Lg Washing Machine: not responding to power button

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG washing machine unresponsive when pressing the power button? No lights or displays activate, making it seem dead. This issue may stem from a power supply problem, Control Lock being engaged, or a faulty door lock switch. Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • Touch‑type buttons on many LG washers require a 1‑second press rather than a quick tap.

Possible Causes

Power supply or outlet issue

How to Identify: No lights/display when plugging in; outlet might be dead; other devices won’t run on that outlet

Part: Power cord and house outlet

Control Lock / Child Lock engaged

How to Identify: Lock icon (CL showing on display; buttons except power might not work until disabled

Part: Control panel lock feature

Door/lid not fully closed or faulty door lock switch

How to Identify: Washer won’t power on or start cycle; no click when closing door; some models require door lock before powering

Part: Door lock assembly

Faulty control panel or power button component

How to Identify: No clicking sound when pressing button; other buttons also unresponsive; display stays blank

Part: Control panel/buttons

Main control board failure

How to Identify: After checking basic supply and panel, still no response; visible burn marks on board or failed diagnostics

Part: Main control board (PCB)

DIY Solutions

Check power supply and outlet

Easy 5–15 minutes
Tools Needed: outlet tester or another working appliance
  1. Unplug washer and ensure it is firmly plugged into a working wall outlet
  2. Test outlet with another device to confirm it has power
  3. Reset GFCI or circuit breaker if tripped
  4. Try a different known‑working outlet
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before inspecting cords

Disable Control Lock / Child Lock

Easy 1–3 minutes
  1. Look for lock icon on display indicating Control Lock is active
  2. Press and hold the specified buttons (usually 3 seconds) to disable Control Lock per LG manual
  3. Try pressing the power button again
⚠️ Safety First: Refer to model manual for exact button combo

Reset washer electronics

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Unplug washer from power source
  2. Wait 2–5 minutes to allow residual power to drain
  3. Plug washer back in and press power button
  4. If available, press and hold Power and Start/Pause buttons for 5 seconds to force reset
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before unplugging

Inspect door/lid closure and lock switch

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: flashlight
  1. Open and firmly close washer door or lid
  2. Listen for click from lock mechanism
  3. Look for debris or obstructions preventing latch engagement
  4. If door lock doesn’t click, consider replacing door lock switch
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off power before inspecting switch

Professional Repairs

Replace control panel or power button assembly

Estimated Cost: $80–$250

Main control board replacement

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

When to Call a Professional

If power supply and reset steps fail and control panel remains unresponsive
If internal components such as control board or door lock switch need replacement
Visible electrical damage, burning smell, or sparking occurs

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly clean control panel around buttons: Debris buildup causing unresponsive controls
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check power cord and outlet condition: Power interruptions due to wear or outlet issues
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine not responding to power button?
The top causes include power supply issues, Control Lock being engaged, or a faulty door lock switch.
How do I fix LG Washing Machine not responding to power button myself?
Check the power supply, disable Control Lock, reset the electronics, and inspect the door closure.
How much does it cost to fix not responding to power button?
Professional repair costs range from $80 to $400, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not responding to power button?
If DIY solutions do not work or if the problem 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?

70%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty power cord or plug causing intermittent connection.
  • Malfunctioning control board or user interface panel.
  • Electrical surge or short circuit leading to temporary shutdown.

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect the power cord and plug for any visible damage. If damaged, replace the power cord. Ensure the outlet is functioning by testing it with another device.

  2. Reset the washing machine by unplugging it for at least 5 minutes. After plugging it back in, try the power button again.

  3. Inspect the control board for any signs of burning or damage. If damaged, replace the control board. This may require professional assistance.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. LG WM9000HVA Non-responsive to power button until unplugged ...

Community Discussions

Non-responsive to power button until unplugged for 5 minutes. Small spark when plugging it back in.

Unplugging the unit for 5 minutes allowed it to start up again.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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