How to replace the heater assembly on an LG washing machine

Is your LG washer failing to heat water properly, leaving your clothes less-than-clean? Don’t worry, you can tackle this common issue by replacing the faulty heater assembly, and we’ve got you covered. With our step-by-step guide and a handy how-to video just below, you’ll have your washer back in top condition in no time!

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The heater assembly is responsible for heating up the water inside the washer when a signal is sent to it by the main control board. Over time, the heater may fail and have issues such as the washer failing to heat up water properly and resulting in poor washing. Fortunately, replacing the heater assembly in your LG washer is a relatively quick and straightforward repair. So, let’s get started!

Watch here: How To: LG/Kenmore Heater Assembly AEG33121501

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
• 10mm socket wrench
• Locking pliers 
• Towel

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.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• 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. 

Replacement steps

Removal

1. Locate and remove the two lower bracket phillips screws.
2. Pull back the top panel about an inch to disengage it.
3. Lift the top panel off the washer and set it aside.
4. Locate and remove the two mounting phillips screws on each side of the detergent drawer opening.
5. Locate the phillips screw at the back of the control panel on the right side and remove it.
6. Pull the top of the control panel up and towards you to unclip it from the washer.
7. Lift the control panel off and place it on top of the washer.
8. If the wires are too short, release the wire harness from the retaining clip.
9. Open the pump filter cover at the bottom left corner of the washer.
10. Unclip the drain hose connected to the pump filter.
11. Remove the phillips screw that holds the housing in place.
12. Remove the filter cover housing.
13. Locate the phillips screw at the bottom of the front panel and remove it.
14. Open the washer door.
15. Using the flat blade screwdriver, pry off the outer door boot clamp and remove it.
16. Remove the boot seal from the front panel lip and tuck it in.
17. Disconnect the harness plug from the door latch assembly.
18. Close the washer door. Lift the front panel off the bottom hinges and set it aside.
19. Place a towel and a plastic container on the floor beneath the pump case.
20. Pull out the plug from the pump case and allow any remaining water to drain into the container.
21. Replace the plug once all the water has drained.
22. Place a towel under the heater.
23. Using the 10-millimeter socket wrench, remove the nut and the ground wire from the heater.
24. Using the flat blade screwdriver, disconnect the wire from the left side terminal of the heater.
25. Disconnect the wire from the right side terminal of the heater.
26. Using the 10-millimeter socket wrench, loosen the nut in the center of the heater.
27. Pull out the old heater assembly from the tub.

Installation

1. Take the new heater assembly and make sure it rests on the support bracket inside the tub.
2. Using the ten-millimeter socket wrench, tighten the central nut on the new heater assembly.
3. Connect the wire to the left side terminal of the heater.
4. Install the ground wire on the new heater assembly and tighten the nut.
5. Connect the wire to the right side terminal of the heater.
6. Place the front panel back onto the three bottom hinges and align it with the side tabs.
7. Secure the front panel at the top with screws using the phillips screwdriver.
8. Open the washer door and connect the door latch harness plug to the switch.
9. Install the door boot seal over the front panel lip.
10. Place the outer boot clamp in the groove with the spring at the bottom.
11. Clamp on locking pliers near the spring.
12. Hold the clamp with a flat blade screwdriver at two o’clock.
13. Using the pliers, stretch the spring and help it with the screwdriver, while installing the rest of the clamp into the groove.
14. Close the washer door. Install the bottom mounting phillips screw.
15. Put the pump filter housing back in and secure it with a phillips screw.
16. Clip in the drain hose and close the cover of the pump filter.
17. Make sure the control panel harness is in the retainer clip.
18. Install the control panel and clip it in place.
19. Secure the control panel with two phillips screws at the front on both sides of the detergent drawer and one phillips screw from the back of the panel.
20. Install the control panel and clip it in place.
21. Slide the detergent drawer back into its opening.
22. Place the top panel on the washer and push it forward to lock it in place.
23. Secure the top panel with the two phillips screws from the rear.
24. Turn the water supply on. Plug the washer back in.
25. Power on the washer and check if it is working correctly. 

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the heater assembly 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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