LG front load washer problems and fixes

Find out the possible causes of the most common LG front load washer problems and how you can fix each issue

In this LG front load washer troubleshooting guide, we will look at the potential cause(s) and how to fix the most common LG front load washer problems.

Just to be clear, while there might be slight variations here and there, the fixes in this LG front load washer troubleshooting manual will apply to most LG front load washer models.

Let’s dive in.

LG front load washer problems and fixes

There is something we need to clear up on before we start: There are many LG front load washer problems that require a quick reset to fix.

That being so, it’s always advisable to try and reset your LG front load washer before you attempt some of the more advanced fixes.

So here is how to reset your LG front load washer quickly:

How to reset LG front load washer

Below is how to reset LG washing machine top loader:

1. Unplug the washer from wall to turn it off.
2. Press and hold power button for about 5 seconds.
3. Plug it back into wall.

Check if the issue is gone.

Alternative method:

1. Press POWER to have it turn off.
2. Turn off the circuit breaker (to your unit).
3. With the circuit breaker off, press and hold “START/PAUSE” again for 5 seconds.
4. Turn the unit’s circuit breaker on and check if your LG front load washer problems have been resolved.

Let us now turn our focus to individual LG front load washer problems and how to address them:

 

LG front load washer has no power

Potential causes why your LG front load washer is not working:

• Electrical power cord might not be plugged-in properly or the connection might be loose.
• The house fuse is blown
• The circuit breaker is tripped
• There is a power outage.

Recommended fixes:

1. Make sure the plug fits tightly (in the wall outlet).
2. Replace the fuse (Do not increase the fuse capacity.)
3. Reset the circuit breaker.

 

LG front load washer won’t turn on

Try to troubleshoot it for the presence of power supply by following the tips immediately above.

 

LG front load washer won’t start cycle

If it powers on but won’t start a wash cycle try the following:

• Check if water supply tap has been turned on – and turn it on (it sometimes won’t turn on if water supply is off).
• Check if you have closed the door– it won’t start if the door is not shut tight.
• Check the start button – perhaps it is your start button that is not responding when you hit start (it can be locked too so press then hold “child-lock” button for approximately 3 seconds to deactivate child lock).
• Check the installation– made sure your washer is level.
• Run diagnostic/service mode – try to enter the diagnostic/service mode for your model. It may give you clues about why it won’t start a cycle (you will find the procedure towards the end of the article). 

 

Advanced troubleshooting

Test if it has blown the board- the board will need to be replaced.

 

LG front load washer Fabric softener is overflowing

Probable cause:

You have put too much softener

Potential fix:

Follow softener guidelines as printed in your owners manual to ensure you have added the appropriate amount (Do not exceed maximum fill line).

 

LG front load washer Fabric dispenses too early

Probable cause:

Again this is probably due to adding too much softener

Potential fixes:

1. Put the recommended amount.
2. Also, try to close the machine’s dispenser drawer more slowly. Also avoid opening the drawer when the wash cycle is going on.

 

 

LG front load washer has bad smell

Here are the probable causes of the bad smell and what you can do to eliminate the foul odor:

Rubber door gasket (and the door seal area) are not clean

These need to be cleaned regularly since mold forms on them resulting in odors. Stuck foreign substances can be another cause.

Possible solution:

Be sure to thoroughly clean the gasket as well as the door seal frequently.

Something else: Inspect under the washer’s door seal for any stuck small items (and remove them) when you’re unloading the washer.

 

Foreign substances have been left inside the machine’s drainage pump filter

If a foreign item has found its way to the drain pump filter, then a terrible smell might start to come out over time.

Possible solution:

Clean the washer’s drainage pump filter as often as you can. 

If your washing machine has a persistently nasty odor, then you can try to use Affresh washing machine cleaner.

 

The drainage hose was not properly installed

The result of an improperly installed drain hose is siphoning (water starts to flow back inside your washing machine).

Possible solution:

When you’re installing the drain hose, double check that it won’t become kinked/blocked anywhere.

• Quick Tip: If it is smelling rubber, it is normal (due to the rubber part attached to your washing machine). Don’t worry- it will disappear after you run it a couple of times.

 

 

LG front load washer won’t unlock (LG front load washer won’t open)

If it won’t open, try the following:

• LG front load washer door latch replacement – Replace the door latch
• Replace the entire door switch and lock assembly– Sometimes the entire door switch and lock assembly need to be replaced to solve the problem.
• Replace the door sensor– Perhaps it is the door sensor that is defective. Again you need to change it out.

 

LG front load washer won’t finish cycle

If it gets stuck somewhere during the cycle and it won’t finish, the culprits could be the following:

• A load imbalance has been detected– Balance the amount of laundry you have loaded.
• There is insufficient water pressure – Check for adequate water pressure in the area from a different faucet (and ask a plumber to help diagnose the issue)
• Water temperature is not okay– Water needs to be heated up to the right temperature and improper temperature could prevent the cycle from finishing. Try to see if there are water heating problems in your washer and repair them (see error code tE below).

 

LG front load washer problems leaking (LG front load washer is leaking from bottom)

Here is what to check if your washer is leaking including from bottom:

1. Clean the drain hole– Clean the drain hole rigorously if it seems to be clogged/jammed with debris (Once clogged, it routinely causes drain problems leading to water accumulation and ultimately leaks.)
2. Check the soap dispenser drawer – Make sure there is nothing clogging it in there. Water sometimes leaks out from the detergent dispenser drawer if it is clogged.
3. Check if the door is sealing tightly- Check right underneath the glass (in the door) and along the bottom (on the inside) of the door. Some strands of hair could be caught in this seal and trigger a leak. Clean off anything that is caught in the seal.
4. Check the door boot – If the boot seal is distorted (or out of position), the door will again not seal properly. Try to return it to the usual position.

Advanced troubleshooting:

The parts that may need to be inspected and replaced to resolve the issue (if nothing has worked) are:

Drain pump filter

This traps lint (and debris) from drain water and can lead to leaks if it has malfunctioned. Changing it can hence stop the leaks in some cases. Check its price on Amazon now.

 

The door boot seal

If you could just order a new door boot seal for your LG front load washer, it might be what the washer needs to stop leakage.

Just to add, replacing the door boot seal (or gasket, as some call it) is often necessary after some time when it comes to these washers (the door seal at times gets covered in mold over time causing bad smell on clothes and leaks).

Order it on Amazon and watch this YouTube video if you don’t know how to do the swap.

 

Water inlet valve

If cracked or stuck, you could need to replace the Water inlet valve. 

Quick Tip: See how to prevent leaking problems in the future here.

 

LG front load washer problems: LG top load washing machine error code list

Now we shall look at typical LG front load washer error codes, their meaning, and potential fixes:

LG front load washer error code DE

Meaning:

The door is not latching (resulting in an inability to wash your clothes).

Best fix:

Replace the washer door switch + lock assembly. You can order it here (first check if your model is listed in the compatibility list).

There are a couple of easy-to-follow YouTube video tutorials on how to fix the ‘de’ error code on LG front loading washer so don’t be daunted by this inexpensive repair (even if you’re not mechanically inclined).

LG front load washer error code CL

So, what does CL mean on LG front load washer?

Well, it simply means child lock is activated (hence you cannot adjust any setting)

Potential solution:

Press then hold “child-lock” button for approximately 3 seconds. This might clear the CL error.

 

LG front load washer error code UE (LG front load washer error UE)

Error UE is one of the most common LG top loader washing machine error codes.

For the most part, this error code points to load imbalance (uneven load).

That being so, add some laundry to try and balance the load.

Also consider rearranging the load to create smoother spinning.

 

Advanced troubleshooting

1. Replace the rotor assembly

If the problem keeps occurring, it’s conceivable that the rotor need to be replaced.

Now, one way you can be sure that you have a bad rotor is through running a spin-only cycle (with nothing in the washer).

If it still gives a UE error (or stops), we suggest you replace the rotor.

Oh, and before that, ensure the nut that holds the rotor on is not loose- it occasionally causes the error.

 

2. Replace the main PCB (electronic control board)

You may eventually need to swap out the board to fix the unbalanced load fault- do this if nothing else works.

Quick Tip: Don’t wash heavy items such as cotton bath mats with lighter items as that may cause your washer to attempt to re-balance the load. We suggest washing similar items as they distribute evenly (Like items also hold water at around the same rate).
Keep in mind that when your washer tries to loosen an out-of-balance wash load, it often does swift direction changes, which typically kills the splines.

 

LG front load washer error code OE (LG front load washer error OE)

Possible causes:

• Drain line is likely kinked/clogged.
• The drain filter is probably clogged.
• The tube leading to the pressure_switch(from the drain hose) might be blocked. The tube has a small orifice that can be gunked up.
• The hose that goes from the base (of the drum) to the drain pump may have foreign objects caught there.

In all instances, the washer might fail to drain.

So, how do you fix a front loading washing machine that won’t drain?    

Well, below are the fixes we suggest you try:

Potential solutions:

1. Clear out and then try to straighten drain pipe.
2. Clean out drain filter.
3. Check the tube to the pressure_switch and clean up the tiny orifice, if necessary.
4. Clear up any objects in the hose going from the base (of the drum) to the drain pump.

Advanced troubleshooting

1. Install a new drain pump

Here is how to test if the drain pump is functional:

Source: LG.com

Now, if your drain pump is in perfect health, you should get a humming sound during the above test.

If not, your drain pump could be the issue.

Another way of confirming if the drain pump is defective is by testing for 120VAC at the drain pump plug using a multimeter.

Order a new drain pump if you get a different outcome.

Again we suggest that you look for and follow one of the many YouTube videos showing how to test and replace a drain pump on a front load washer (Here is one) before you go ahead with the procedure.

 

2. Check the control board

The control board could be the one not sending voltage (to the pump).

Here you can try to see if there is a wiring problem between the control board and pump (check the wiring all the way).

If not, perhaps you should buy a new control board (check price on Amazon) and install it (Here is a YouTube tutorial to help you do it). 

 

 

LG front load washer error code tE (LG top load washer error code tE)

Meaning:

Faulty thermistor.

Potential solution:

Replace the thermistor (it’s best to change the whole heating assembly -both thermistors and heating element).

Other fixes you may try out before going ahead with the heating element assembly replacement:

Check the wiring leading to the heater assembly and the thermistor… Make sure all is tight.

Also, inspect the wires running from the thermistor all the way BACK to the main control and ensure every part of the wiring is solid (no shorts or other weaknesses).

Repair any problems you notice and see if it fixes your washer up (there is a huge chance that a bad wire harness or wire connector is the cause).

Quick Tip: A great way of stopping the thermistor issue on LG front loaders is by eliminating the plug connectors. You instead splice the thermistor-with butt splice connectors-right to the harness.

 

LG front load washer error code LE (LG front load washer error LE)

Meaning:

There is possible overload in the washer so the motor has locked up (the motor can also lock up due to other strains).

Potential solution:

The first thing you should try is resetting the washer (follow the steps outlined at the start of the article)

If that doesn’t help, allow your washer to stand for 30 or so minutes then try to restart the cycle.

Quick Tip: Be sure to reduce the load size before you attempt fixing error code LE.

 

Advanced troubleshooting

If the error code won’t go away, it is very likely you’ll need to replace the speed sensor that’s found on the stator (it’s frequently the culprit).

A new stator or a new rotor may be needed in rare cases

 

LG front load washer error code IE

Error IE means the wash is not filling with water.

Possible causes:

• Water supply is insufficient in your area (maybe due to frozen lines)
• Water supply taps (hot and cold) not fully opened.
• There are kinks/blockages on water inlet hose(s).
• Drain hose not installed correctly.
• The filter -of your inlet hose(s)- clogged.
• You’re using floodsafe hoses

 

Potential solutions

1. Wait until water lines unfreeze –normal water supply will resume.
2. Open water taps fully.
3. Straighten the hose(s).
4. Re-install drain hose (as shown below)

Source: LG.com

    5. Check the filter -of your inlet hose- for possible clogging and clear it.

   6. Change to LG-recommended hoses.

Quick Tip: If the error is still popping up, your water valves may need to be swapped out (You replace both hot and cold water valve at the same time)

 

LG front load washer error code dE

Meaning:

Door isn’t latching/locking

Potential solution:

Try to shut the door tightly immediately. If it doesn’t, check if too many clothes are packed in, making the door go out of alignment and remove some then retry.

Another tip you can give a shot is re-arranging items so no clothes will be trapped by the door.

Advanced troubleshooting

1. Change the Door Lock – If your door lock (it secures the door) has malfunctioned, the door could stop latching properly so replace the door lock assembly.
2. Check the Door hinges– the hinges can cause locking issues if misaligned or damaged. Try to correct their alignment or change the hinges completely, if they’re damaged.

 

 

LG front load washer error code FE

Meaning:

Water is overfilling most commonly because of a bad water valve

Potential solution:

Replace your inlet water valve (they are not usually very expensive –check price here– and it’s not too much work as you can see here).

 

LG front load washer error code PE

Meaning:

Water level sensor might have stopped working properly (not giving accurate value)

Potential solution:

Check if there is a problem with the wiring..

Check wiring harness at the sensor as well as the control board (get rid of any corrosion and double check that your wiring harnesses are all tight- If you found damaged wires, change them out).

Also check if there’s continuity on the wires (all of them).

For the sensor itself, take it off and clean out any debris.

Do the same to any debris in the tube that is connecting to the sensor.

If you have done all that and the error still recurs, then replace the part.

 

LG front load washer error code PF

Meaning:

Power failure occurred.

Potential fix:

Restart the cycle once power is restored.

 

LG front load washer error code AE

Meaning:

Potential water leaks.

Possible solution:

Inspect the hoses (the entire water line system) and try to seal any leaks.

 

How to reset LG front load washer error codes

To clear any LG front load washer error code, simply reset the washer.

Here are the steps:

• Unplug it
• Press and hold “Start/Pause” button for about five minutes.
• Plug it back in.

LG front load washer problems – other issues and suggest solutions

 

My LG front load washer is not spinning      

Below is how to fix a front loading washing machine that won’t spin:

Verify that the washer’s door is shut firmly (The door must always be locked firmly before spin can start).

If it was not, close the door then press “Start/Pause”

After pressing the button, it might take a few seconds before the washer begins to spin.

There is another thing you could want to try: Balancing the load (unbalanced load may result in spinning issues)

So add 1 or 2 items (put similar laundry items) to help properly balance the load. You may also try to rearrange load to help restore proper spinning.

Advanced troubleshooting

There are some parts that may be defective or malfunctioning, causing the no-spin issue.

Here they are:

• Test for a faulty door latch -Look at the door lock assembly and get a replacement.
• Motor Control Board –Sometimes it’s the motor control board and again you need a replacement (but this should be your last thing to test).

 

LG front load washer is not draining 

Now we will look at these issues:

1. LG front load washer wont drain at all
2. LG front load washer won’t drain or spin
3. LG front load washer won’t drain water
4. LG tromm front load washer won’t drain
5. LG top load washer won’t drain and there is oe error

Here are the general fixes for the above drainage and spinning problems when it comes to different LG front loading washers:

First check if the OE error is displayed because if it’s the surest sign that there is a drainage problem. 

Here is what you should do now:

Check if the drain hose is kinked – Try to undo the kink.

Check the drain pump filter -Check if the drain pump filter is clogged and try to unclog it. You always want the filter clean.

• Quick Tip: In the case of LG top load washing machines, the filter can be in the backside of the washing machine or inside the machine itself and that depends on the model …

Unclog the drain hose- You can try to extend the hose a little bit far then pinch the hose (Start near the washer and move to the open end). What you want to do by doing this is push any debris (or sand and lint) from the hose. Once that is cleared, water may flow properly and the drain filter may empty. You can even break up and push the sand out by inserting a long thin stick in there.

Check the drain hose installation– Ensure the pipe is not too high or too low off the ground. Once you correct the height, the hose may start to drain properly.

Advanced troubleshooting

There might be a defective part hence the issue. The most common culprits are:

1. The drain pump – You need to test it then replace depending on the results.
2. The Drain Pump filter– Replace it if unclogging doesn’t help.

 

LG front load washer not drying clothes

Probable causes:

• There are drainage issues
• The machine is overloaded

Potential fixes:

1. Troubleshoot for drainage problems (as described above)– if the washer is not draining the right way, it won’t extract water fully from clothes.
2. Add a couple of towels- this may help balance the load.

 

LG front load washer won’t fill with water

See LG front load washer error code IE

 

LG front load washer has water in drum     

If water fills up in the drum when it is not being used, it is pretty likely that the washer’s water inlet valve is leaking (a little).

You see, if it is faulty, water will slowly begin to leak and you’ll find water in the drum next time you want to use it.

So a lot of people fix this issue by changing it.

You can order the part here (and you can follow this Video for the steps).

Naturally, there are other possible causes but the valve is time and time again at fault.

 

LG front load washer is smoking (LG front load washer has burning smell)

If it does smoke (it will also be very noisy during wash in some instances), chances are the drum is rubbing significantly on the bellows or there is a bearing issue on the drum, or both.

That said, the most common cause is a broken drum support spindle… it’s frustrating that, on many washers, it is made out of super cheap metal that cannot hold up the entire time.

So the solution is typically repairing the drum support spindle and bearings.

This video will show you the steps.

 

LG front load washer has water in soap dispenser

Soap can little by little build up in the soap dispenser and the attachments progressively.

The problem is, water and additives won’t dispense completely and water will be remaining in the soap dispenser if the residue is not cleaned at regular intervals (once a month or more often).

 

LG front load washer problems- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How do I put my LG front load washer on service mode?

To enter LG top load washer service mode, follow these steps:

Preliminaries:

1. Plug it in (but make sure it is OFF)
2. Ensure water is hooked up to the washer (like the way it usually is when you’re using it)

Now do the following:

• Press the “Soil” button
• Then press and hold the special U S button
• Next, turn the “Power” button on.
• You’ll hear two loud beeps that indicate it is switching to service mode. The first screen you’ll see is the Main Program Version.
• Now to start the Tests, press Start button. Once you press it once, it takes you to the display and program version.
• Press it again to move forward to the next test.
• Keep pressing Start until all the self-tests are completed (and note the issues it communicates).

Quick Tip: The above steps might vary a little from one front load model to the next so search for the tech sheet for your specific model if these steps do not work.

 

How do I force my LG top load washer to drain?

Turn on your washer and press “spin” button. You then press “start”.

Wait a few minutes -the spin cycle will complete and your washer should, hopefully, have drained out totally.

 

Should you see suds in front load washer?

Well, not really.

Now, if you see suds while doing a wash, you are probably over soaping the unit so try to use the correct amount that you should be using (check your owners manual, if unsure)

Here is the thing:

If you have been seeing suds overflow for some time, it is likely there is residue buildup (in the drum) and it is important to remove this residue buildup (by running a cleaning cycle).

That way, the issue of overflowing suds will stop.

Also: Make sure you’re always using a high-efficiency detergent (most top loaders models needs HE soap, which is already a low-sudsing soap)

Switch immediately, if you are not.

 

LG front load washer problems -Final words

In case these fixes do not work on your washer, reach out to an authorized technician for further troubleshooting.

Oh, and you want to contact LG directly and request for repair if your washer is still under manufacturer’s warranty (self-repair will void your warranty)

ALSO READ:

LG washing machine cycles explained

LG washing machine start button not responding [Fixed!]