Lg Washing Machine: not completing cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG washing machine not completing its cycle? This issue often arises when the machine halts during the wash, rinse, or spin stages, potentially leaving water inside the drum. Common causes include drainage problems, door lock malfunctions, or issues with water filling. Identifying the root cause can help you resolve the problem efficiently.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG washing machines can automatically power off if paused for ~4 minutes and not resumed; restart cycle first before deeper troubleshooting.

Possible Causes

Drainage issues (clogged drain/pump or hose)

How to Identify: Water remains in drum at stop, slow or no draining; machine may hum during drain attempts

Part: Drain pump / drain hose

Door lock / lid switch malfunction

How to Identify: Display error codes related to door or machine stops soon after start or when door vibrations occur; door not latching securely

Part: Door lock mechanism / lid switch assembly

Water inlet issues preventing proper fill

How to Identify: Cycle halts during fill stage; low water level detected

Part: Water inlet valve/pressure switch

DIY Solutions

Check and clear drain pump filter and hose

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, towel, bucket
  1. Unplug washer and locate drain pump filter (usually behind lower front panel)
  2. Place towel/bucket, open filter cover, remove debris and objects
  3. Inspect and clear drain hose and pump inlet for blockages
  4. Reconnect and run a rinse/drain cycle to test
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before accessing components

Redistribute laundry and run spin only

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Pause and open washer door when safe
  2. Redistribute clothes evenly in drum
  3. Restart on Spin Only or equivalent program
  4. Ensure machine is level and stable

Power cycle/reset washer

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Turn off washer and unplug from outlet
  2. Wait 5 minutes to allow internal reset
  3. Plug in and power on
  4. Select short cycle to test

Professional Repairs

Replace door lock/lid switch assembly

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

Drain pump replacement

Estimated Cost: $120 - $300

Main control board replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500

When to Call a Professional

Persistent stops after basic DIY troubleshooting
Burning smell or visible electrical damage
Repeated error codes not resolved by resets

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean drain filter: Clogs leading to mid-cycle stops
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check machine level: Unbalanced load issues
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect hoses and inlet filters: Water flow issues
    Frequency: biannually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine not completing cycle?
Common causes include drainage issues, door lock malfunctions, and water inlet problems.
How do I fix LG Washing Machine not completing cycle myself?
Check the drain pump filter, redistribute laundry, or power cycle the washer.
How much does it cost to fix not completing cycle?
Professional repairs range from $100 to $500 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not completing cycle?
If DIY solutions fail or if the issue seems complex, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged or dirty drain filter
  • Faulty door latch or door switch
  • Malfunctioning water level sensor

User Suggested Solutions

  1. 1. Unplug the washing machine. 2. Locate the drain filter (usually at the bottom front). 3. Place a towel or shallow pan under the filter to catch water. 4. Open the filter and clean out any debris. 5. Close the filter and plug the machine back in. 6. Run a test cycle.

  2. 1. Unplug the washing machine. 2. Check the door latch for any visible damage. 3. If necessary, replace the door latch or door switch. 4. Reassemble and test the machine.

  3. 1. Unplug the washing machine. 2. Access the water level sensor (usually located near the control board). 3. Inspect for any blockages or damage. 4. Replace the sensor if faulty. 5. Reassemble and run a test cycle.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. LG Washer Keeps Throwing OE Code, and filter keeps draining ...

Community Discussions

Keeps throwing OE code, won't complete a cycle

Cleaned the debris filter after draining water, successfully ran a cycle.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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