FE2
LG Dryer
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
FE2 means your LG dryer has detected a fault with the blower fan motor. The blower fan moves hot air through the drum and pushes it out the exhaust vent. Without a working fan, the dryer cannot circulate heat, clothes will not dry, and heat buildup becomes a fire risk. This error requires investigation of the fan motor and its circuitry.
Affected Models
- DLGX5501V
- DLEX5500V
- DLE3500W
- DLGX4001W
- LG electric and gas dryers with variable-speed fan control
Common Causes
- Failed blower fan motor that has seized or burned out
- Blower fan blade obstructed by a foreign object such as a coin, sock, or debris
- Wiring fault between the control board and the fan motor
- Defective motor speed sensor reporting an incorrect fan speed to the control board
- Faulty main control board unable to properly drive the fan motor circuit
How to Fix It
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Unplug the dryer and wait 10 minutes. Then plug it back in and listen carefully when the dryer starts — can you hear the fan motor running? Silence at startup suggests the fan is not spinning at all.
A healthy dryer makes a consistent low hum from the fan from the moment it starts.
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Check inside the dryer drum with a flashlight for any foreign objects that could have fallen through and reached the blower housing. Small items like coins, bra underwires, or sock lint balls can jam the fan.
The blower housing is behind the drum. On LG dryers, accessing it requires removing the front panel and drum.
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Remove the dryer's back or front panel (depending on model) to access the blower fan. Try spinning the fan blade by hand with the dryer unplugged. It should spin freely with light resistance.
A fan that will not spin by hand has seized and the motor needs to be replaced.
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Inspect the wiring harness between the control board and the fan motor. Look for loose connectors or chafed wires near any moving or hot components.
Reconnect any loose connectors firmly and retest before ordering parts.
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If the fan spins freely but FE2 persists, the motor speed sensor or the motor itself may be faulty. A technician can test motor winding resistance to confirm motor failure before ordering a replacement.
Motor resistance should be within the specification in your service manual. Zero or infinite resistance confirms a failed motor.
When to Call a Professional
Fan motor replacement requires disassembly of the dryer cabinet and drum area. This is a moderately difficult DIY repair. Fan motor assemblies cost $60 to $120. A technician will charge $150 to $280 for parts and labor. Do not continue using the dryer with FE2 — heat will build up without the fan circulating air.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run my dryer briefly to finish a load if it shows FE2?
No. Without the blower fan running, heat builds up inside the drum with nowhere to go. This can damage the drum, overheat the heating element, and create a fire risk. Stop the dryer and do not use it until FE2 is resolved.
How can a sock cause FE2?
Small lightweight items can sometimes get sucked past the lint screen into the blower housing. Once stuck in the fan blades, they create drag that slows or stops the fan. The control board detects the reduced fan speed and triggers FE2. Always check for obstructions before assuming the motor has failed.
What is the blower fan speed sensor?
The speed sensor is a small component that measures how fast the fan is spinning. It sends this data to the control board which uses it to confirm the fan is working correctly. If the sensor reports a speed that is too slow or zero, the board stores FE2 even if the fan motor itself is physically running.