5 Common LG Washer Problems & How to Fix Them Yourself

We’ve compiled a list of the 5 most common LG washing machine problems. Don’t pay for an expensive repair! Learn how to fix the most common LG washing machine issues, from broken motor harnesses to stuck water inlet valves and noisy drain pumps.

Quick Fix Checklist: Solve the 5 Most Common LG Issues

If your LG washer is failing, it’s likely due to one of these five common culprits. Use this checklist to identify your problem fast:

• Drain Pump Failure (4-6 Years): If your washer is making a loud grinding noise during the spin cycle or won’t drain, the pump is likely blocked by a small object or the motor has worn out.
• Broken Motor Wire Harness: If the washer agitates poorly or makes “weird” noises while spinning, vibrations may have snapped a wire in the main motor harness.
• Stuck Water Inlet Valve: If you find water in the drum even when the washer is off, your inlet valve is stuck open due to calcium buildup and must be replaced.
• Leaking From the Back: Check the connections where the hoses meet the washer. If they are tight but still leaking, the internal solenoid seals on the inlet valves have likely failed.
• Position Sensor (RPS) Fault: If the machine stutters or stops mid-cycle, the wire leading to the drum’s position sensor may be broken, cutting off communication to the control board.

Read this Comprehensive Guide to LG Washing Machine Troubleshooting and Repairs

Drain Pump Can Stop Working After 4-6 years

Has your LG washing machine stopped draining as it should? If so, you could be looking at an issue with the drain pump. Small objects or particles of clothing can sometimes get caught in the drain pump.

Sometimes you even can hear excessive noise coming from the drain pump. It will happen during the drain and spin cycle. It is a different noise than the spinning of the drum, and disrupts the normal draining sound. This is the first sign that the pump needs your attention.

To determine if the pump is blocked or malfunctioned, you’ll need to access it and see if there are any obstructions. This can be a complicated process and is better left to a technician if you are not comfortable working with electrical components.

If you find items inside, remove them completely. If you don’t find any and the pump is either noisy or not turning on, you’ll need to replace the part. Parts can be purchased at various online retailers, including Amazon. The part is usually less then $30 if you can walk yourself through these steps.

Note: we may receive a small commission off your purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Here’s how to locate and repair the drain pump:

1. Disconnect the power to the washer (always your first step!)
2. Remove the two lower screws on the rear bracket that hold the top in position
3. Pull the top back about an inch, lift straight up, and remove
4. Take the soap drawer completely out
5. Remove the screws that hold the soap housing in place
6. Remove the screw on the right side of the control panel (if there is one)
7. Remove the control panel by lifting it up and setting it on top of the machine
8. Open the door on the bottom left corner of the washer, and set it aside
9. Remove the drain hose and empty the water present. Set the hose aside
10. Loosen the screw at the bottom of the drain clean out
11. Remove the assembly
12. Remove the final screw holding the front panel in place
13. Open the washer door and remove the band clamp that holds the bellows in place
14. Peel the boot away from the front panel and push into the washer opening
15. Unplug the wiring harness from the bottom of the door lock assembly
16. Close the door and remove the four screws across the top. Be sure to hold the front panel as you remove the last screw
17. Remove the front panel and set aside
18. Remove the hoses attached to the drain pump
19. Loosen and remove the final screws on the front that hold the drain pump in place
20. Lift the pump assembly out
21. Disconnect the wiring harness and remember where the wires go
22. Remove the screws that hold the pump motor to the pump body
23. Take the cover off the existing motor
24. Install the new pump motor and begin working backward to reassemble your machine

Motor Wire Harness Can Break

Another common issue with LG washing machines is you may notice weird noises during the spin cycle. This can be caused by issues with the wiring harness that’s connected to the motor.

Wires commonly break off due to vibration and this disrupts communication between the control board and the motor.

If this occurs you will need to locate the motor inside the washer and visually inspect all the wires.

If you find that a wire is burnt or broken, simply replace the wiring harness or repair the wire that’s broken, if possible.

Position Sensor Wire Can Break

The position sensor is important for communication with the control board. Because it sending the exact position of the motor.

If the wire becomes detached or broken, it can cause your LG washer to stop functioning properly. LG washing machine problems.

Again, you’ll need to locate the wiring to the position sensor and check it for damages.

If you find any damages it will require you changing the wiring harness, or simply repairing the wire that’s broken.

Here’s how to replace this wiring harness:

1. Disconnect the power and shut off the water supply
2. Remove the hot and cold water supply lines from the inlet valve. Water will spill out
3. Carefully tip the machine back so it’s laying on the rear panel
4. Unthread the mounting nut for the rotor
5. Carefully remove the rotor assembly
6. Use a socket to remove the mounting bolts from the stator
7. Disconnect the wiring harness
8. Install the new wiring harness the same way you removed it
9. Reassemble your machine

4. Water Inlet Valve Can Be Stuck OPEN

LG washing machines will begin overfilling with water due to calcium build up in the solenoid valve and thus valve can be stuck in OPEN position.

This issue sometimes happens even when a washing machine is OFF

So, if you will see a lot of clear water in the drum on the next day after laundry, that’s a sign that something wrong with the inlet valve.

The first thing you will want to check is the inlet valve. These parts commonly fail, as they become stuck mechanically in an open position. LG washing machine problems.

Here’s how to replace this part:

1. Disconnect all power going to the washer
2. Turn off the hot and cold water supply valves
3. Remove the hoses from the inlet valve. Some water will spill out
4. Remove the screws at the rear of the main top
5. Slide the main top back about one inch, and lift up to remove
6. Note the location of the solenoid wires to the old inlet valve and disconnect them
7. Use pliers to remove the four hoses – remember where these go before pulling them off
8. Remove the mounting screws that hold the valve in place
9. Pull the old valve out
10. Install the new valve and move backward to reassemble your washer

Washer Inlet Valve Leaking Water on the Floor

Another common issue with the water inlet valve on an LG washing machine occurs when it begins leaking water on the floor.

This water may be coming from either the hot or cold inlet valve.

The water supply lines are under constant pressure, and when water solenoids worn out and not able to keep pressure, you will notice water leaking from them.

Before checking the water inlet valve, first make sure the hot and cold supply hoses are tightened securely. If you find they are loose, simply tighten and see if your problem is gone.

Pro Tip: The “Overnight Water” Test

Is your washer mystery-filling with water while you sleep? To confirm a Water Inlet Valve failure, simply turn off the water taps behind the machine tonight. If the drum is dry in the morning, you’ve confirmed that the valve is leaking and needs to be replaced.

If you do this, and still see water leaking, follow the steps above to replace the water inlet valve because it’s probably faulty and stuck in an open position.

LG Washing Machine Error Codes

The table below has common codes. Be sure to click on the links for more detailed repairs.

• CL simply means Child Lock is on — hold the Child Lock button for 3 seconds to turn it off.
• IE + OE are the most common (water supply or drainage issues).
• UE often resolves by redistributing laundry.