E18
LG Dryer
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
The E18 error on an LG dryer indicates a problem with the moisture sensor — the strips inside the drum that detect how wet your clothes are. When these sensors fail, the dryer cannot automatically determine when clothes are dry and shuts down with an error.
Affected Models
- DLGX5501V
- DLE7300VE
- DLHC1455V
- DLEX3900B
- Most LG electric and gas dryers with auto-dry sensor
Common Causes
- Moisture sensor bars inside the drum are coated with fabric softener residue
- Moisture sensor wiring is loose or disconnected
- Moisture sensor has developed a fault and needs replacement
- Clothes are not making contact with the sensor bars (too small a load)
- Control board not reading the moisture sensor signal correctly
How to Fix It
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Locate the moisture sensor bars inside the drum.
They are two or three metallic strips, usually at the front of the drum near the lint filter area. They look like shiny metal bars.
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Clean the sensor bars with a soft cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol).
Fabric softener sheets and dryer sheets leave a waxy residue on the sensor bars. This insulates them and prevents them from detecting moisture in clothes.
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Wipe the bars dry after cleaning.
Do not use steel wool or abrasive cleaners — these can scratch or damage the sensor surface.
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Run a test cycle with a medium-sized load of damp clothes.
The auto-dry function should detect moisture as clothes tumble against the sensor bars. If it now completes normally, cleaning fixed the issue.
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If E18 returns after cleaning, the moisture sensor wiring or the sensor itself needs professional inspection.
A technician can test the sensor's continuity and replace it if needed.
When to Call a Professional
If cleaning the moisture sensor bars does not fix E18, the sensor or its wiring may be faulty. Moisture sensor replacement requires access to the inside of the drum area. Expect repair costs of $80–$160.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the moisture sensor bars do in my LG dryer?
The moisture sensor bars detect how wet your clothes are as they tumble and brush against the bars. When the sensor detects that clothes are dry, the dryer stops the cycle. This is what makes the Auto Dry feature work — without functional sensors, it cannot tell when drying is done.
Why do dryer sheets cause problems with moisture sensors?
Dryer sheets contain wax and silicone compounds that transfer to everything in the drum — including the sensor bars. This coating is electrically insulating, which means the sensor bars can no longer detect the electrical conductivity of damp fabric. If you use dryer sheets, clean the sensor bars with alcohol every month.
Can I use my LG dryer without the moisture sensor working?
Yes — use Timed Dry mode instead of Auto Dry. This runs the dryer for a fixed amount of time regardless of moisture levels. Your clothes may end up slightly over-dried, but the machine will run. Still, fix the sensor when you can — auto-dry is more energy-efficient.