LG Washing Machine: delay wash function not working as expected

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG washing machine's delay wash function failing to start at the scheduled time? Users often find that the delay start feature is unresponsive, either starting immediately or not at all. This issue can stem from incorrect settings, model limitations, or even power interruptions. Learn how to troubleshoot and resolve this common problem effectively.

Urgency: Low

Important Tips for LG Models

  • Delay wash/delay start must be set after selecting a wash cycle and before pressing Start; if user changes cycle after setting delay, the delay must be re‑set.

Possible Causes

Incorrect use or sequence when setting the delay wash feature

How to Identify: User has not selected the wash cycle first, not pressed the delay button repeatedly to choose hours, or not pressed Start after setting the delay.

Part: User interface / control panel

Model does not support delay wash/delay start

How to Identify: Delay wash option not visible or unavailable on specific models; manual states lacking feature.

Part: Control software/feature set

Power interruption or unstable power during delay period

How to Identify: Delay timer reset after power loss; machine does not start at set time; power irregularity reported.

Part: Electrical/power subsystem

Control panel glitch or temporary software error

How to Identify: Delay function unresponsive despite correct settings and no power issues; may require reset.

Part: Control board / microcontroller

DIY Solutions

Set Delay Wash Correctly

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Turn on the machine and load laundry and detergent.
  2. Select the desired wash cycle.
  3. Press the Delay Wash/Delay Start button repeatedly to choose the delay time.
  4. Press the Start/Pause button to begin the delay countdown.
  5. Verify display shows the delay time set before leaving the machine.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not leave clothes in washer for long after delay to prevent odor.

Reset Washing Machine to Clear Interface Errors

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Turn off the machine and unplug it from outlet.
  2. Wait ~5 minutes.
  3. Plug machine back in and power on.
  4. Re‑set delay wash following correct sequence.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure machine is unplugged safely before resetting.

Next step

Choose the next step for delay wash function not working as expected

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Other parts options

Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.

Model number required

Model-compatible Washing Machine parts

Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.

Find a part that fits my model

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Optional routine care

Maintenance supplies

These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.

Maintenance supply

Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Braided Washer Inlet Hoses

A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Washer Drain Hose Holder

Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.

View maintenance supply

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.

Professional Repairs

Control Board / Touch Panel Diagnostic and Repair

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

When to Call a Professional

Control panel or display shows errors and reset does not restore delay function
Delay feature physically non‑responsive or buttons unresponsive
Other unrelated machine malfunctions present

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check and clean control panel regularly: Unresponsive buttons or mis‑registered inputs leading to improper feature activation
    Frequency: monthly
  • Verify power stability to outlet: Timer resets and segment loss during delay period
    Frequency: periodically

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine Delay wash function not working as expected?
Common causes include incorrect settings, model limitations, or power interruptions.
How do I fix LG Washing Machine Delay wash function not working as expected myself?
Ensure proper settings for the delay function or reset the machine by unplugging it for 5 minutes.
How much does it cost to fix Delay wash function not working as expected?
Professional repairs for control board or touch panel diagnostics range from $150 to $350.
When should I call a technician for Delay wash function not working as expected?
Consider calling a technician if basic troubleshooting does not resolve the issue.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • User confusion regarding the delay end feature instead of a delay start feature
  • Incorrect settings selected on the control panel
  • Software glitch or firmware issue in the washing machine

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Review the user manual to understand the delay end feature and how it operates. Ensure you are using it correctly by selecting the desired wash cycle and then the delay option.

  2. Reset the washing machine by unplugging it for a few minutes, then plugging it back in. This can clear any temporary software glitches.

  3. Check for any firmware updates available for your model. If an update is available, follow the manufacturer's instructions to install it.

Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. LG washer delay wash

Community Discussions

delay wash function seems to delay the end of the wash instead of the start

LG washers have a delay end feature instead of a delay start feature, which can cause confusion.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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