LG Direct Drive Washing Machine Problems? Here’s what to do

If you own a LG direct drive washing machine then you already know about its efficiency and faster spin speeds compared to the regular belt drive washers. However, like all appliances, the LG direct drive washer can develop the odd fault.

In this article we look at the most common faults reported in relation to the LG direct drive washing machine. Fortunately, many are easy to fix and can be performed by anyone even those without too many DIY skills.

However, there are a few that will need the help of an expert technician to solve.

How To Reset A LG Direct Drive Washing Machine

With many of the most reported faults associated with LG direct drive washers, the problem was solved by just resetting the appliance. Which means this could be the only solution you need to get your LG direct drive washer working properly once again.

It’s a simple process to reset your washer, all you need to do is;

1. Disconnect The Power
   Remove the plug from the wall socket or switch the circuit breaker to the off position.
2. Wait For 15 to 20 Minutes
   Allow enough time for all of the residue power to dissipate before restarting the appliance.
3. Reconnect The Power
   Replace the plug into the wall socket or switch the circuit breaker back on again.

This should be enough to reset the appliance and clear any glitches. If you want to clear a specific error code from your LG direct drive washer, you should try resetting in the following way;

1. Disconnect The Washer From The Power Supply
   Either remove the plug from the wall socket or flip the circuit breaker to the off position.
2. Press & Hold The “Start/Pause” button
   Press & hold the “start/pause” button for 5 seconds.
3. Wait For Error Code(s) To Clear
   After the 5 seconds has elapsed, the error code(s) should clear and depending on the seriousness or lack of, your washer should work fine again.

How To Run A Diagnostic Check On A LG Direct Drive Washer

LG direct drive washing machines can be connected to the LG Smart ThinQ diagnostic tool via an app on your smartphone or tablet. This will give you a complete report on the health of your washer and identify any issues without the need of contacting a technician. 

Once you’ve downloaded the app all you need to do is;

1. Open The SmartThinQ app
   Open the SmartThinQ app on your mobile device and click on Smart Diagnosis.
2. Turn Your LG Direct Drive Washer On
   Ensure your washer is connected to the power supply and turned on.
3. Place Your Smartphone Close To The Washer
   Ensure the mouthpiece of your smartphone is positioned between the power button and the intelligent diagnosis logo on your washer.
4. Press & Hold The “Temp” Button
   Press & hold the “temp” button on your LG direct drive washing machine until you see a countdown timer displayed.
5. Allow The Diagnosis To Complete
   Wait patiently for the transmission to begin and the diagnosis to finish (typically around 10 to 15 seconds).
6. Check The App For Error Codes
   After the diagnostics have finished check the app for any error codes and take the appropriate action.

Troubleshooting LG Direct Drive Washing Machine Problems

Let’s look at the most commonly reported issues that are likely to affect your LG direct drive washing machine;

Problem	Most Likely Cause	Solution
LG washer doesn’t turn on	No power, loose connection, faulty wall socket, blown thermal fuse or defective power board	Reset the circuit breaker, ensure the plug is fully inserted into the wall socket, ensure the wall socket works properly, replace the thermal fuse or power board
LG washer door doesn’t open	Door lock active, child lock activated, excessively high water temperature, defective door lock or defective control module	Allow the door lock to deactivate or deactivate the child lock, adjust the temperature of the water, replace the door lock or control module
LG washer doesn’t fill with water	Tap only partially open, low water pressure, defective water level switch, twisted inlet hose, clogged filter or defective inlet valve	Ensure the tap is fully open, adjust the water pressure, replace the water level switch, straighten the inlet hose, clean the filter or replace the inlet valve
LG washer doesn’t spin	Wash load unbalanced, washer uneven, clogged filter, door switch faulty, defective motor rotor or defective control board	Balance the wash load, level the washer, clean the filter, replace the door switch, contact a technician to repair/replace the motor rotor or control board
LG washer doesn’t drain	Clogged drain filter, twisted or clogged drain hose or defective drain pump	Check and clean the drain filter, straighten and clear the drain hose of any blockage or replace the drain pump
LG washer Doesn’t heat water	Water tap not fully open, inlet hose twisted or hot and cold water hose fitted incorrectly	Ensure the water tap is fully opened, ensure water hose is straight and ensure the hot and cold water hoses are connected correctly
LG washer doesn’t use the fabric softener	Fabric softener too thick or fabric softener dispenser clogged	Dilute thick fabric softener or clean the fabric softener dispenser
Excessive vibration	Transit bolts still in situ, uneven washer or defective shock absorbers	Remove transit bolts, ensure washer is level or replace shock absorbers
Excessive noise when LG washer is spinning	Unbalanced wash load, uneven washer, foreign objects in the drum, clogged or defective drain pump or clogged tub	Rearrange the wash load, check the washer is on even ground, remove any foreign objects from the drum, clear or replace the drain pump or unclog the tub
Bad smells coming from LG washer	Mould & mildew growth, limescale buildup or detergent residue	Clean the washer, remove all detergent and limescale buildup and leave the door open when the washer is not in use

Let’s take a closer look at each of these issues;

LG Direct Drive Washer Doesn’t Turn On

The main reasons why your LG direct drive washing machine doesn’t turn on are;

• No Power
  It’s possible that a power surge could have made the circuit breaker trip or the fuse in the plug to have blown. You will need to reset the circuit breaker or replace the fuse in the plug with one of equal value.
• Loose/Damaged Power Cord
  If the power cord is not fully inserted into the wall socket or the cord has become frayed or damaged, the washer will not start. Ensure the plug is fully inserted into the wall socket and inspect the cord for any damage and replace if necessary.
• Defective Socket
  It could be the socket itself that is faulty. The best way to check this is to plug a small electrical item like a lamp into the socket. If it works fine, you know the socket is working correctly.
• Defective Power Board
  If all the above check out fine, all that’s left is the power board or control board as it’s also known. If the control board is at fault, we recommend getting an expert to replace this for you.

LG Direct Drive Washing Machine Door Doesn’t Open

If the door on your LG direct drive washer won’t open or unlock the most likely cause is;

• Door Lock/Child Lock Activated
  If the door lock has been activated, the washer door will not open until it deactivates. There is often a delay between the cycle ending and the door lock deactivating. The child lock is designed to prevent inquisitive hands from meddling where they shouldn’t be. You will need to deactivate the child lock before the door will open.
• Excessive Water Temperature
  If the water temperature is excessively high, the door will not open. This is a safety feature designed to save you from injury. Try running the “spin/dry” cycle and then press “start/pause”.
• Defective Door Lock
  In some cases, the door lock becomes defective, check for continuity using a multimeter and replace if necessary.
• Defective Control Module
  If it’s not the door lock that’s defective, the only thing left is the control module. If the control module does prove to be defective, it will need to be replaced. This is a job best done by a technician.

Unlocking The LG Direct Drive Washing Machine

Before resorting to any of the repairs or replacements mentioned above, you could try the following;

1. Wait for the “door lock” indicator to extinguish and then manually open the door
2. Press the “on/off” button to power the appliance
3. Select the washers drain cycle
4. Wait for the door to unlock automatically

LG Direct Drive Washer Doesn’t Fill With Water

There are a few things that could prevent your LG washer from filling with water they include;

• Tap Not Fully Open
  If the tap that supplies water to your washer isn’t fully open, it cannot fill the machine with enough water to work properly. Ensure the tap is fully open before starting the washer.
• Insufficient Water Pressure
  Your LG direct drive washer needs a minimum of 20 psi (pounds per square inch) of water pressure to run properly. You can check the water pressure using a pressure gauge and if it’s lower than 20 psi, you can usually increase it by opening the home’s stopcock further.
• Defective Water Level Switch (Pressure Switch)
  If the water level switch or pressure switch is defective the washer will not fill with water. Inspect the pressure switch for any damage and replace as necessary.
• Twisted Inlet Hose
  If the inlet hose is twisted it can slow the flow of water as it enters the washer. This will prevent the washer from filling in the set time frame. Check the inlet hose and straighten any twists or kinks.
• Clogged Filter
  The inlet filter can easily become clogged with grit or dirt which will eventually build up enough to prevent the washer from filling with water. Inspect the filter and clean if necessary.
• Defective Inlet Valve
  If the inlet valve is defective, it will decrease the water flow into the washer or in some cases fail altogether. Check the inlet valve using a multimeter and if it proves to be faulty it will need to be replaced. This is another job best left to an expert.

LG Direct Drive Washing Machine Doesn’t Spin

There are a few reasons why your LG washer might not spin which include;

• Imbalanced Wash Load
  If the clothes in the drum are not evenly spread the washer might not initiate a spin cycle. You need to check the wash load, rearrange if necessary and never fill the drum more than ¾ full with laundry.
• Unlevel Washer
  If the washing machine isn’t sitting on level ground, it might not spin. You will need to check that the washer is level using a spirit level and adjusting the feet as necessary.
• Clogged Lint Filter
  If the lint filter is clogged it can prevent the washer from initiating a spin cycle. Always ensure the lint filter is lint free.
• Defective Door Switch
  If the washer detects that the door isn’t closed correctly or if the switch on the door is faulty, the washer will not start or spin. Check for any obstructions and try to close the door fully. If the problem persists, check the door switch for continuity and replace if necessary.
• Defective Motor Rotor Or Control Board
  If you’ve checked all of the above, you’ll need to consider that the problem is mechanical. It could either be the motor rotor is defective or there is a fault with the control board. We recommend getting a technician to check these items and replace as needed. 

LG Direct Drive Washing Machine Doesn’t Drain

If your LG direct drive washer fails to drain it’s most likely because of one of the following;

• Twisted Drain Hose
  If the drain hose is twisted or kinked, it can prevent the water from draining out of the washer. Check the drain hose for any twists and straighten if necessary. Also check that the drain hose is correctly positioned. The correct height for a washing machine drain hose is anywhere between 34 to 96 inches. Anywhere either side of this could be causing the problem.
• Clogged Drain Filter
  If the drain pump filter is clogged or partially blocked it will impede the flow of wastewater from the machine. Clean the filter and check the impeller for any blockages too.
• Defective Drain Pump
  If all of the above are fine, it’s most likely to be the drain pump itself that is faulty. If this is the case, it will need to be replaced.

LG Direct Drive Washing Machine Doesn’t Heat Water

If the water in your LG direct drive washer isn’t getting hot it’s probably caused by one of the following;

• Water Tap Not Fully Open
  If the water tap isn’t fully opened, there’s a good chance that the water doesn’t heat up properly. Check that the water tap is fully opened.
• Inlet Hose Twisted
  Check the inlet hose for any twists or kinks or even blockages that could prevent enough water from reaching the heater. 
• Hot & Cold Water Hoses Incorrectly Fitted
  If your washer has a hot and cold water feed, check that you have connected the hoses correctly, and swap the connections if necessary.

LG Direct Drive Washing Machine Doesn’t Use Fabric Softener

There are really only 2 reasons why your LG direct drive washer doesn’t use the fabric softener added to it which are;

• The Fabric Softener Is Thicker Than usual
  If you have recently started using a different fabric softener or the manufacturer has changed the ingredients, it could be too thick for your washer to cope with. Try diluting the softener with a little water before adding it to the machine.
• The fabric Softener Dispenser Is Blocked
  Over time, the dispenser can become clogged with unused fabric softener or even limescale. This will prevent the washer from distributing the softener into the drum. Clean the dispenser and ensure to include the dispenser into your regular cleaning schedule.

LG Direct Drive Washing Machine Causing Excessive Vibration 

If there is excessive vibration coming from your LG direct drive washer it could be caused by one of the following;

• Transit Bolts Still In Place
  If you have just had the washer installed, it’s possible that the transit bolts are still in place. These are there to prevent excessive movement whilst the washer is being delivered to your home. They should be removed before you use the appliance to prevent any damage.
• Uneven Washer
  If your washer is sitting on uneven ground, it’s likely to vibrate more than usual especially during the spin cycle. Ensure the washer is level by adjusting the feet accordingly and using a spirit level.
• Imbalanced Wash Load
  If the laundry is not evenly distributed in the drum it can cause the drum to vibrate excessively. Never fill the drum to more than ¾ full and always ensure the load is evenly balanced.
• Defective Shock Absorbers
  If all of the above appears to be OK you should consider that the shock absorbers are defective. These will need to be checked and replaced if necessary. We recommend getting a technician to do this particular task.

LG Direct Drive Washing Machine Making Excessive Noise When Spinning

If your LG direct drive washer is making a lot of noise when spinning, it’s most likely because of one of the following;

• Imbalanced Drum
  If the laundry in the drum is unevenly distributed, it can cause the washer to vibrate and create an excessive amount of noise particularly when the drum is spinning. Check and rearrange the washing and never overfill the drum. It is recommended that the drum is no more than ¾ full.
• Uneven Washer
  Sometimes the washer itself can be uneven because the floor isn’t level. You can improve this by adjusting the feet on the washer and using a spirit level to check on the level. Once the appliance is level the excessive noise should abate.
• Foreign Objects In The Drum
  In many cases, foreign objects like coins, keys, screws, nails etc find their way into the drum via the pockets on our clothes. These items can then roll and rattle around in the drum creating all manner of weird noises. Stop the machine and remove any loose items from the drum and secure any zippers or catches to prevent any more unwanted noises. In future ensure that you check the pockets on all clothes before they are washed.
• Clogged Tub
  Your washer could be making excessive noise because the tub is dirty and clogged. This could prevent the tub from spinning or draining properly. Inspect and clean the tub as necessary.
• Clogged Or Defective Drain Pump
  If the drain pump is clogged it could be the cause of the excessive noise. Check and clean the drain pump and impeller removing any dirt, fluff or debris. If the drain pump isn’t clogged, check for continuity as it could be the pump that’s defective. If it is defective, it will need to be replaced.

Bad Smells Coming From LG Direct Drive Washing Machine

If you notice that your LG direct drive washer is the source of bad smells, it’s probably caused by;

• Limescale Buildup
  If you live in a hard water area (and there’s a high possibility that you do), minerals in the water can become trapped in your washer and build up over time. These hard rock-like deposits trap detergent and dirt residue which in turn become a breeding ground for bacteria as well as mould and mildew spores.
• Detergent Residue
  Not all of the detergent you use on your laundry dissolves away to be deposited down the drain. Some of it becomes trapped in your washer either in the tub, pipes, drum or filters. This can then lead to bacteria forming as well as mould and mildew.
• Mould & Mildew Growth
  Unfortunately, mould and mildew spores are ever present in our homes. They breed in moist places and your washing machine is the ideal breeding ground.

To prevent bad smells you should run a hot (60 to 90°C) service wash at least once a month. Add 1 cup (240 ml) white vinegar to help remove limescale, mould and mildew. Then always leave the washer door open when the appliance is not in use to help prevent excessive moisture which leads to mould, mildew and bacterial growth.

LG Direct Drive Washing Machine Error Codes

Now we have identified all of the most likely issues with LG direct drive washers, let’s take a look at LG direct drive error codes.

Error Code	Indicates
IE	Inadequate water supply
UE	Load is too small or out of balance
DE	Drainage issue (drain hose clogged or twisted or drain filter clogged)
dE, dE1, dE2	Door is not closed correctly
tE	Control error (contact a technician)
FE	Faulty water valve (turn off water supply and contact a technician)
PE	Faulty water level sensor (turn off water supply and contact a technician)
LE	Motor overload
AE	Water leak (turn off water supply and contact a technician)
dHE	Does not dry (contact a technician)

Do You Have Any Questions?

In this article we have covered all of the most likely faults, problems and issues you are likely to encounter with your LG direct drive washing machine as well as the most likely solutions to those issues. Plus we have listed all of the relevant error codes specifically for LG direct drive washers. 

We hope that you have found this article to be useful, if you have any questions or tips, please let us know in the comments section below.

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