Korean home appliance developers LG develop and produce an impressive line of washing machine models. In their products they combine maximum reliability and enormous functionality. The manufactured devices have a modern look and various sizes and fit perfectly into the design of any home.
The convenience of their use and the results of their work do not leave attention either. But like any household product, washing machines wear out over time and require maintenance. LG machines are equipped with an intelligent system for recognizing errors that may occur in their operation for various reasons.
Malfunctions can occur either due to the fault of the device itself or due to their inappropriate operation. If there is a malfunction, the washing machine stops the set program and displays an error code on the display, which is explained in detail.
This makes it easier to troubleshoot lg washing machine problems.
Many problems that arise with a washing machine can be corrected at home at the place where the appliance is used. Frequent breakdowns of LG washing machines that occur during long-term use, as well as due to inattentive use, will be described below.
Washing machine won't turn on
If the device does not turn on when you press the corresponding button, do not rush to look for the cause of the failure of the washing machine itself.
You should not disassemble the device without making sure that there is a breakdown in the washing machine:
- First you need to check that there is power in the outlet. This can be done with a multimeter, voltmeter or a regular test light. Or you can simply plug another device into this outlet and check its operation. Frequent breakdowns of sockets occur due to non-compliance with their rating when they were installed. When heating the washing solution, the machine consumes a lot of electricity and weak sockets cannot withstand large passing currents;
- If power is still detected in the outlet, you need to carefully inspect the cord of the machine itself for a break or break. Often, an installed appliance in a bathroom is powered from an outlet in another room. In this case, the electrical cord is laid through the doorway, where it can be damaged by the door if you are careless;
- If the cord is fine, then the washing machine is broken. There is a surge protector at the cord entrance on the inside of the case. Due to frequent power surges, it fails. The required voltage must be present at its output;
- If voltage comes out of the filter, it must go to the main part of the machine, namely the control unit. If voltage comes to the control unit, then it is the cause of the breakdown of the washing machine. Repair of this unit is best left to specialists. Attempts on your own may result in more expensive costs, including replacement. The cost of the unit is high, so it is much cheaper to repair it even if you pay for the services of repairmen.
Water does not drain
It happens that during washing the machine does not switch to further stages of the program and there is a lack of drainage of waste water. In this case, the program is disrupted and a fault code is displayed on the display.
Reasons for failure:
- The drain pump is not doing its job. Malfunctions of the unit may occur due to wear of its parts or jamming by foreign objects. Rapid wear occurs due to poor-quality water used during washing, and foreign objects get into the machine with laundry;
- Pump filter clogged. The filter has the function of retaining foreign objects to prevent them from entering the pump. It retains various clothing accessories, threads and the contents of the pockets of things. When it overflows, the passage of water through it becomes difficult, as a result of which the machine freezes during the spin cycle due to not draining the water.
- Clogged hoses or pipes. The cross-section of the pipes allows them to become clogged only with large objects. Socks, items of children's clothing, handkerchiefs, and plastic wraps may be the cause if there is no drainage.
A.E.
Error AE on the machine display indicates a failure when trying to automatically turn off. Due to the presence of a problem, an unscheduled shutdown may occur.
Auto power off
The presence of an auto-off function saves the washing machine's resources. If after turning on the power there is no action for several minutes, the machine turns off.
Float sensor
The probable cause of the AE error is the presence of liquid in the pan. In this case, a leak occurs and the float sensor is activated.
Checking components for leaks
If you notice a malfunction, you should check the drain pipe components. Leaks often occur due to sharp objects getting inside the drum.
Electronic module malfunctions
The lack of water drainage may also be affected by a malfunction of the control system. The module is adversely affected by power surges in the network.
At the end of the washing program, the pump may not receive a signal from the control board and may not drain the water.
Only specialists in this field of repair can check the serviceability of the control unit. It’s better not to do this on your own.
Extraneous sounds during operation
For various reasons, various extraneous sounds may appear during operation of the washing machine. By the type of sound and time of the washing cycle, you can determine the area of their origin.
- During washing and rinsing at low speeds of the washing machine, a squeaking sound is heard, most likely this is the rubber of the drive belt that has lost its elasticity. The creaking occurs due to poor coupling with the pulleys of the drum and the engine; the belt slips and creates a characteristic sound. You can try to soften the belt with some means, but this will not last long. Only replacing it with a new one will help;
- When draining the water, pay attention to the pump. After the washing stage or the next rinse, the waste water drain is turned on. If this creates a crackling or growling sound, there is a problem with the drain pump. Over a long period of service life of the machine, the bushings on which the pump rotor rotates wear out. This creates a crackling sound and then a growling sound when the pump is turned on. But the sound could simply be caused by a small foreign object getting into it. If the pump wears out, it must be replaced with a new one; if an object gets into it, the filter must be cleaned;
- The drum of the washing machine at high rotation speed creates a dry noise, which gradually develops into a rumble, the reason for this is worn out bearings. Repairing a malfunction of an LG washing machine can be corrected in this case only by replacing the entire bearing assembly of the device;
- When washing and spinning, a knocking sound is heard, which increases synchronously with the increase in drum speed, and the shock absorbers may break. These parts are designed to absorb the vibration energy of the tank. But knocking or friction may occur due to foreign objects getting under the drum of the washing machine. They should be removed immediately, either on your own or with the help of specialists;
- After drawing water during the supposed rotation of the tank, a squeak is heard, but the drum does not rotate at this time, then the reason for this will be a failed engine tachogenerator. This occurs on direct drive machines only.
When does the drain hose need to be replaced?
If the drain hose is clogged, you can simply clean it. Replacement is required in the following cases:
- Hose is not long enough.
- The hose is damaged and its integrity is compromised.
- Scale has accumulated inside the hose and cannot be removed.
Insulating cracks is only a temporary measure that can be used to complete the wash and drain the water. If defects appear on the hose, it will have to be replaced.
Details are in this article.
Causes of breakdowns
The main malfunctions of washing machines are worn parts due to their long operation. But often the culprit of the breakdown is the user himself.
When many components malfunction, the automatic washing machine displays a special code on the display, deciphering which the area or causes of failure of the washing machines become clear.
Many codes will only indicate the reasons for their occurrence due to a poorly closed hatch, a clogged drain system or a closed water supply tap. But they may indicate faulty parts that will need to be repaired or replaced.
Let's look at some washing machine malfunctions and how to fix them:
- The electric door lock is broken. The error code will indicate that “the hatch door is not closed.” The machines are designed in such a way that operation begins after the door is closed and locked with a lock. If closing the hatch again does not solve the problem, then the part needs to be replaced. Sometimes adjusting it helps.
- heating element. In lg washing machines there is no fault code for this fault. When the heating element burns out, the machine simply continues to wash without switching to rinsing. The solution to the problem is to replace the heating element with a new one. The main reasons for the failure of a part are scale impurities that are deposited on it and prevent its good heat transfer;
- Pressostat. In most cases, breakdowns of the pressure sensor occur due to the natural wear of its contacts inside. Less often, the thin tube connected to it from the washing machine tank becomes clogged. If a malfunction occurs due to a clogged hose, it must be disconnected and blown out with air pressure. If this does not help get rid of the problem, then it is worth replacing the pressure switch;
- Bearings. This is the main unit that bears the entire power load of the machine. When the laundry is spun, its weight exceeds its original weight hundreds of times, and you can imagine the pressure the machine bearing takes on. Gradually, the unit wears out and requires replacement; this is signaled by a gradually increasing noise when spinning clothes. Almost all models of LG washing machines are equipped with the same type of bearing assembly parts. This makes it easier to repair. Also, washing machines of this brand are equipped with collapsible tanks, which makes them easier to replace;
- Pumps. The machine display will show the error “no water draining”. The first step is to check all the hoses and pipes of the drain system for blockages. Don't forget about the pump filter. If the error does not disappear, then the malfunction is hidden in the drain pump. It must be inspected for the presence of foreign objects that impede its operation. If there are none, then you need to replace the pump. Sometimes there may simply be no power to it.
Operating principles
The operation of modern washing machines is based on the general principles of similar devices that were used in the first stages of their production - water (ordinary, room temperature) enters the body, then it is heated by the device to user-specified values. Linen is placed inside the tank and washed using a rotating drum. This operating scheme is the main one for any device, so up to 70% of breakdowns are associated with the main components, the rest falls on the control panel and additional capabilities of the machine.
Features of work
In order to better understand the cause of the breakdown, you need to understand how the main stage of work is carried out after starting the program. The machine performs the following actions:
- The valve that supplies water to the tank opens (enters through a dispenser installed in the tank).
- The water is heated to the parameters specified by the program.
- The heating element turns on.
- The motor turns on, causing the drum to rotate.
- The main wash cycle is running.
- Finally, the water drain pump (pump) is turned on.
Also, to eliminate major breakdowns, you should know what the main elements of the device are called and what they do:
- Dispenser – container for detergents (powder, gels, softeners).
- Heating element – heating element.
- Tank – a container for water (it also contains a drum and heating element).
- Pressure switch (pressostat) – controls the level of filling of the tank with water, shuts off its supply if necessary.
Washing machine pressure switch
- Thermostat – controls the temperature indicators of water heating, connected to a pressure switch.
- Pump – a pump designed to drain water.
In addition to the details, you will need to take into account the presence of basic components in machines of this brand that ensure stable and uninterrupted operation of the device. The devices contain:
- Water filling system.
- Water heating system.
- A system that starts and carries out laundry washing.
- Water drainage unit.
- System for spinning washed clothes.
- Drying system for washed clothes
It is important to remember and take into account when carrying out repairs with your own hands that in each subsequent model the company’s developers strive to improve a certain system or component, add parts to it and increase the range of functions performed. This can complicate the process and make it impossible to do at home, so it is recommended that you carefully read the operating instructions supplied with the washing machine to avoid premature repair work.
You will have to be careful and follow the rules already at the stage of loading laundry, since, for example, a button that comes off during washing can damage the drum or the system responsible for draining the water.
Diagnostics and repair of main machine components
If washing machines malfunction, their elimination is facilitated by an intelligent fault recognition system. Also, lg washing machines have a diagnostic mode, during which we can look at the operation of many units of the unit separately.
This mode is activated differently depending on the specific LG model.
But it looks something like this: while simultaneously holding two additional function buttons, press the power button. All indicators on the panel will light up and the device will beep. Then, simply by pressing the start button, we turn on each electrical unit individually. Upon completion of the diagnostic mode, the last press of the “start” button will turn off the device.
Fault codes for LG washing machines
All the necessary codes for possible faults in washing machines are available in the instructions supplied with the product. Any housewife can handle these breakdowns. After all, she will be able to independently open the cold water supply tap to the car, close the hatch and clean the pump filter.
But there are also codes that only specially trained household appliance repair technicians or people with experience in similar areas of repair can handle. But if you have doubts about the correctness of repairing your device yourself, it is better to entrust it to specialists.
Incompetent intervention can lead to additional breakdowns, and therefore costs for repairing the product, including its replacement.
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Other errors
There are other combinations for identifying malfunctions of LG washing equipment, the error codes of which help to quickly determine the cause.
The letters tcL do not mean a direct breakdown or failure of the program. This signal is interpreted as a self-cleaning process, during which residues of detergents and small debris are removed from the drum.
The frequency of such cleaning is 30 wash cycles. You can cancel this procedure by restarting the machine.
Another code, HE, means that the heating element does not heat the water. In most cases, replacement of the part or its components is required.
