How to troubleshoot an LG washer with no power

Is your LG washer refusing to turn on, leaving you with a pile of laundry? It’s frustrating when an essential appliance suddenly stops working. The good news is that you can often identify and fix the problem yourself without professional help. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to troubleshoot your LG washer when it has no power.

Important: This guide may not apply to all LG washer models. For the most accurate information, consult your washer’s manual or contact us.

Understanding the problem

Before diving into diagnostics, it’s essential to understand why your LG washer might have no power. A washer without power could indicate problems ranging from simple power supply issues to faulty internal parts. By systematically checking each possibility, you can pinpoint the cause and get your washer running again.

Checking the basics

Sometimes, the simplest explanations are the correct ones. Start by verifying the basic parts that could prevent your washer from receiving power.

Ensure the washer is plugged in

Make sure the washer is securely plugged into the outlet, as the plug can occasionally come loose.

• Find the power cord at the back of the washer.
• Ensure it is firmly plugged into the electrical outlet.
• Inspect the cord for any visible damage or fraying.

Test the electrical outlet

The problem might not be with your washer but with the outlet it’s connected to.

• Unplug the washer from the outlet.
• Plug in another appliance (like a lamp or phone charger) to test the outlet.
• If the appliance doesn’t work, the outlet may be faulty.
• Check your home’s circuit breaker or fuse box for any tripped breakers or blown fuses.

Reset GFCI outlets

If your washer is plugged into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet, it might have tripped.

• Find the reset button on the outlet.
• Press the reset button firmly.
• Try turning on your washer again.

Inspecting the power supply

If the basics check out, it’s time to look closer at the power supply to your washer.

Examine the power cord

A damaged power cord can prevent electricity from reaching your washer.

• Unplug the washer from the outlet.
• Carefully inspect the entire length of the power cord.
• Look for cuts, fraying, or burn marks.
• If you find damage, the power cord needs to be replaced.

Check the terminal block

The terminal block is where the power cord connects inside the washer.

• Disconnect the power to the washer.
• Access the terminal block (consult your owner’s manual for its location).
• Inspect for loose wires or signs of burning and melting.
• Tighten any loose connections or replace damaged parts.

Examining the door lock or lid switch

For safety reasons, washers won’t operate if the door or lid isn’t securely closed.

Test the door lock (front-load washers)

Front-loading LG washers use a door lock mechanism.

• Close the door firmly and listen for a clicking sound.
• If there’s no click, the door lock might be faulty.
• Inspect the door lock for damage or obstruction.
• Replace the door lock assembly if necessary.

Inspect the lid switch (top-load washers)

Top-loading washers use a lid switch to detect if the lid is closed.

• Open the lid and find the lid switch.
• Press the switch manually and listen for a clicking sound.
• If there’s no click, the switch could be defective.
• Use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity.
• If there’s no continuity, replace the lid switch.

Testing the control panel and display board

The control panel is the interface you use to select washer settings, and a faulty panel can prevent the washer from powering on.

Inspect the control buttons

Sometimes buttons can get stuck or fail.

• Press each button on the control panel to see if they respond.
• Look for any buttons that are unresponsive or physically stuck.
• Clean the control panel with a soft, dry cloth.

Check the display board connections

Loose or damaged connections can interrupt power to the control panel.

• Disconnect the washer from the power source.
• Access the control panel by removing the top or front panel (refer to your manual).
• Inspect the wiring harnesses connected to the display board.
• Ensure all connections are secure and free of corrosion.

Investigating the main control board

The main control board is the brain of your washer. If it’s defective, it can prevent the washer from turning on.

Visually inspect the control board

Burnt parts or damaged traces can cause failures.

• Unplug the washer from the electrical outlet.
• Access the main control board (location varies by model).
• Look for burn marks, melted parts, or bulging capacitors.
• If you observe damage, the control board may need replacement.

Test the control board with a multimeter

Using a multimeter can help determine if the control board is receiving power.

• Set your multimeter to measure voltage.
• Carefully test the input voltage to the control board (exercise caution to avoid electric shock).
• If the board isn’t receiving power, trace back to find where the power loss occurs.

Not sure how to use a multimeter? Check out our guide on how to use a multimeter to test appliance parts.

Evaluating the motor or motor control board

Although less common, problems with the washer’s motor can cause power issues.

Check the motor control board

Some LG washers have a separate motor control board.

• Disconnect power to the washer.
• Find the motor control board (refer to your appliance manual).
• Inspect for any signs of damage or burnt parts.
• Use a multimeter to test for proper resistance values and voltage where appropriate.

Test the washer motor

A faulty motor can prevent the washer from starting.

• Access the motor by removing the back panel of the washer.
• Visually inspect the motor for damage.
• Use a multimeter to perform a resistance test on the motor windings.
• If resistance readings are outside the manufacturer’s specifications, the motor may need replacement.

For more detailed information, read our article on how to know if your washer motor is bad.

Using a multimeter to test parts

A multimeter is an invaluable tool for diagnosing electrical problems in your washer.

Understanding multimeter tests

There are two primary methods:

• Continuity testing: Checks for a complete electrical path, indicating whether a part’s circuit is closed or open.
• Resistance testing: Measures how much a part resists the flow of electricity, providing a value in ohms.

How to perform a continuity test

• Set your multimeter to the continuity setting (usually indicated by a sound wave or diode symbol).
• Touch the multimeter’s probes to the two points you’re testing.
• If the multimeter beeps, continuity is present.
• If there’s no beep, the part may be faulty.

How to perform a resistance test

• Set your multimeter to the resistance (ohms) setting.
• Consult your washer’s manual for the expected resistance values.
• Place the probes on the part’s terminals.
• Compare the reading to the specifications.
• If the readings differ significantly, the part may need replacement.

Need more assistance? Visit our detailed guide on how to use a multimeter to check appliance parts.

Additional troubleshooting tips

Consult the user manual

Your LG washer’s user manual contains model-specific troubleshooting steps.

• Find the manual that came with your washer.
• If you’ve misplaced it, you can often find a digital copy online.
• Follow any additional troubleshooting steps provided.

Not sure about your model number? Learn how to find your appliance’s model number for accurate information.

Check for error codes

Some washers display error codes that indicate specific problems.

• If your washer has a digital display, look for any error codes when you attempt to turn it on.
• Refer to your manual to interpret the codes.
• Follow the recommended steps to resolve the error.

Examine the fuses and circuit breakers

Your washer may have internal fuses or your home’s circuit breakers might be affecting power.

• Check your home’s electrical panel for tripped breakers.
• Reset any that are tripped and try the washer again.
• Inspect the washer’s internal fuses if accessible.

Wrapping up your troubleshooting

We’ve covered a range of potential problems that could cause your LG washer to have no power. By methodically working through these steps, you should be able to identify and possibly fix the problem. Remember, safety is paramount—always disconnect your appliance from the power source before attempting any repairs. If you’ve found a faulty part, you can find high-quality washer parts at AppliancePartsPros.com. We’re here to support you with the parts and advice you need to get your washer back in working order. Stay connected with us for more appliance repair tips and updates. Follow AppliancePartsPros.com on Facebook and Twitter. Have questions or need further assistance? Our team is ready to help. Visit our repair help section or contact us directly. Let’s get your laundry routine back on track!