The dR code on your LG washer can mean two different things, depending on your model.
When you see the dR code on your LG washer, it likely refers to a problem with the door switch. The most likely reason is that the door switch has failed. However, a damaged door hinge or latch could cause misalignment and indirectly trigger the dR code as well. On top-loading machines, the dR code simply means the washer is draining after being left idle for too long.
We will dive deeper into the possible reasons and solutions for the dR code appearing on your LG washing machine.
What the dR code means on your LG Washer
When it comes to the dR error code on LG washers, there are two possible meanings. Firstly, the dR error code on some models refers to a problem with the door switch.
Secondly, however, top-loading LG washer models that show the dR code aren’t experiencing an error at all. Instead, the dR code means that the washer has timed out and is draining out any remaining water from the drum.
Accompanying Symptoms
As the dR code appears on your LG washer, you’ll also notice a few accompanying symptoms that go along with it. These tell-tale signs include:
- Water is draining out of the washer automatically.
- In addition, you can hear the door lock attempting to engage repeatedly, but the wash cycle you’ve selected does not start.
Possible Causes and Solutions
Here are the most likely causes that trigger the dR code on your washer and what you can do to fix them.
Washer Has Timed Out (Top-Loading Models)
How this happens: There is a timeout feature that prevents you from accidentally wasting electricity on top-loading LG washing machines.
For instance, if the washing machine has been turned on but left unattended for 4 minutes without starting a wash cycle, the machine will time out. Then, it will trigger the dR code as it drains all water out from the drum when this happens. Then, the washer will turn itself off.
The second possibility is that an ongoing wash cycle might have been paused. If the cycle has not been resumed after 8 minutes, then the same will happen. The washer will time out and display the dR code as it drains all water from inside the drum.
In both cases, the dR code is not an error code. Instead, it’s a code that identifies the action it is taking, which is to drain the drum free of any water, suds and detergent (if any).
How to fix it: Suppose this is why the dR code appears on your washer display. If that’s the case, then there is nothing to fix. Instead, you can prevent it from happening by starting a wash cycle within 4 minutes of turning the machine and never pausing it mid-cycle for more than 8 minutes.
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Failed Door Switch
What it is: The door switch in your LG washer plays a crucial role. The switch senses whether or not the door is shut securely and communicates that information to the washer. Only when the door is sensed to be shut can the machine begin the wash cycle you have chosen.
The door switch is a part of the door lock assembly, located right behind the front panel. More precisely, the door lock assembly is found where the door closes and latches onto the machine.
How it fails: There are two likely reasons why the door switch has failed. The first has to do with wear and tear. Remember: the door switch engages every time you open and close the door on your washer. So, excessive wear over many years can cause it to stop working correctly.
Besides that, the door switch is an electrical component. That means it could have suffered an electrical fault, such as a short circuit. This issue most likely happens because of exposure to excessive moisture or heat from inside the washer.
Alternatively, it could also happen if the washer as a whole suffered from an electrical surge.
How to fix it: The door switch is a part of the door lock assembly. Therefore, you can fix this problem by replacing that assembly.
- First, you’ll need to gain access to the door lock assembly. You can do this with the door open and by removing the clip that secures the door gasket in place. With that removed, you can gently pull the gasket part closest to where the door lock assembly is located.
- Then, you can dismount the assembly by removing the two screws holding it in place. Once you’ve done that, pull the assembly from behind the front panel and disconnect its wire harness.
- After that, you can insert the replacement door lock assembly. Start by reconnecting the harness, then mounting it on the front panel with the two screws from before.
- Lastly, put the door gasket back on and secure it with the clip.
Damaged Door Hinge or Latch
Source: CNET
What it is: The door on your LG washer doesn’t just rely on electrical parts like the door lock assembly. Two other parts play a crucial role: the door hinge and the door latch.
The door hinge is how the door is mounted onto the washing machine. This hinge allows the door to open and close freely. More importantly, the hinge ensures that the door is perfectly aligned at all times.
The latch, on the other hand, is what slides into the door lock assembly. This latch is part of the mechanism that keeps the door locked securely, allowing the machine to begin the wash cycle you have selected.
How it fails: The door hinge and latch are two separate parts, but they can suffer damage and trigger the dR error code indirectly. For instance, if the hinge or latch have suffered impact and become bent in any way, the door will no longer be aligned correctly. Even when the door is shut, misalignment can prevent the door switch from sensing that the door is shut securely.
How to fix it: To fix this, first inspect the door hinge. If the screws are loose, tighten them firmly. However, if you find that the hinge is bent or damaged, you must replace them.
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The same is also true of the door latch. Close the door and ensure that the latch is perfectly aligned with the door switch assembly. If the latch is bent, it will need to be replaced.
In both cases, you will need to remove the screws on the inside of the door. That will free the panel, behind which you can replace the hinge and the latch as needed.
How To Clear The dR Error Code On Your LG Washer
To clear the dR error code on your LG washer, first, troubleshoot and repair the issue that triggered it. As described above, the issue might be that the machine was left idle for too long. If that’s the case, you can simply turn the washer off and on again to clear the code.
However, if the cause is a failed door switch, latch, or hinge, those parts will need troubleshooting as described in the steps above.
Once the root cause has been resolved, you can reset your LG washer to clear the dR error code.
How To Reset An LG Washer
To reset your LG washer, follow this straightforward process:
- First, the washing machine must be turned off at the source. That means removing the wall socket and turning off the dedicated circuit breaker.
- While the machine is off, press the Start/Pause button for five seconds. This step will help to discharge any electricity that might be retained inside the washer.
- Once that’s done, you can then turn the machine back on again. That marks the end of the reset process.
As a reminder, you must fix the root cause before resetting the machine and clearing the error code. If you do not, then the code will simply reappear again soon after.
How To Test Your LG Washer After Fixing It
The best way to test your LG washer after fixing it is to run a complete wash cycle. The dR code affects the beginning stages of a wash cycle, i.e. when you shut the door. So, choose the shortest wash cycle available and see if the code appears again at the beginning.
You can also let that wash cycle run until the end to ensure that no other error codes might appear along the way.
Alternatively, you can also test your washer by running the machine’s diagnostics mode.
How To Enter Diagnostics Mode On Your LG Washer
To enter the diagnostics mode on your LG washer, follow these steps carefully:
- Firstly, put your washer on standby. That means the machine is still connected to its power source, though the machine has been turned off at the control panel.
- Next, press and hold the Spin Speed and Soil Level buttons together.
- Then, at the same time, press the Power button until you hear the machine play a ‘ding’ sound twice. That sound means the washer is now in diagnostic mode.
- Here, you can cycle through the individual tests by pressing the Start/Pause button. As you progress through each stage, the washer will display an error code only if there is a problem.
In the end, the machine will turn off. That marks the end of the diagnostics mode.
