Why You Might Need to Reset an LG Washing Machine
LG washing machines display error codes when something goes wrong — and sometimes a reset is all that’s needed to clear a temporary fault, restore normal operation after a power cut, or deactivate child lock mode. Here’s every reset method, from the simplest to the full factory reset.
Method 1: Basic Power Reset (Works for Most Issues)
- Press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds until the machine turns off.
- Unplug the machine from the wall socket.
- Wait 60 seconds — this allows the capacitors to discharge and the control board to fully reset.
- Plug back in and power on.
- Select your cycle and press Start.
This resolves most error codes caused by temporary sensor faults, power surges, or glitches in the control board.
Method 2: Child Lock Deactivation
If your LG machine shows “CL” on the display and won’t respond to buttons, child lock is activated.
Front-loaders: Press and hold the Child Lock button (often labelled with a padlock icon) for 3–5 seconds. The CL indicator disappears.
Top-loaders: Press and hold both the Wash Temp and Spin Speed buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
Note: The specific button combination varies by model. Check your machine’s user manual if these combinations don’t work.
Method 3: Mid-Cycle Reset
If the machine is stuck mid-cycle (frozen display, won’t proceed):
- Press and hold the Start/Pause button for 5 seconds.
- The machine should pause and drain any water.
- Once drained, open the door, remove the load, and restart.
Method 4: LG Smart Diagnosis Reset
For newer LG ThinQ models:
- Open the LG ThinQ app on your phone.
- Select your washing machine.
- Tap “Smart Diagnosis.”
- Hold the phone’s speaker near the machine’s display.
- Press and hold the Temp button on the machine for 3 seconds.
- The app will diagnose the error and suggest a resolution.
Common LG Error Codes and Reset Solutions
| Error Code | Meaning | Reset / Fix |
|---|---|---|
| UE / UB | Unbalanced load | Redistribute clothes evenly, restart |
| IE | Water not filling | Check water tap is open; clean inlet filter mesh; power reset |
| OE | Drain problem | Check drain hose; clean pump filter; power reset |
| LE | Motor overload | Reduce load, power reset after 30 minutes |
| dE / dE1 | Door not closing | Check for clothes caught in door; inspect door latch |
| tE | Thermistor (temp sensor) error | Power reset; if persists, service required |
| PE | Water level sensor error | Power reset; if persists, service required |
| CE | Current error (motor) | Power reset; check for overloading |
| FE | Water overflow | Check inlet valve; power reset after draining |
| CL | Child lock active | See Method 2 above |
LG Washing Machine Won’t Reset?
If none of the above methods clear the error:
- Error codes with a star (*) or that reappear immediately after reset usually indicate a hardware fault requiring a technician.
- LE, tE, PE, and CE persisting after reset typically mean a sensor or motor failure.
- Contact LG service: 1800 315 9999 (toll-free, available 9 AM – 6 PM).
After Any Reset: Run a Test Cycle
After resetting, run a short cycle (Quick Wash) with a small load to confirm the machine is working correctly before running a full load.