LG Dryer Error Code E20 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error code E20 on an LG electric dryer means there is a fault with the heater relay on the main control board. The heater relay is what switches the electric heating element on and off during the drying cycle. When the control board detects that the relay is not responding as expected, it sets E20 and stops the heating cycle. Your dryer may still tumble but will not produce heat. This is most often a control board fault.

Affected Models

LG Electric Front-Load Dryers
LG DLE series electric dryers
LG DLEX series steam dryers
LG DLGX electric models

Common Causes

A failed heater relay on the main control board stuck open or closed
A damaged heating element causing excessive current that damages the relay
A wiring fault in the heater circuit leading to abnormal relay behavior
A faulty thermistor sending incorrect signals that confuse the relay control logic
A power supply issue (incorrect voltage) affecting relay operation

How to Fix It

Perform a hard reset. Unplug the dryer for 10-15 minutes, plug it back in, and run a test cycle. An E20 caused by a control board software glitch may clear after a full power cycle.

If E20 returns after the first or second cycle, the hardware needs to be tested.
Check the power supply. An electric dryer requires a 240-volt supply. If only one leg of the 240-volt circuit is live (due to a tripped breaker), the dryer will tumble but not heat — and may set a heater relay code. Check your circuit breaker panel for a tripped double-pole breaker.

A 240-volt breaker has two switches linked together. If one half trips, the dryer gets half voltage — enough to run but not heat.
Test the heating element for resistance. Access the element from the back panel. A working element reads 8-15 ohms. An element reading infinity (open) has burned out and may have caused the relay fault.

A shorted heating element can damage the relay by drawing too much current. Always check the element before replacing the board.
Inspect the heater circuit wiring for any signs of burning, melting, or loose connections. A wiring fault near the heating element can cause abnormal current readings that trigger E20.

Burn marks or discoloration on wiring indicates a serious fault that needs repair before running the dryer.
If power, element, and wiring all check out, the main control board's heater relay has likely failed. A technician can confirm by measuring relay output voltage. Replace the board only after confirming the relay is the fault.

Control boards cost $150-$350. Attempting to replace just the relay on the board requires electronics soldering skills.

When to Call a Professional

E20 typically requires control board testing to confirm whether the relay has failed. A technician can test the relay output with the board powered and identify whether the relay is stuck open (no heat) or stuck closed (overheating). Control board replacement runs $150-$350 depending on the model. Confirm the board is faulty before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does E20 apply to gas dryers?

No — E20 is specific to electric LG dryers. Electric dryers use a heating element controlled by a relay on the main board. Gas dryers use a burner and igniter instead. Gas ignition faults show as E14 on LG gas dryers.

Why would a tripped breaker cause a heater relay error?

An electric dryer uses two 120-volt legs to create 240 volts for the heating element. If one breaker leg trips, the dryer runs on 120 volts — the motor works but the heater does not. The control board detects that it commanded the heater on but sees no temperature rise, which it interprets as a relay or heater fault. Always check the breaker panel first before diagnosing E20.

How much does it cost to fix E20?

Checking and resetting the circuit breaker: free. A heating element: $20-$60 for parts. Control board replacement: $150-$350 for parts. A technician service call for diagnosis and repair: $150-$300 total.