Something is always wrong when an error code pops up on an LG dryer, and one such error is D90. However, given that this error is often associated with a blockage, you may have difficulty troubleshooting it if it’s an LG dryer d90 no blockage error.
A no blockage D90 error code may pop up on an LG dryer due to an active Energy Saver mode, laundry underload, tripped breaker, or burnt thermal fuse or heating element.
So, while checking the dryer’s vent system when the error code D90 pops up is essential; you can’t overlook the five issues highlighted above. The problems are DIY-fixable, and I’ll share a quick guide on how to do it with you.
But first, we’ll look at what the code D90 means and its causes. Speaking of causes, I’ll share those that may cause a blockage and those that have nothing to do with a jam.
Let’s jump in!
In a hurry? Consider the five issues that could potentially trigger the error code D90 on your dryer without blockage in the table below:
LG Dryer D90 No Blockage – Quick Troubleshooting Guide
| – | Likely Reason | Fix |
| 1. | Energy Saver Mode | Disable Energy Saver |
| 2. | Laundry Underload | Remove any loose clothing pieces and improve the load’s capacity to ¾ full when running the dryer |
| 3. | Tripped Breaker | Reset the breaker |
| 4. | Burnt Thermal Fuse | Replace the fuse |
| 5. | Burnt Heating Element | Replace the heating element |
What Is D90 On My LG Dryer?
LG dryers have a built-in safety feature known as Flow Sense that monitors blockages to prevent fires. Once there’s a significant blockage, Flow Sense sends a warning to the dryer’s display which often starts with the letter D and then a number that represents the percentage of blockage.
For example, D80 shows 80% blockage while d90 (which is our case) shows 90% blockage. So, a D90 indicates a 90% air restriction, which usually forces the dryer into a cool-down.
And if the dryer doesn’t shut down, you’ve to shut it down to allow it to cool, as you also find the trigger behind the fault.
Given that 80% of home fires within the US originate from the dryer, Flow Sense is a great safety inclusion by LG that can help stop some of these fires. All you’ve to do is act when the Flow Sense error code pops up, and it often means first powering off the dryer.
What Causes LG Dryer Flow Sense D90?
It’s insufficient to power off the dryer and allow it to cool down when the error code D90 pops up. You’ve to find out why the error code popped up in the first place, and here are some suggestions:
- Clogged filter – The lint screen could be filthy. It accumulates lint over time, which Flow Sense detects as a fire hazard and may warn you through the D90 error code.
- Blocked vent – If the exhaust hose, wall duct, or outside vent is kinked or clogged, Flow Sense will detect an obstructed airflow, and if the blockage is up to 90%, then the dryer will display D90.
- Wrong vent installation – If the dryer vent has many bends, they are likely to interfere with airflow, and the more they are, the slow the airflow and the hotter the vent becomes. In consequence, Flow Sense may send the D90 signal.
- Extra-long ductwork – The ductwork shouldn’t be too long as that’ll mean a long distance for the air to flow. Sometimes, the vent becomes too hot as hot air stays there long, which may force Flow Sense to warn you with an error code.
LG Dryer D90 Code But No Blockage
The above-discussed D90 triggers relate to a blockage. But what if there is no blockage and the error code pops up? If so, then it could be due to one of these five issues:
1. Energy Saver
Sometimes an LG dryer pops up the error code D30 when the Energy Saver mode is active. In such a case, the dryer doesn’t heat up as it should because it’s trying to conserve energy. Its over-sensitive sensors detect an unusual temperature change in such a case, which triggers an error code.
Fix
Disable Energy saver mode if it’s active.
2. Laundry Underload
If there are pieces of clothes in the dryer, Flow Sense will see them as a fire hazard. In response, it triggers an error code, which could be D90. That also applies to loading the dryer below its recommended capacity (3/4 full).
Fix
Stop your LG dryer and inspect the drum. If there are pieces of clothing, remove them. And if the dryer is under-loaded, ensure it’s about ¾ full. It may mean adding more clothes before re-running the cycle.
3. Tripped Up Breaker
The breaker’s job is to protect your LG dryer (by tripping up) when there’s a power surge. So, once that happens, the dryer is left with no protection, which means it may overheat. Once Flow Sense detects such a risk, it sends an error code, which could be D90.
Fix
Check if the circuit breaker is tripped up or off and reset it.
4. Burnt Thermal Fuse
Another component that may come to the dryer’s rescue during a power surge is the thermal fuse. Unlike the breaker, it overheats and burns. Sadly, a burnt thermal fuse is defective, which means it cannot protect the dryer.
Flow Sense sees it as a risk of the dryer overheating, and that’s why it signals an error code. Again, the error code may be D90, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be, depending on the issue’s seriousness.
Fix
You can check if your dryer’s thermal fuse is burnt with a multimeter. The lack of electrical continuity will prove that.
5. Burnt Heating Element
The heating element is pivotal in heating your dryer. A dryer that won’t heat and dry clothes often point to a failed heating element.
Like the thermal fuse, the heating element overheats and burns, and that’s how it fails. Your LG dryer’s sensor detects an odd temperature change in such an event and may trigger the error code D90 or any other.
Fix
Perform an electrical continuity test on the heating element with a multimeter. If the heating element has no continuity, replace it.
How Do I Fix the D90 On My LG Dryer?
The D90 error code is not the hardest to fix, and here’s how to do it:
Step 1 – LG Dryer D90 Reset
Before getting into any detailed fixes, try to reset the error code. The issue might not be as severe as you might have thought it to be.
Here’s how to reset d90 code on LG dryer:
- Unplug the dryer for at least 5 minutes and then plug it back in
- If the error doesn’t go, press Start/Pause for 5 seconds or Time-Dry + Signal for at least 3 seconds
You can also press Energy Saver + Less Time, Time Dry + Wrinkle Care, or Energy Saver + Wrinkle Care instead of Time-Dry + Signal.
And if the error code still doesn’t reset after that, consider the next step.
Step 2 – Remove the Exhaust Vent
The aim is to identify if the source of the D90 error is a blockage or something else. So, plug out the exhaust vent from the back of your LG dryer.
Step 3 – Run the dryer
Load your dryer with clothes and hit start. Allow the dryer to run normally to see how the clothes will turn out.
Step 4 – Check the clothes
Check if the clothes are wet or dry to determine the source of the D90 error.
Are your clothes dry?
If yes, then that means the source of the D90 error code is airflow obstruction. There’s likely an obstruction in the dryer’s vent system.
In that case, the issue could be one of those discussed earlier: clogged filter, blocked vent, wrong vent installation, or extra-long duct.
Fix
Check the lint filter for clogging and properly wash it with soapy water. Use a nylon brush to brush off hardened lint.
Then check if the dryer vent is also blocked and vacuum it. If you can’t find a vacuum cleaner, use a thin wire or hose to dislodge the clog.
If the vent is kinked, stretch it out, and if it has so many bends or is extra long, consider replacing it.
Are your clothes damp?
If the clothes are still wet after drying, it discounts airflow obstruction. In that case, the issue could be any of the five I shared earlier under no blockage.
They are as follows:
- Active Energy Saver
- Small laundry size or laundry pieces
- Tripped breaker
- Burnt thermal fuse
- Failed heating element
Fix
If Energy Saver is active, disable it and ensure the drum is ¾ full. Reset the breaker if it’s off and replace the fuse or heating element if any fail the multimeter electrical continuity check.
FAQs
1. How Do I Reset the Flow Sensor On My LG Dryer?
You can easily reset Flow Sensor on your LG dryer by unplugging the dryer for at least 5 minutes. If that doesn’t result in an error clearance, consider pressing Time-Dry + Signal or Start/Pause. It may also help to inquire from your dryer manual about the reset process applicable to your dryer.
2. What Is Code 90 On LG Dryer?
The code 90 on an LG dryer signifies that the vent system is at least 90% clogged. This is a grim warning, which shows that your dryer could potentially start a fire. In such a case, power down the dryer, inspect the lint filter and vents for possible obstruction and clear them.
3. How Do I Unclog My LG Dryer Vent?
The easiest way to unclog the LG dryer vent is to vacuum it. But first, plug out the dryer and then use the vacuum cleaner to clean the ductwork.
Alternatively, use a thin wire or hose to dislodge the clog from the dryer vent. Don’t forget to clear any kinks on the dryer vent.
Concluding Remarks on LG Dryer D90 No Blockage:
Clearly, a blockage is not the only issue that could trigger the D90 error code on an LG dryer. The code could also pop up due to non-clog-related issues such as Energy Saver mode, laundry underload, tripped-up breaker, or defective thermal fuse or heating element.
You must determine which of these five issues is behind the D90 error and fix it using the above tips. And when you do, you’ll eliminate the error code and prevent a dryer-initiated fire.