Lg Washing Machine: not responding

Possible Causes

Power supply issues

How to Identify: Washer shows no lights or display, plug might be loose, circuit breaker may be tripped, outlet might have no power (confirmed by testing with another device.

Part: Power outlet / circuit breaker / power cord

Child Lock / Control Lock activated

How to Identify: Display shows CL or Control Lock indicator, buttons other than power do not work until feature is deactivated.

Part: Control panel lock feature

Faulty or unresponsive control panel / button microswitch

How to Identify: Washer has power (lights on but pressing start/power buttons yields no response; buttons feel loose or non-clicky.

Part: Control panel / start button microswitch

Door/Lid switch or latch not engaging

How to Identify: Washer shows power but won’t start cycle; door not fully closed or no audible click when closing, sometimes error code appears.

Part: Door latch / lid switch assembly

DIY Solutions

Check and restore power supply

Easy 10 minutes

Tools Needed: multimeter (optional)

1. Verify washer is firmly plugged into a working wall outlet.
2. Test the outlet by plugging in another device to confirm power.
3. Check your home’s circuit breaker panel and reset any tripped breaker controlling the laundry area.
4. Avoid using extension cords or power strips; plug directly into wall outlet if possible.

⚠️ Safety First: Always ensure hands are dry when interacting with electrical outlets.

Deactivate Control Lock / Child Lock

Easy 2–5 minutes

1. Look for a Control Lock or Child Lock indicator on the display.
2. Press and hold designated buttons (e.g., Temp + Spin or Pre Wash + Tub Clean depending on model) for 3–5 seconds to toggle the lock off.
3. Try starting a wash cycle once control lock is disabled.

Reset the washer (hard reset)

Easy 5–7 minutes

1. Turn off the washer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Wait 2–5 minutes to allow capacitors to discharge and control board reset.
3. Plug the washer back in and power it on.
4. Attempt to start a wash cycle.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before unplugging.

Check door/lid closure and latch

Easy 5 minutes

1. Open and firmly close the washer door or lid until you hear a click.
2. Inspect latch area for visible debris or obstruction and clean if needed.
3. If the latch doesn’t engage properly, the door switch may need replacement.

Professional Repairs

Replace faulty control panel or button microswitch

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

Replace door latch / lid switch assembly

Estimated Cost: $40 - $120

Main control board replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Washer still doesn’t respond after checking power, control lock, door latch, and reset attempts

Visible internal electrical damage or burnt components

Control panel or board replacement required due to diagnostic tests

Preventive Maintenance

• Periodic power and control panel check: Unexpected unresponsiveness due to control lock or loose connections
  Frequency: monthly
• Inspect door latch and clean debris: Failure to start due to door latch not engaging
  Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine not responding?

Common causes include power supply issues, activated control lock, or a faulty door latch.

How do I fix LG Washing Machine not responding myself?

Try checking the power supply, deactivating control lock, or ensuring the door latch is secure.

How much does it cost to fix not responding?

Professional repair costs range from $40 to $400 depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not responding?

Call a technician if DIY solutions fail or if the issue seems complex.

References & Sources

• LG Washer - Troubleshooting Unresponsive Washer Buttons Official
• LG Washer – Why Won’t My LG Washing Machine Power On? Official
• LG Washer Won’t Turn On: Troubleshooting Power and Start Issues Repair-Blog

Common Issues Reported by Users

• Control board failure (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

1. Replace the control board

   Success rate: 50.0%

Community Discussions

displays three dashes and controls not working

The control board was replaced.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair