Lg Washing Machine: not starting

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG washing machine not starting? If the power button is pressed and nothing happens, with a blank display or unresponsive buttons, you may be facing a common issue. This guide explores potential causes and easy DIY solutions to get your washer back in action.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG washers will not start if Child Lock is engaged; check manual for buttons to disable
  • Control board issues are a known frequent repair item for start-up failures

Possible Causes

Power supply issues (no power to unit)

How to Identify: No lights on display and the washer shows no signs of power; other devices on same outlet may also have issues or circuit breaker may be tripped.

Part: Household outlet / power cord / circuit breaker

Door/lid not fully closed or faulty door lock

How to Identify: Washer refuses to start when door is not firmly shut; audible click not heard; some models show door-lock indicator.

Part: Door lock / latch assembly

Child Lock engaged

How to Identify: Child lock icon displayed on panel and start buttons do not respond to presses.

Part: Control panel safety feature

Faulty control board / main PCB

How to Identify: No response from panel, buttons unresponsive, display blank or erratic; power issues persist after checking power source; multimeter shows control board issues.

Part: Control board

Blown internal fuse or thermal fuse

How to Identify: Washer shows no power after ensuring external power is good; continuity test on fuses shows open circuit.

Part: Line fuse / thermal fuse

DIY Solutions

Check external power and reset breaker

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: None
  1. Ensure washer is securely plugged into wall outlet.
  2. Check household circuit breaker panel for tripped breakers and reset if necessary.
  3. Test outlet with another device to confirm it is supplying power.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not work on electrical panel without proper understanding

Ensure door is fully closed and unlocked

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Open and firmly close the washer door until you hear an audible click.
  2. Check that door lock indicator (if present) shows locked.
  3. Try starting the washer again.

Disable Child Lock

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Locate Child Lock indicator on control panel.
  2. Press and hold appropriate button combination to deactivate Child Lock (refer to manual).
  3. Attempt to start washer.

Reset washer electronics

Easy 10 minutes
Tools Needed: None
  1. Unplug the washer from the power outlet.
  2. Wait 5–10 minutes to allow electronics to fully discharge.
  3. Plug back in and attempt to power on the washer.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power cord is in good condition before plugging back in

Professional Repairs

Replace faulty control board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Replace internal fuse or thermal fuse

Estimated Cost: $10 - $60

Replace door lock/latch assembly

Estimated Cost: $50 - $120

When to Call a Professional

After basic power and door latch DIY checks fail
If control board or internal electrical components are suspected
When specialized tools (multimeter) are needed for diagnosis

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly check and clean door latch area: Ensures proper door locking and avoids start prevention
    Frequency: monthly
  • Test outlet and power cord condition: External power-related start failures
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine not starting?
Common causes include power supply issues, a faulty door lock, or an engaged Child Lock.
How do I fix LG Washing Machine not starting myself?
Check power supply, ensure the door is closed, disable Child Lock, and reset the washer.
How much does it cost to fix not starting?
Professional repairs range from $10 for fuses to $400 for control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not starting?
If DIY solutions don't work or if you suspect a faulty control board or fuse.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Unplugging and plugging back in can temporarily resolve the issue.

    Success rate: 33.0%
Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. LG Front load washer

Community Discussions

intermittently won't start

Unplugging and plugging back in can temporarily resolve the issue.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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