can create drag on the motor, causing it to overload.

The idler pulley and drum belt are often replaced together as a preventive measure.
If belt, pulley, and load all check out, the motor may have worn bearings or a failed winding. Have a technician test the motor current draw — excessive current confirms motor failure and the need for replacement.

A drum motor costs $60-$150. Replacement requires significant disassembly of the dryer.

When to Call a Professional

If reducing the load and resetting the dryer does not fix E16, the motor or belt likely needs attention. Motor replacement requires disassembling much of the dryer cabinet — this is a job for a technician in most cases. A drum motor costs $60-$150 and labor adds $100-$200 on top. Before replacing the motor, confirm the belt and idler pulley are intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum load size for an LG dryer?

LG recommends filling the drum no more than three-quarters full. For reference, a typical king-size comforter uses about 80% of a standard dryer's capacity on its own. Heavy wet items weigh more than dry items — always err on the side of a smaller load. An overloaded drum stresses the motor, belt, and bearings and shortens the dryer's life.

Is E16 the same as the LE error code?

They are related but not identical. LE (Motor Locked Error) indicates the motor has completely stopped rotating — it is locked. E16 indicates a motor overload condition — the motor is struggling but may not have fully stopped. Both point to the drum drive system, but E16 can sometimes be resolved by reducing the load, while LE usually requires a component repair.

How much does fixing E16 cost?

Reducing the load size: free. A drum belt: $10-$20. An idler pulley: $10-$25. A drum motor: $60-$150 for parts. Technician service call for motor or belt replacement: $150-$350 total.