LG Washing Machine: not heating

Possible Causes

Faulty internal heating element

How to Identify: Water remains cold despite correct temperature setting; heating element continuity test shows open circuit or visible damage/corrosion

Part: Heating element (tubular heater)

Control board or relay failure

How to Identify: No voltage delivered to heater despite correct settings and good heater element; diagnostic codes or power tests indicate control issue

Part: Main control board / heater relay

DIY Solutions

Verify and Select Correct Hot/Warm Wash Cycle

Easy 2-5 minutes

1. Power on the washer and review the wash program selection.
2. Ensure a cycle that supports internal water heating is selected.
3. Set temperature to warm or hot explicitly and re-run a wash to check if water heats.

Test Heating Element Continuity

Moderate 15-30 minutes

Tools Needed: Multimeter, Screwdriver set

1. Unplug washer from power.
2. Access the heater element behind the washer drum per model service manual.
3. Disconnect heater wiring and use a multimeter to check continuity; a reading of open circuit indicates failure.
4. If open, replace the heating element assembly with an OEM part.

⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before opening machine.

Next step

Choose the next step for not heating

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

Based on diagnostic data

Most relevant component to inspect

Heating Element

Heats the water or air inside the appliance to the required temperature.

Typical part-only price

$40 - $95

DIY difficulty

Medium

Estimated time

30-45 mins

Optional: enter your model number

Apply

Where can I find the model number?

Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.

Find a part that fits my model

Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.

Other parts options

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

Possible related component

Main Control Board

The central brain of the appliance that controls all components, cycles, and timings.

$120 - $280 · Medium · 20-40 mins

Check fit & price

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

Replace Faulty Heating Element

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

Inspect and Repair Control Board or Thermistor

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Heating element tests show failure but user is not comfortable replacing it

Control board or sensor failure suspected

Error codes displayed related to heating subsystem

Preventive Maintenance

• Run periodic maintenance wash: Mineral buildup on heating element and sensor errors
  Frequency: monthly
• Check cycle settings regularly: Misuse of incorrect temperature settings
  Frequency: Before each wash

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine not heating?

The most common cause is a faulty internal heating element. A control board failure is less frequent.

How do I fix LG Washing Machine not heating myself?

Select the correct hot/warm wash cycle and test the heating element's continuity with a multimeter.

How much does it cost to fix not heating?

Replacing the heating element costs $80 - $250, while control board repairs range from $150 - $400.

When should I call a technician for not heating?

If DIY solutions do not resolve the issue or if you're uncomfortable with electrical components, call a technician.

References & Sources

• LG washing machine - Water heater is malfunctioning and the water does not heat up Official

Common Issues Reported by Users

• Thermistor failure (2 mentions)
• Fill valve malfunction (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions