Common Dryer Error Code Meanings

Is Your Dryer Flashing a Warning? Decoding Common Airflow Error Codes

It’s a frustrating moment. You head to the laundry room expecting dry, fluffy towels, but instead, your dryer has stopped mid-cycle and is flashing a cryptic code. While it might look like a mechanical failure, these codes are often a "cry for help" from your dryer's ventilation system.

Modern smart dryers from brands like Samsung, LG, and Whirlpool are equipped with sensors that monitor both heat and backpressure. When lint buildup occurs in your ducts, the air has nowhere to go. To prevent a dryer fire hazard, your machine triggers a safety alert.

Below is our Guide to the most common dryer error codes that indicate it’s time for a professional dryer vent cleaning.

Samsung Dryer Error Codes: The "Clog" Warnings

Samsung dryers are incredibly sensitive to air pressure. If you see these codes, your dryer is likely struggling to breathe due to restricted airflow.

• Code d80, d90, or d95: These are the most common Samsung dryer vent codes. The number represents the percentage of the vent that is blocked. A d90 error means your vent is 90% clogged with lint!

• Code Clg (or Cg): This stands for "Clog." It is a direct signal that the dryer exhaust system is restricted and requires a vent sweep.

• Code HC: This indicates "Inconsistent Heat." This happens when your dryer overheats because the hot air cannot escape through the clogged dryer duct.

LG Dryer Error Codes: The Flow Sense™ Alert

LG uses a "Flow Sense" system to protect the life of your appliance and your home’s safety. If you see these, you likely need local dryer vent cleaning.

• Code d80, d90, d95: Similar to Samsung, these LG dryer codes indicate a heavy blockage in the external dryer ductwork. LG recommends an immediate inspection when these bars appear.

• Flow Sense Light: If the bars on your display are climbing, your drying time is likely doubling, and your energy bill is rising along with it.

Whirlpool & Maytag: The "AF" and "Check Vent" Alerts

Whirlpool and Maytag machines are direct with their messaging, but the solutions often require more than just cleaning the lint trap.

• Code AF: This stands for "Air Flow." It means the machine has detected a vent restriction between the dryer and the outside wall vent cap.

• Code L2: While this can sometimes be a power issue, it often triggers during a blocked vent because the heating element isn't receiving enough air to stay cool.

• Check Vent Light: This persistent light won't go away until a professional vent cleaner clears the path for the air to flow.

GE and Kenmore: "Check Pedestal" or "Check Outlet"

• Check Vent / Clean Vent: Many GE models will simply display a static "Clean Vent" message. If you’ve already cleaned your lint filter and the light stays on, the blockage is deeper in the vent system.

• Code E60: Often seen on Electrolux or Frigidaire models, this suggests the dryer is overheating—a classic symptom of a crushed dryer hose or a clogged vent.

You Shouldn’t Just "Reset" the Error Code - Here's Why:

It is tempting to unplug the dryer to clear the code, but if the lint is still in the vent, the danger remains. Ignoring these dryer warning signs leads to:

• Dryer Fire Risks: Lint is highly flammable. When air is slow or even trapped, internal temperatures reach dangerous levels.

• Slow Drying Times: A clogged dryer vent forces your machine to run two or three times longer, wasting electricity and wearing out your appliance.

• Blown Thermal Fuses: The dryer will eventually "pop" a fuse to protect itself, leading to an expensive dryer repair on top of a cleaning.

Don't let a simple code turn into a major hazard.

At Vent Genie, we don’t just clear the code—we clear the cause. Our high-powered dryer vent cleaning service reaches deep into your home’s ductwork to remove years of built-up debris, bird nests in vents, and packed-in lint.