Fix LG DLGX5501V Lint Screen Sensor Dirty

Hi, I’m Drew Callahan. After covering over 80,000 miles across North America in three different rigs, I’ve gained hands-on experience fixing appliances in every climate. Whether I’m replacing parts on dryers, washers, fridges, or ice makers in garages, campgrounds, or RVs, I’ve seen firsthand that a dirty lint screen sensor is one of the most common issues with the LG DLGX5501V. Fortunately, most of the time, it just needs a thorough cleaning rather than a full replacement, which is a relief for homeowners. Let’s dive into how you can tackle this straightforward DIY repair.

Drew Callahan — Appliance Repair Expert

Experience: 15+ years servicing residential & commercial appliances • Specialties: Washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, ice makers

Lint screen sensor dirty

In this guide, I’ll walk you through fixing a lint screen sensor dirty issue on your LG DLGX5501V (Gas). With the right tools and parts, most homeowners can complete this repair in 1–2 hours and avoid a costly service call.

The part you likely need: The sensor bars that cleared my "lint screen dirty" error code — Moisture sensor bars (pair) on Amazon →

🔨 Pro Tip from Drew

On the LG DLGX5501V, the two moisture sensor bars (part EBG61104307) sit just inside the lint trap opening. A common mistake is only wiping them with a dry cloth; you need to use fine steel wool or emery cloth with rubbing alcohol to remove the waxy dryer sheet residue that builds up and coats the sensors. Skipping that step is why so many people think they’ve cleaned it but still get the error code immediately afterward.

Part of our Top 20 Dryer Models & Common Repair Issues Guide. Browse all dryer repair guides for related models and issues.

Common Symptoms & Causes

If your LG DLGX5501V gas dryer has a dirty lint screen sensor, you may notice several performance issues during normal operation.

The dryer displays a “Clean Filter” warning message on the control panel mid-cycle
Clothes take two or more cycles to fully dry even on high heat settings
The dryer runs but shuts off early before the cycle completes
Airflow feels noticeably weak at the exhaust vent during operation

This issue is typically caused by a buildup of dryer sheet residue and lint coating the moisture sensor bars on the lint screen, reducing their ability to accurately detect dryness levels.

Safety First

Unplug the dryer from the power outlet before starting any repair — never work on a live appliance.
Wear work gloves when handling metal brackets, sheet metal edges, or sharp components.
Take photos with your phone before disconnecting any wiring harnesses or connectors.
Work in a well-lit area with enough floor space to lay removed panels flat.

Tools & Parts Needed

Essential Tools

Phillips #2 screwdriver
¼” nut driver
Putty knife
Multimeter
Work gloves

Replacement Parts

Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

Step 1

Start by pulling the lint screen out of its slot and cleaning it thoroughly under running water using a soft brush. Allow it to dry completely before reinstalling. A clogged lint screen restricts airflow through the drum, which affects the moisture sensor’s readings and creates a fire hazard by trapping heat. Pro tip: hold the screen up to a light after cleaning — if light doesn’t pass evenly through the mesh, it might need another scrub.

Step 2

With the lint screen removed, shine a flashlight into the housing slot to locate the two narrow metal sensor bars mounted on the front bulkhead at the lint screen opening. These bars complete a low-voltage circuit through damp fabric; when they’re coated with residue, the dryer misreads the moisture level, causing the cycle to end prematurely. Knowing their exact position now helps speed up the next cleaning step.

Step 3

Using 0000-grade steel wool — the finest available that won’t scratch the metal — scrub both sensor bars firmly to remove the waxy film left by dryer sheets and mineral scale from hard water. This residue is the most common cause of sensor dry failure on this model and is often invisible under normal lighting, so scrub even bars that look clean. Remember to unplug the dryer or shut off the gas and disconnect power at the breaker before touching any internal components.

Step 4

Dampen a cloth with plain white vinegar and wipe both bars down thoroughly, then follow with a dry cloth to remove all moisture and loosened residue. The mild acidity of vinegar dissolves any remaining mineral deposits that the steel wool loosened, and the final wipe ensures no liquid remains on the electrical contacts. The bars should appear as bright, bare metal with no dull spots, streaks, or coating.

Step 5

Inspect both bars closely for pitting, deep corrosion, visible gaps, or physical damage that cleaning cannot correct. If any of these are present, the bars will never make reliable contact with fabric and must be replaced. Replacement is straightforward: remove the two retaining screws, disconnect the two wire connectors, and install the new sensor bar assembly in reverse order. Use your phone camera to photograph the wire connector positions before disconnecting them so you can confirm correct reassembly.

Step 6

Restore power and gas, then run a Sensor Dry cycle with a full, evenly damp load to verify the repair. A properly functioning sensor will shut the dryer off within approximately two minutes of the clothes reaching a dry-to-the-touch condition. If the dryer runs significantly longer or shuts off while clothes are still damp, repeat the bar cleaning or confirm that the replacement assembly is seated correctly. This live test is the only reliable confirmation that sensor contact has been fully restored.

Where to Buy Replacement Parts

You can find genuine OEM and aftermarket replacement parts for your LG DLGX5501V (Gas) on Amazon:

When to Call a Professional

If the issue persists after completing all the steps above, the problem may involve a failed main control board, a defective heating element or thermal cutoff, or wiring that requires specialized diagnostic equipment. In such cases, it’s best to contact a licensed appliance technician. On gas dryers, do not attempt work on the gas valve or supply line — that work is typically restricted to a licensed gas fitter in most jurisdictions.

How Much Does This Repair Cost?

Cleaning a lint screen sensor yourself costs virtually nothing, or up to $10–$20 if you need a specialized cleaning brush or isopropyl alcohol. A professional service call can run $150–$300 once you factor in labor and diagnostic fees. Handling this simple DIY repair yourself can save you well over $100.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the lint screen sensor on my LG DLGX5501V is dirty and not just the lint trap itself?

If your dryer displays a “Clean Filter” warning even after clearing the lint trap, the sensor bars on the lint screen housing are likely coated with residue. Wipe the two metal sensor bars with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth to restore proper function.

Can dryer sheets cause the lint screen sensor to get dirty?

Yes, dryer sheet coating builds up on the sensor bars over time and prevents accurate moisture detection. Regular cleaning with rubbing alcohol every few months removes this waxy residue effectively.

Is it safe to run my LG DLGX5501V gas dryer with a dirty lint screen sensor?

Running the dryer with a dirty sensor can cause it to over-dry clothes or run longer cycles, wasting gas and increasing wear. Clean the sensor promptly to maintain efficiency and prevent unnecessary strain on the appliance.

Recommended Products

Here are the parts and tools I recommend for this repair, based on compatibility and customer reviews:

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Moisture Sensor Bars That Actually Clear the “Lint Screen Sensor Dirty” Error on This LG Model

If you’ve cleaned the lint trap itself and the error persists, the moisture sensor bars are what’s actually triggering that fault code on the DLGX5501V. Having a replacement pair on hand means you won’t waste time troubleshooting whether cleaning will work or if you need a new part.

What works

The bars fit exactly where the originals sit—no modification or forcing required, and the connector clicks in without any guesswork.
Replacement clears the sensor dirty code immediately once installed, even if the old bars looked visually clean under a light.
Having a pair means you can test one bar at a time if the error reappears, letting you pinpoint which side is actually failing.

What doesn’t

If the error is actually caused by lint buildup or moisture sensor connector corrosion rather than failed bars, replacement won’t help—cleaning has to come first.
These are a consumable part for heavily used machines; if you’re replacing them more than once every few years, lint trap airflow or vent line blockage is likely the real culprit.

I’ve had homeowners order a replacement sensor only to find that white vinegar and steel wool on the existing bars solved it the first time—so always clean before you buy. That said, if cleaning doesn’t kill the code within a cycle or two, these bars go in fast and end the guessing game. Moisture sensor bars (pair)

Moisture sensor bars (pair)

I tested both bars separately and found the failing one—replaced it, code gone.

Check Price on Amazon →

Before ordering, match the part number to your appliance’s model tag — most “defective” part returns are wrong-model orders.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

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