Troubleshooting in LG WM4000HBA Owner's Manual.

Troubleshooting Overview

Your washer has an automatic error-monitoring system that detects and helps diagnose problems early. If the washer does not work properly or does not work at all, check the items below before calling for service.

For more detailed information or videos, LG directs you to the troubleshooting page at www.lg.com.

Common Questions and Checks

Loud banging noises while the washer is filling with water This is usually not a problem with the washer itself. It is often caused by plumbing in the home. When the washer’s water valve shuts off, it can make your home’s pipes move, creating a loud banging sound. This is called water hammer. It can be reduced by installing a water hammer arrestor. These are available at local hardware or home improvement stores.

Very little water in the washer This is normal for an HE (High-Efficiency) washer. HE washers are designed to clean clothes using a minimum amount of water and energy. Because the water level is low, the detergent becomes more concentrated, which helps cleaning performance.

Pressing a button makes the washer beep but nothing happens The Control Lock feature is on. To turn it off, turn on the washer, then press and hold the button marked Control Lock, or the button with Control Lock written on or under it, for 3 seconds.

Where to put powdered laundry products If you are using powdered laundry detergent, put it in the main detergent dispenser after removing the liquid detergent insert. Powdered laundry agents or powdered color-safe bleach should be put directly into the drum. You can place them in the empty drum before adding clothes, or on top of the laundry after loading the washer.

Error Message: IE (Inlet Error) If the washer shows IE, check the water supply and inlet hoses.

Possible causes and what to do: - Water supply faucets are not fully open. - Make sure the faucets are fully open. - Water inlet hoses are kinked, pinched, or crushed. - Make sure the hoses are not kinked, pinched, or crushed behind or under the washer. - Be careful when moving the washer during cleaning or maintenance. - Water inlet filters are clogged. - Clean the inlet filters. See the Maintenance section. - Water supply pressure to the faucet or house is too low. - Check another faucet in the house to make sure household water pressure is adequate and flow is not restricted. - Disconnect the water inlet hoses from the washer and run a few gallons of water through the hoses to flush out any dirt. - If the flow is still too low, contact a plumber to repair the water supply lines. - Water supply is connected with leak-limiting hoses. - Hoses designed to limit leaks are not recommended. - Leak-limiting hoses can trip falsely and prevent the washer from filling.

Before Calling for Service If you notice a problem, review these common checks first. In many cases, the issue is related to the water supply, hose condition, water pressure, or a washer setting such as Control Lock.

Error Codes and Washer Fault Messages

When an error code appears on the washer display, it tells you what type of problem the washer has detected. Use the code to identify the issue, then follow the matching solution below.

UE — Unbalance Error The load is too small, the load is uneven, or the items are too different in weight.

What to do: - Add additional items so the washer can better balance the load. - Try to wash items of similar weight together so the washer can distribute the load more evenly during spinning. - If items are tangled and the washer cannot rebalance them automatically, manually redistribute the load.

dE, dE1, dEz, dE4 — Door Open Error The door is not secured.

What to do: - Close and secure the door. - If the message keeps appearing, unplug the power cord and call for service.

OE — Water Outlet Error This code appears when the washer has a drain problem.

Possible causes and what to check: - The drain hose is kinked, pinched, or clogged. - Make sure the hose is free of clogs or kinks and is not pinched behind or under the washer. - The end of the drain hose is too high. - Move the end of the drain hose so it is lower than 96 inches (2.4 m) above the bottom of the washer.

tE — Temperature Sensor Error This is a control error related to the temperature sensor.

What to do: - Unplug the washer and wait 60 minutes. - Reconnect power and try again. - If the error code is still displayed, call for service.

FE — Overflow Error The water level is too high because of a faulty water valve.

What to do: - Close the water faucets. - Unplug the washer. - Call for service.

PE — Pressure Sensor Error The water level sensor is not working correctly.

What to do: - Close the water faucets. - Unplug the washer. - Call for service.

LE — Motor Locked Error A motor error has occurred.

What to do: - Allow the washer to stand for 30 minutes. - Restart the cycle. - If the error code is still displayed, call for service.

svd — Oversudsing Detection Too much detergent suds have been detected.

What to do: - Do not add more detergent than the manufacturer’s recommended amount. - To remove suds, turn the washer off and then back on, then run the Rinse+Spin cycle. - If too many suds are detected during spinning, the washer stops to help prevent leaking.

PF — Power Failure A power failure or inadequate electrical service may have occurred during operation.

What to do: - Press the Start/Pause button to restart the cycle.

FF — Frozen Error The inlet hose, drain hose, or drain pump is frozen.

What to do: - See Care in Cold Climates.

CL — Control Lock Function Control Lock is on to prevent anyone from changing cycles or operating the washer.

What to do: - Turn off Control Lock on the control panel. - See Control Lock under Options and Extra Functions.

tcL — Tub Clean Alarm This is not an error code.

It means: - The Tub Clean cycle is running, or - It is time to run the Tub Clean cycle to clean the washer drum.

When to call for service Call for service when: - A door error keeps appearing after you close the door and secure it. - The tE error still appears after unplugging the washer for 60 minutes and reconnecting it. - The FE or PE error appears. - The LE error still appears after waiting 30 minutes and restarting the cycle.

Quick reminders - For balance errors, use a more even load and avoid mixing very heavy items with much lighter ones. - For drain errors, check the hose for kinks, pinches, clogs, and correct height. - For oversudsing, use no more than the detergent amount recommended by the detergent manufacturer. - If the washer stops during spinning because of too many suds, that is meant to help prevent leaking.

Noise, Vibration, and Water Hammer Troubleshooting

This section helps you tell the difference between normal washer sounds and sounds that may need attention.

Normal sounds during operation The following sounds are listed as normal operation:

• Clicking: The door lock may click when the door locks or unlocks.
• Spraying or hissing: Water may spray or circulate during the cycle.
• Humming or gurgling: The drain pump may pump water from the washer at times during a cycle.
• Water sloshing: A liquid in the balance ring around the pulsator helps the basket spin smoothly.
• Water being added after the washer has already begun to operate: The washer may add more water as it adapts to the load size and type. It may also stop and refill if it senses the load is unbalanced, or it may be diluting laundry additives before adding them to the wash load.

These sounds do not by themselves indicate a problem.

Sounds or motion that may need attention

Rattling and clanking noise Possible cause: - Foreign objects such as keys, coins, or safety pins may be in the drum or pump.

What to do: - Stop the washer and check the drum and the drain filter for foreign objects. - If the noise continues after the washer is restarted, call for service.

Thumping sound Possible cause: - Heavy wash loads may produce a thumping sound. - The wash load may be out of balance.

What to do: - This sound can be normal with heavy loads. - If the sound continues, stop the washer and redistribute the wash load. - Pause the cycle and redistribute the load after the door unlocks.

Vibrating noise Possible causes: - Packaging materials were not removed. - The wash load may be unevenly distributed in the drum. - Not all leveling feet are resting firmly and evenly on the floor. - The floor is not rigid enough.

What to do: - See the installation instructions for unpacking and removing shipping material. - Pause the cycle and redistribute the load after the door unlocks. - See the installation instructions for leveling the washer. - Make sure the floor is solid and does not flex; see the flooring installation instructions.

Squeaking noise Possible cause: - Packaging materials were not removed.

What to do: - See the installation instructions for unpacking and removing shipping material.

Error related to vibration If the display shows Vibration Sensor Error (vs):

• The manual says the vibration sensor malfunctions.
• Call for service.

Quick check If you hear an unusual sound or notice vibration, first ask: - Is the sound one of the listed normal operating sounds? - Is the load heavy or unevenly distributed? - Were the shipping materials removed? - Are the leveling feet firmly and evenly on the floor? - Is the floor solid and not flexing? - Is there anything foreign in the drum or drain filter?

If the noise continues after checking these items, or if a vibration sensor error appears, call for service.

Operation Problems: Leaks, Detergent Dispensing, Filling, and Cycle Behavior

This section helps you troubleshoot common washer problems such as leaks, detergent not dispensing correctly, filling issues, pauses during a cycle, and the washer stopping or not starting.

Banging noise when the washer is filling with water

If you hear a banging noise while the washer is filling, this is described as water hammer.

• This happens when plumbing in the home moves or flexes as the washer water valves shut off.
• Water hammer is not caused by a defect in the washer.
• For best results, install water hammer arrestors between the fill hose and the washer. These are sold separately at hardware or home improvement stores.
• If household water supply pressure is very high, adjust the household water supply regulator to a lower pressure, or contact a plumber.

Water leaking

If water is leaking, check these possible causes:

Hoses are not connected correctly - Check hoses and connectors for leaks, cracks, and splits. - Tighten hose connections.

House drain pipes are clogged - The washer pumps out water very rapidly. - During drain, look for water backing up out of the drain pipe. - If water comes out of the drain pipe, check that the drain hose is installed properly and that the drain is not restricted. - Contact a plumber to repair the drain pipe.

Drain hose has come out of the drain connector or is not inserted far enough - Tie the drain hose to the inlet hose or standpipe to keep it from coming out during drain. - For smaller drain pipes, insert the drain hose as far as the drain hose flange. - For larger drain pipes, insert the drain hose 1 to 2 inches past the flange.

Oversudsing of detergent Too much suds can cause leaks.

• Use only HE (High-Efficiency) detergent.
• The normal amount is 1/4 to 1/2 of the maximum amount recommended by the detergent manufacturer.
• Use less detergent for small loads, lightly soiled loads, or very soft water.
• Never use more than the manufacturer’s maximum amount.

Excessive sudsing

If there is too much suds:

• Use only detergent with the HE logo.
• HE detergents are made for HE washers and contain suds-reducing agents.
• Check detergent quantities in the Detergent Use instructions in the Operation section.
• If sudsing or detergent residue continues, add an extra rinse.

Incomplete or no dispensing of detergent

If detergent is not dispensing properly:

Detergent compartments clogged from incorrect filling - Put detergent and additives into the correct dispenser compartments. - Always make sure the dispenser drawer is fully closed before the cycle starts.

Too much detergent used - Use the suggested amount of detergent according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. - You may dilute detergent with water to the maximum fill line on the compartment to help avoid clogging. - Use only HE detergent. - Use as little detergent as possible. Using too much detergent can cause poor wash and rinse performance and may contribute to odors in the washer.

Insufficient water supply - Make sure both hot and cold water faucets are turned on all the way.

Normal residue - A small amount of detergent remaining in the dispenser is normal. - If residue builds up, it can interfere with normal dispensing. Follow the cleaning instructions.

Washer will not turn on or operate

Power issue - Make sure the plug is securely inserted into a grounded, 3-prong, 120-VAC, 60 Hz outlet. - If a house fuse is blown, a circuit breaker has tripped, or there has been a power outage, reset the breaker or replace the fuse. - Do not increase fuse capacity. - If the problem is caused by a circuit overload, have it corrected by a qualified electrician.

Washer will not operate - If the control panel has powered off due to inactivity, press the Power button. - Make sure the washer is plugged in. - Turn both hot and cold faucets fully on. - Confirm the cycle is set correctly, close the door, and press Start/Pause. - Close the door completely and make sure nothing is caught under it. - Check house circuit breakers/fuses. The washer should be on a dedicated branch circuit. - If Start/Pause is not pressed after setting the cycle, press Power, reselect the cycle, and press Start/Pause. - If Start/Pause is not pressed within a certain time, the washer turns off. The time varies by model, from 4 to 60 minutes. - If household water pressure is extremely low, check another faucet in the house. - If the washer has been exposed to freezing temperatures for an extended time, let it warm up before pressing Power. Otherwise, the display will not come on.

Washer stops for a few minutes and then restarts

This is normal.

• A motor protection device may activate to prevent the motor from overheating.
• If this happens, the washer stops for a few minutes and then starts again.

Washer is not filling properly

Possible causes include:

Filter is clogged - Make sure the inlet filters on the fill valves are not clogged. - See Cleaning the Water Inlet Filters in Maintenance.

Inlet hoses may be kinked - Check that the inlet hoses are not kinked or clogged.

Energy efficiency / normal fill level - This is a High-Efficiency (HE) washer. - Water level settings may be different than a conventional washer. - The water will not normally cover the clothes. - The fill level is optimized for wash motion to achieve the best wash performance.

Insufficient water supply - Make sure both hot and cold water faucets are fully open.

Washer door is open - Close the door and make sure nothing is caught under it.

Water in the washer does not drain or drains slowly

• Make sure the drain hose is free of clogs or kinks and is not pinched behind or under the washer.
• If the end of the drain hose is more than 96 inches (2.4 m) above the bottom of the washer, move it lower.
• For best performance, the end of the drain hose should be no higher than 66 inches (168 cm).

Bleach does not dispense

Bleach dispenser cover is not properly installed - On models with a cover, make sure the bleach cover is properly installed and snapped into place before the cycle begins.

Bleach dispenser is dirty or clogged - Lift out the bleach dispenser cover and clean out the reservoir. - Lint and other debris inside the dispenser may prevent proper dispensing.

Premature dispensing of bleach

• Do not store bleach in the dispenser for future use.
• The bleach is dispensed every load.
• Do not overfill the bleach dispenser.
• Overfilling will cause bleach to dispense immediately and can damage the laundry or the washer.
• Always measure bleach.
• Never fill above the max line on the dispenser.
• A half cup is sufficient for most loads.
• Never use more than 1 cup of bleach.

Wrinkling

- Remove items from the washer as soon as the cycle is complete.

Notes on cycle time

The washer may take longer than usual because it automatically adjusts wash time for the load size, water pressure, and other operating conditions.

• This is normal.
• The time remaining shown in the display is only an estimate.
• Actual time may vary.

Quick checks summary

• Use only HE detergent.
• Use less detergent when loads are small, lightly soiled, or the water is very soft.
• Make sure the dispenser drawer is fully closed.
• Check hot and cold water faucets.
• Check hoses, filters, and drain hose routing.
• Press Power, then set the cycle again and press Start/Pause if the washer turned off.
• A brief stop and restart can be normal when motor protection is activated.

Troubleshooting Laundry Results, Odors, and Wi‑Fi

Use the suggestions below when clothes are wrinkled, stained, smell musty, or when the washer will not connect to Wi‑Fi.

Wrinkling

The washer may be overloaded. - The washer can be fully loaded, but the drum should not be tightly packed. - The door should close easily.

Hot and cold water inlet hoses may be reversed. - A hot water rinse can set wrinkles in garments. - Check the inlet hose connectors.

Staining

Bleach or softener may have dispensed too soon. - The dispenser compartment may have been overfilled or closed too quickly, which can cause bleach or softener to dispense immediately. - Measure bleach carefully, and never use more than 1 cup.

Bleach or softener may have been added directly to the drum. - Always use the dispensers so laundry products are released at the correct time in the cycle.

Items may not have been unloaded promptly. - Remove clothes from the washer as soon as possible after the cycle finishes.

Clothes may not have been sorted properly. - Wash dark colors separately from light colors and whites to prevent discoloration. - Never wash heavily soiled items with lightly soiled items.

Poor stain removal

The right options may not have been selected. - Heavier soils and tougher stains may need extra cleaning power. - Select the Heavy Soil feature to boost the cleaning power of the chosen cycle.

The stains may already have been set. - Items that have already been washed may have stains that are set in. - These stains may be hard to remove and may require hand washing or pre-treating.

Musty or mildewy odor in the washer

Too much detergent, or the wrong detergent, may be used. - Use only HE (High-Efficiency) detergent, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The inside of the drum may not be cleaned properly. - Run the Tub Clean cycle regularly.

Odor

Some odors are normal, especially at first. - A smell from the rubber parts of the washer is normal for new rubber and should disappear after the machine has been run a few times.

Other odors can come from parts that need cleaning or checking. - Clean the rubber door gasket and door seal regularly. - Check under the door seal for small items when unloading the washer. - Clean the drainage pump filter regularly. - Make sure the drainage hose is installed properly and is not kinked or blocked, so water does not siphon back into the washer.

Wi‑Fi: trouble connecting the appliance and smartphone

If the washer will not connect to Wi‑Fi, check the following:

• Wi‑Fi password entered incorrectly: Delete your home Wi‑Fi network and begin the connection process again.
• Mobile data is turned on: Turn off mobile data on your smartphone before connecting the appliance.
• Network name (SSID) is incorrect: The wireless network name should use only English letters and numbers. Do not use special characters.
• Router frequency is not 2.4 GHz: Only a 2.4 GHz router frequency is supported. Set the wireless router to 2.4 GHz. If needed, check with your Internet service provider or router manufacturer.
• Appliance and router are too far apart: Move the router closer to the appliance or install a Wi‑Fi repeater.

If the app asks for a password to connect to the product on certain phones

• Find the network name that starts with “LG” under Settings > Networks.
• Note the last part of the network name.
• If the network name looks like LGE_Appliance_XX-XX-XX, enter lge12345.
• If the network name looks like LGE_Appliance_XXXX, enter XXXX twice as the password.
• Example: if the name is LGE_Appliance_8b92, enter 8b928b92.
• This password is case sensitive, and the last 4 characters are unique to your appliance.

Quick checks before you try again

• Make sure the drum is not tightly packed.
• Use bleach and softener only in the dispensers.
• Sort laundry properly before washing.
• Use HE detergent only.
• Run Tub Clean regularly.
• Clean the gasket, door seal, and drainage pump filter.
• Confirm your Wi‑Fi network is 2.4 GHz and the SSID uses only letters and numbers.

Practical FAQs

Why are my clothes wrinkled after washing? The drum may be overloaded, or the hot and cold water inlet hoses may be reversed.

Why did bleach or softener stain my clothes? They may have dispensed too soon, been added directly to the drum, or been used in too much quantity.

What should I do if stains are not coming out? Select the Heavy Soil feature, and consider hand washing or pre-treating if the stains were already set.

Why does my washer smell musty? Too much or incorrect detergent, or a drum that has not been cleaned regularly, can cause odor. Run Tub Clean regularly.

Why won’t the washer connect to Wi‑Fi? Check the password, turn off mobile data, use a 2.4 GHz router, keep the appliance closer to the router, and make sure the network name uses only letters and numbers.