How to replace the thermistor seal on an LG washing machine


Steven E / Wednesday April 23, 2025


Is your LG washer leaving puddles on the floor? A leaking thermistor seal might be the culprit, but don’t worry—this is a fix you can tackle at home without calling in a pricey technician. Ready to roll up your sleeves? Watch the easy how-to video below and get your washer back to perfect working condition in no time!

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

If you’re experiencing a water leak around the thermistor on your LG washer, this repair guide is for you. The thermistor seal is a small but important part that plugs the opening in the outer tub around the thermistor. Over time, this seal can become damaged, leading to water leaking during the wash cycle. But don’t worry, replacing the thermistor seal is a quick and easy repair that you can do yourself. With just a few basic tools and some simple steps, you’ll have your LG washer back in working order in no time. So let’s get started and get your LG washer back to work!

Watch here: How To: LG/Kenmore Thermistor Seal 4036FR4050A

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Tools needed

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Liquid soap

Safety precautions

  • Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
  • Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 
  • Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
  • Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
  • Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
  • Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
  • Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
  • Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
  • Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
  • If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 

Replacement steps

Removal

  1. Remove the four phillips screws that secure the rear access panel to the back of the washer.
  2. Carefully lift and remove the rear access panel and set it aside.
  3. Remove the phillips screw that holds the wire harness retainer in place and release the retainer.
  4. Locate the thermistor, which is a small sensor attached to a wire.
  5. Gently pull the thermistor out from its housing, taking care not to damage the wires or connectors.
  6. Once the thermistor is removed, you will see the old seal around the opening in the outer tub.
  7. To remove the old seal, use a flat-blade screwdriver to carefully pry it out. Take caution not to scratch or damage the tub or other components.

Installation

  1. Before installing the new thermistor seal, apply a small amount of liquid soap or lubricant to its surface. This will help with insertion and create a good seal.
  2. Take the new thermistor seal and align it with the opening in the outer tub.
  3. Firmly push the new seal into place, making sure it is fully seated and snugly fits around the opening.
  4. Take the thermistor and carefully insert it back into its housing, aligning the connectors and wires properly.
  5. Use a phillips screwdriver to reinsert the screw and secure the wire harness retainer clip in place.
  6. Take the rear access panel and align it with the back of the washer.
  7. Insert the four phillips screws and tighten them to secure the rear access panel in place.
  8. Turn the water supply back on. Plug the washer back into a power outlet.
  9. Turn on the water supply and let the washer fill with water to check for any problems or leaks. 

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the thermistor seal on your LG washer. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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