There is a lot of competition in the electronics industry. To outdo others, many manufacturers add extra features to their designs.
For instance, the Flow Sense on LG dryers. It is one feature that makes this dryer stand out from other brands.
This feature is a safety feature that signals the dryer whenever there’s a problem with the vent.
It sends error codes that gradually slow and then shut down the dryer to prevent fire outbreaks.
Whenever you get an error code notification from your LG dryer, there’s either a faulty thermal fuse, an overheating of other elements, or lint build-up in the vent restricting proper airflow. Even though the flow sense primarily detects blockage in the vent, it works for other thermal faults because machines aren’t 100% efficient.
All thanks to the type of machines we have these days, Their unique features make laundry easy. And giving up this luxury can be a sour taste for those who enjoy it.
This article answers any questions about your LG dryer flow sense and its error codes.
Why Is My LG Dryer Saying Flow Sense When There’s No Blockage?
The other reason you’re likely to get a flow sense error even when there’s no blockage is a heating fault. Or an overheating thermal fuse.
Usually, whenever you get any of the flow sense errors, it is supposed to indicate a blockage in the dryer vent, which restricts the airflow and slows the dryer’s performance.
All you ought to do in this instance is to clear the vent, change it, and reset the errors depending on the issue. And you will resolve the error.
But there’s a possibility of getting a flow sense notification even when the vent is clean and airflow is normal.
As effective as these machines are, they’re bound to develop some faults and misdiagnose errors. They’re manufactured, and accuracy isn’t a feat for humans.
No matter how effective machines are, they can never be 100% efficient. This rule applies to a dryer flow sense error even when there’s no blockage.
Having your dryer flow sense light on can be confusing. Especially when you’re sure that the vent is not blocked or kinked, you’d be exasperated!
Thankfully, with the help of the error codes, you can use the user manual to rectify any fault. Or call a technical assistant to help you where you can’t.
Issues relating to Flow sense are pretty easy to rectify; ironically, they can be dangerous if you ignore them.
The most common cause of domestic fire hazards begins with the dryer. Especially in the United States, about 80% of residential home fires begin from dryers.
And to curb this hazard, there’s an imposing order for manufacturers. Manufacturers are to include some safety features in their products.
Fortunately, this order has proven effective in reducing the number of fire outbreaks that start from the dryer.
Because by the time it overheats to the extent of flaming up, it will either go off or notify you to do something.
What Does Flow Sense Light On LG Dryer Mean?
When the flow sense light on your LG Dryer comes On, it indicates slow performance in the dryer. This slow performance results from some restrictions in the dryer’s venting system.
If the dryer’s vent has lint and moisture, it is pinched or kinked; it will prevent airflow. Once the airflow is restricted, overheating can occur while drying your clothes.
And not just the vent alone but a faulty thermal fuse or other heating faults can cause this overheating.
However, Flow sense primarily detects clogging in the air vents. Leaving it for a long time will eventually slow the machine’s performance.
In worst cases, a fire outbreak may occur whenever there’s a heating fault in the dryer. And this is where the flow sense comes in.
Here, it serves as a heat detector in the dryer. The sensor sends different codes depending on the dryer’s level of clogging/heating.
Whenever there’s a slight increase in temperature, the sensor detects and sends signals to the system.
Some machines automatically shut down once the temperature is above the recommended degree. But for an LG Dryer, some error detector codes notify you to attend to the machine.
What are Flow Sense Error Codes?
You’ll see an indicator display panel with four horizontal lines at the top of your LG dryer.
The horizontal lines represent four error codes that the flow sense indicates, and each code has a different interpretation.
For every code, there’s a temperature limit that once the dryer exceeds, it comes on. And beneath them is written Flow Sense.
Here are the error codes you will see whenever the flow sense detects clogging in the vent;
| Codes | Meaning |
|---|---|
| No error code | There are no airflow restrictions in the vent. |
| D80 | It means that the air restriction is about 80%. |
| D90 | It means the air restriction is about 90%. |
| D95 | It means the air has been restricted by 95% or more. |
Observe the type of code whenever the dryer notifies you about a fault relating to the flow sensor.
That way, you’ll know the best action to take (the best action is always to switch it off and fix the problem).
Unless you conduct routine maintenance on your dryer, you can only be sure when it will notify you of any errors. It is not advisable to leave clothes in the dryer while leaving the house.
How Do I Fix The Flow Sense Error On My LG Dryer?
The first step in fixing any errors in your dryer is understanding the type of error and its implications.
You can only proffer solutions for problems you understand. You’d be creating more trouble for yourself.
Fortunately, the flow sense errors are elementary to memorize. Once it detects any temperature change due to clogging, its algorithm will quickly check the percentage of blockage.
And display the level of clogging in the vent. That way, you can know if it is something you can handle or not.
Since all flow sense errors are pretty simple to fix, you may consider these two options;
#1. Cleaning And Troubleshooting
- Once you get a flow sense notification, turn off the dryer and let it cool.
- Open up the vents and check for any lint build-up or if the duct is damaged.
- Please clean it up from the inside through the outside wall vent end; usually, this should fix it.
- Have a customer representative fix the vent if it is pinched or damaged.
However, if you’ve cleaned up or repaired the vent and the error persists, ask yourself some critical questions.
#2. How Sensitive Is the Dryer?
Some oversensitive machines can frustrate you for no reason. A slight change in the atmosphere, and they’re already malfunctioning.
If the system of your dryer is oversensitive, you’ll likely have persistent error detection even when there’s no need.
You can disable the flow sense feature and leave it dormant. Even though this option is dicey, it is still a good option because leaving it that way can trigger anxiety.
#3. How Is the Vent Installation
If you’re a fan of DIYs, you’d likely want to install the vents yourself. While this is applaudable, the downside is you may do the wrong installation sometimes.
Even if experts did the installation, a mistake could happen. Try to inspect whether you correctly installed the vents according to the recommendations.
#4. How About the Wall Vent End Cap?
When checking their dryers, many must remember to check the wall end vent cap.
No matter how tidy the vent appears on the inside, if the extended wall vent is clogged, the error code will persist.
A mixture of lint from the fabrics of your material and moisture in the wall vent can form a thick barricade for airflow.
Not just that, if the end cap is still closed while you continuously use the dryer, it will eventually heat up.
FAQS
#1. How Do I Fix the Flow Sense On My LG Dryer?
To fix the flow sense error, you must attend to the problem. Usually, a blocked vent is the cause of most flow sense errors you get. But there could be other reasons.
#2. What Happens If Your Dryer Vent Is Blocked?
When the vent is blocked or pinched, it will restrict the airflow. Each line represents a unique code linked to it. And beneath the lines is written Flow Sense.
#3. How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?
On average, you should clean the dryer vents twice a year. The vents do not require regular cleaning because they are made of aluminum and can easily damage.
Conclusion
Instead of panicking whenever the display lights of the error codes on your LG dryer come on, inspect for any vent blockage or blown fuses.
However, you can abate these issues if you regularly:
- Inspect for lint build-up in the vents and conduct routine maintenance.
- Replace overheated fuses
- Use power surge protectors for the fuses
