When your washer won’t even turn on it can seem like a serious malfunction. But there are actually straightforward causes for this frustrating failure. What’s the most common reason an LG washing machine won’t start? An incoming power problem is often the cause. Check the washer’s outlet and circuit breaker to make sure they’re providing adequate power. Troubleshoot common reasons your LG top load washer won’t turn on and how to solve the problem.
LG Top Load Washer Won’t Turn On? This Could Be Why
It’s hard to know where to start when your LG washer won’t turn on and laundry is piling up. The following 5 reasons can streamline your troubleshooting and determine if a DIY fix or professional repair is necessary.
1. Incoming Power Problem
Before considering a washer malfunction, first make sure your washer is receiving adequate power. Even gas-fueled washers require electricity to start and control certain functions.
Here’s how to assess your washer’s power sources:
- Test the outlet: Make sure the washer’s outlet is providing adequate voltage by testing it with a multimeter. It should register between 110-120V. If you don’t have a multimeter, plug another appliance into the outlet to make sure it’s providing power.
- Check the circuit breaker: If the washer’s circuit breaker is tripped, reposition it. If the breaker is properly positioned, turn it off and wait 5 seconds before turning it back on.
- Perform a hard reset: If the outlet and circuit breaker are functioning properly, your washer may require a hard reset to start. Unplug the washer and press and hold the POWER/START button for 5 seconds. Then hold down the PLAY/PAUSE button for 5 seconds. Plug the washer back in and press POWER to start.
2. Blown Thermal Fuse
A washer’s thermal fuse protects the washer from overheating. If the washer’s internal temperature goes beyond a certain point, the fuse will blow to avoid a more serious malfunction. Once the fuse has blown, your LG top load washer won’t turn on.
If multimeter testing reveals that the fuse has no continuity, it has blown and must be replaced for the washer to start again. However, the washer also requires a professional assessment to determine why it was in danger of overheating.
3. User Control Board Is Defective
An LG top load washer not starting can also be due to a defective user control board. This board is located behind the display panel and provides an electronic response when you push a button to start a function. If the user control board is defective, some functions may be working while others aren’t. In other cases, there are no working functions and the display board is blank.
Consult your user manual to determine how to access the user control board behind the display. While loose wiring can be tightened to restore the board’s function, visible damage, like burn marks, indicate that it’s defective and needs replacement. A lack of continuity with multimeter testing also indicates that replacement is necessary.
4. Broken Timer
In top load washers, the timer is an essential component that advances the washer through its various cycles. The timer consists of multiple moving pieces, like springs and gears, that can break as well as a motor that can malfunction. If either of these situations occur, your washer may advance to some cycles and not others. In other cases, your LG top load washer won’t turn on at all.
Even if just one timer component is broken, the entire assembly should be replaced. We suggest that a professional technician perform this complex repair.
5. Overheated Line Fuse
If the above troubleshooting tips still leave you with a top load washer not working, it’s possible the line fuse overheated. If the machine’s circuits become overloaded, the fuse will blow and the washer won’t start. Like the thermal fuse, multimeter testing can confirm the line fuse has blown with a lack of continuity. After replacing the fuse, a professional technician should assess why the circuits overloaded so it doesn’t blow again.
The experts at CD Appliance Repair can help if your LG top load washer won’t turn on. If you have any other repair concerns like a smelly washer, don’t hesitate to give us a call for a fast and professional repair of any washer problem!
