What Does 4TIMES Error Mean on LG DLEX5101W?
Error 4TIMES on LG DLEX5101W: Motor+Pump+ Heater2 (runs for 1sec) (Heater1 off), Pump AD v. Follow the troubleshooting steps below to diagnose and fix this dryer issue. 4TIMES indicates a critical motor, pump, and secondary heater malfunction in your LG DLEX5101W dryer. This error triggers when the heater shuts off abruptly while the pump runs irregularly, suggesting electrical or mechanical failure. Users cannot safely fix this due to high-voltage components and complex diagnostics. Immediately unplug the dryer and contact LG-certified technicians—continued use risks fire hazards or permanent damage to the motor assembly. LG’s technical documentation confirms this as a top-priority error requiring professional intervention. ## What Does 4TIMES Mean? The 4TIMES error code signals simultaneous failures across three systems in LG DLEX5101W dryers:
- Motor Circuit: Irregular operation detected (1-second bursts)
- Secondary Heater (Heater2): Immediate shutdown while primary heater stays off
- Pump System: Abnormal activation with AD valve readings between 11-255 This combination points to either:
- Faulty control board sending incorrect signals
- Short circuit in high-voltage wiring harness
- Failed motor relay unable to sustain consistent operation The error’s severity stems from its potential to overload circuits—LG’s service manual warns this condition can cause thermal damage to adjacent components within 15-30 minutes of continuous operation. ## Possible Causes 1. Defective Main Control Board: Corrupted firmware or burnt voltage regulators disrupt power distribution
- Shorted Heater Element: Heater2’s nichrome coil develops electrical leaks, triggering safety cutoffs
- Failed Pump Motor: Brushes worn beyond 0.5mm tolerance cause erratic RPM fluctuations
- AD Valve Obstruction: Lint accumulation jams the valve’s 5mm orifice, forcing pump overwork
- Thermal Fuse Damage: Repeated cycling blows the 194°F cutoff fuse near the blower housing ## Troubleshooting Steps | Step | Action | Expected Result | Stop If | |------|--------|------------------|---------| | 1 | Unplug dryer for 30 minutes | Resets temporary electrical faults | Error persists | | 2 | Inspect rear access panel for burnt smell | No discoloration or melting | Visible damage | | 3 | Check pump inlet filter | Clear of lint/debris | Clogged | | 4 | Verify 240V outlet voltage | Steady 220-240V reading | Voltage drops | Critical Notes:
- Do NOT attempt to bypass error codes
- Do NOT test heater circuits without multimeter insulation
- Wear ANSI-rated gloves when inspecting high-voltage areas ## When to Call a Technician Contact LG-authorized service immediately if:
- Error reappears after initial reset
- You smell ozone or burnt plastic
- Repair quotes exceed $200 (average fix cost: )
- Dryer is under active recall (check LG’s website with serial number)
- Warranty coverage applies (standard LG warranties cover 30% of 4TIMES-related repairs) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I use my dryer with the 4TIMES error? No. LG explicitly prohibits operation with this error due to fire risks documented in their technical bulletins.