How to Reset an LG Washing Machine

Resetting your LG washing machine can resolve temporary electronic glitches, clear error codes, and restore normal operation. This guide covers all reset methods, diagnostic mode entry, and LG’s ThinQ Smart Diagnosis feature.

1. Standard Reset (Official LG Procedure)

This is the manufacturer-recommended reset method that resolves most temporary issues.

1. Press POWER button to turn off the washer
2. Unplug from the power outlet (or turn off circuit breaker)
3. Press and hold POWER button for 5 seconds
4. Press and hold START button for 5 seconds
5. Wait 5 minutes minimum (longer is fine)
6. Plug back in and turn on
7. Run a test cycle

What this clears: Temporary error codes, control board glitches, stuck cycle states, minor electronic malfunctions.

2. Hard Reset (Persistent Issues)

Use this for errors that return after a standard reset.

1. Power off the washer
2. Unplug from wall outlet
3. While unplugged, press and hold START/PAUSE for 5 seconds
   • This fully discharges the control board capacitors
4. Wait 5 minutes (or longer)
5. Plug back in and test

When to use: Error codes that immediately return after standard reset, unresponsive control panel, cycle that won’t cancel.

3. Door Reset (Door Lock Issues)

Specifically for dE, dE1, dE2, and dL door lock errors.

1. Unplug the washing machine
2. Leave unplugged for 1 minute
3. Plug back in
4. Open and close the door 6 times within 12 seconds
5. Run a rinse and spin cycle to test

This resets the door lock mechanism and can resolve stuck lock states.

4. Diagnostic/Test Mode

Diagnostic mode lets you test individual components. Entry varies by model type.

Front Load (Most WM Models)

1. Ensure washer is empty and OFF
2. Press and hold SPIN SPEED + SOIL LEVEL simultaneously
3. While holding these, press POWER
4. Listen for two buzzer sounds confirming test mode entry
5. Press START/PAUSE to cycle through component tests

Newer Front Load (2020+)

1. Press ON/OFF button
2. Within 1 second, press the 2nd and 4th buttons simultaneously

Top Load (WT Models)

1. Press POWER button
2. Display should show ”—:—”
3. Press SPECIAL USE + CYCLE buttons simultaneously
4. Listen for two buzzer sounds

Test mode functions: Motor operation, water valve operation, drain pump operation, door lock, and sensor readings.

5. ThinQ Smart Diagnosis

LG’s Smart Diagnosis feature transmits diagnostic data via sound tones. Use this to get detailed error information from LG support.

Via ThinQ App (Wi-Fi Connected)

1. Open ThinQ app on your phone
2. Select menu icon (three lines)
3. Tap Smart Diagnosis
4. Select Washer
5. Tap Start
6. Follow on-screen instructions

Via Phone (No Wi-Fi Required)

This method works by transmitting audio data to LG support or the app.

1. Call LG Customer Information Center or open ThinQ app
2. When prompted, position your phone’s microphone near the Power button (within 1 inch, not touching)
3. Press and hold Temp button for 3 seconds
4. The washer emits a series of tones (sounds like dial-up modem)
5. The agent or app analyzes the tones and reports issues

What Smart Diagnosis checks:

• Error code history
• Component status
• Operation history
• Sensor readings

Quick Reference Table

Reset Type	When to Use	Key Steps
Standard	First attempt for any error	Unplug, hold POWER 5s + START 5s, wait 5 min
Hard	Error returns after standard reset	Unplug, hold START/PAUSE 5s, wait 5 min
Door	dE, dE1, dE2, dL errors	Unplug 1 min, open/close door 6x in 12 sec
Diagnostic	Testing specific components	Varies by model—see above
Smart Diagnosis	Getting detailed error info	Use ThinQ app or call LG support

Model Coverage

These reset procedures apply to:

Front Load (WM series): WM3xxx, WM4xxx, WM5xxx, WM6xxx and all similar models

Top Load (WT series): WT6xxx, WT7xxx, WT8xxx and all similar models

WashTower: Uses front load reset procedures

When Reset Doesn’t Work

If errors return immediately after reset:

1. The underlying problem still exists — Reset clears the error, not the cause
2. Hardware failure — Sensor, motor, or control board has failed
3. Physical issue — Clogged filter, kinked hose, trapped object

Contact LG support (1-800-243-0000) if:

• Same error returns within minutes of reset
• Multiple different errors appear
• Washer won’t turn on after reset
• Display remains unresponsive

Sources

For official LG support:

• LG Washer Reset Guide
• LG Smart Diagnosis
• LG US Support

Related Guides

• LG Washing Machine Error Codes: Complete Guide
• LG Washer OE Error: Drain Problem Fix
• LG Washer UE vs uE Error: Unbalanced Load Fix