When your LG washer won’t turn on, it can disrupt your routine and leave laundry piling up. While it’s a frustrating situation, many issues can be resolved without professional assistance. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help you diagnose and fix the problem.
Identifying the Cause
Before starting the troubleshooting process, it’s important to understand potential reasons your washer isn’t powering on. The issue could stem from something as simple as a power supply problem or as complex as a faulty internal component.
How to Troubleshoot an LG Washer That Won’t Turn On
Here are the steps to identify and resolve issues preventing your LG washer from powering on:
Checking the Basics
- Locate the washer’s power cord at the back.
- Make sure it is securely plugged into the electrical outlet.
- Inspect the power cord for visible damage, such as fraying or cuts.
- Unplug the washer from the outlet.
- Plug in another appliance (e.g., a lamp or phone charger) to check if the outlet works.
- If the appliance doesn’t work, check the circuit breaker or fuse box for tripped breakers or blown fuses.
- Locate the reset button on the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet.
- Press the reset button firmly.
- Plug in the washer and try turning it on.
Inspecting the Power Supply
- Unplug the washer from the outlet.
- Check the entire length of the power cord for damage, such as cuts, fraying, or burn marks.
- Replace the power cord if damage is found.
- Disconnect the washer from power.
- Access the terminal block (refer to the owner’s manual for its location).
- Look for loose wires, burning, or melting.
- Tighten any loose connections or replace damaged components.
Examining the Door Lock or Lid Switch
- Close the washer door firmly and listen for a clicking sound.
- Inspect the door lock mechanism for damage or obstructions.
- Replace the door lock assembly if necessary.
- Open the washer lid and locate the lid switch.
- Press the switch manually and listen for a clicking sound.
- Use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity.
- Replace the lid switch if there is no continuity.
Testing the Control Panel and Display Board
- Press each button on the control panel to check if they respond.
- Look for buttons that are stuck or unresponsive.
- Clean the control panel with a soft, dry cloth.
- Disconnect the washer from power.
- Access the control panel by removing the top or front panel (refer to the manual).
- Look at the wiring harnesses for loose or corroded connections.
- Secure loose connections and clean corroded areas.
Investigating the Main Control Board
- Unplug the washer from power.
- Access the main control board (refer to the manual for its location).
- Look for burn marks, melted components, or bulging capacitors.
- Replace the control board if damaged.
- Set the multimeter to measure voltage.
- Carefully check the input voltage to the control board.
- Trace the power flow to identify where the power loss occurs.
Evaluating the Motor or Motor Control Board
- Disconnect the washer from power.
- Locate the motor control board (refer to the appliance manual).
- Check for burn marks or other signs of damage.
- Test resistance values and voltage with a multimeter.
- Remove the back panel of the washer to access the motor.
- Look at the motor for physical damage.
- Use a multimeter to perform a resistance test on the motor windings.
- Replace the motor if resistance readings are outside the manufacturer’s specifications.
What’s Next?
If your LG washer still won’t turn on after trying these steps, it might feel like you’ve run out of options. Take another look at each connection, recheck the details, and think about the symptoms one more time. Sometimes, the problem lies in a small step that’s easy to miss.
Many washer issues come from simple causes like a tripped reset button or a loose wire, so stay focused and keep working through the possibilities. If nothing changes after all this, calling in a professional can save time and prevent further damage.