Last updated: 2026-10-30 · By Fix It or Replace editorial team

LG Washer Not Starting? Control Lock (CL), Door Codes dE/dE1/dE2, Power, Touch-Button Timing, Factory Reset โ€” Fixes, Costs, Repair vs Replace (2026)

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Quick answer

Most LG washers that "won't start" have nothing broken. LG's own help library and manual list these checks:

  1. Power. Plug straight into a wall outlet: no extension cord, adapter, or surge protector. Reset a GFCI outlet if there is one. Switch the breaker off for 5 seconds, then on. Test the outlet with another device.
  2. Control Lock (CL). If the washer beeps but nothing happens, or CL shows, Control Lock is on. All buttons except Power are disabled, and turning the power off doesn't clear it. Press and hold the button marked for Control Lock for 3 seconds until it beeps.
  3. Touch panels: hold Start. On touch-button models, LG says Start only works after you press it for 1 second.
  4. Door or lid. The washer won't run with the door or lid open. dE / dE1 = not fully closed (clothes caught in the gasket). dE2 = closed but not locked.
  5. Water. Turn both hot and cold taps fully on.
  6. Timed out. The panel powers off after inactivity, and the washer shuts off if Start/Pause isn't pressed within 60 minutes of setting a cycle. Press Power, re-select, then Start/Pause.
  7. Too cold. If it sat below freezing, let it warm up; otherwise the display won't come on.
  8. Reset. Power off, unplug (or breaker off), hold Start/Pause for 5 seconds, plug in, power on.

If those don't fix it, the parts that usually fail are the door lock (front-load) or lid lock (top-load), the display or main control board, the water inlet valve, or the direct-drive motor's stator or rotor position sensor.

Need a repair pro?
Our partner pro call line is coming soon. Until then: if your appliance may still be under warranty, contact the manufacturer first. Otherwise, get two or three written quotes from local appliance repair companies, and ask about the diagnostic fee and the parts-and-labor warranty.

Verdict at a glance

Your situationWhat it usually meansOur verdict
CL lit; beeps but won't start; on an extension cord or power strip; GFCI or breaker tripped; touch Start tapped too briefly; taps off; washer was in a freezing garageControl Lock, power, timing, water, or coldโœ… Free fix
dE/dE1/dE2 that returns with the door shut and nothing in the gasket; some buttons dead with CL offDoor lock or display board๐Ÿ”ง Usually worth repairing
Completely dead on a tested outlet after LG's reset; washer 7+ years old and this is the second big repair in about 2 yearsMain board or wiring๐Ÿ”ง for a door lock or valve; โ™ป๏ธ lean toward replacing for a main board on an older washer

Safety check before any DIY (30 seconds)

Stop and don't start the DIY steps below if any of these is true:

If none of these apply, the free checks below are safe for most owners.

Fix order at a glance (cheapest first)

OrderWhat to tryCostDIY tier
1Plug straight into the wall; reset GFCI; breaker off 5 seconds; test the outletFreeEasy
2Turn off Control Lock (CL)FreeEasy
3Touch panels: hold Start for 1 secondFreeEasy
4Press Power, re-select the cycle, press Start/PauseFreeEasy
5Door or lid closed; nothing caught in the gasketFreeEasy
6Both taps fully on; check household water pressureFreeEasy
7Let a cold washer warm upFreeEasy
8LG reset: unplug, hold Start/Pause 5 seconds, plug inFreeEasy
9Clean a touch panel with mild detergent; dry fingers may not registerFreeEasy
10Door lock (front-load) or lid lock (top-load)Part, or pro visitModerate โ†’ Advanced
11Water inlet valvePart, or pro visitAdvanced
12Display board or main control boardPro visitAdvanced โ†’ Pro only
13Stator or rotor position sensorPro visitPro only

DIY tiers: Easy (no tools) ยท Moderate (unplugged, basic tools) ยท Advanced (panels off, multimeter) ยท Pro only (boards, motors, or still under warranty).

Which LG washer do you have?

Model starts with (check label)TypeWhat matters for a start
WM (check label)Front-loadDoor codes dE, dE1, dE2; door stays locked while water is hot or high
WT (check label)Top-loadLid must be closed; see the 2012 recall for WT5001CW, WT5101HV, WT5101HW
Touch-button panels (either type)โ€”Start needs a 1-second press; Power off needs a 1-second press

LG prints the model and serial number on the washer; its warranty says you can also find them online with "Find My Model & Serial Number" on LG's repair page. For other problems on the same washer, see LG washer not draining, LG washer not spinning, and LG washer leaking.

Five-minute checks before you call anyone

  1. Lights? None at all = power: wall outlet (lamp test), GFCI, breaker, plug. Lights but no start = Control Lock, timing, door, or water.
  2. CL on the display? Hold the Control Lock button 3 seconds until it beeps.
  3. Touch panel? Press Start and hold it for a full second.
  4. Door: open it, pull any clothing out of the gasket, close it firmly.
  5. Taps: both fully on.
  6. Reset: power off, unplug, hold Start/Pause 5 seconds, plug in, power on.

How to know it's fixed: LG's manual says after you press Start/Pause, the washer turns briefly without water to weigh the load, then fills.

What LG's own pages say vs. each other

LG's help-library articles and manual give different resets and button timings:

LG "unresponsive buttons" and dE articlesLG "won't power on" article and its video
How to resetPower off, unplug (or breaker off), hold Start/Pause 5 seconds, plug in, power onWhile unplugged, hold POWER/START 5 seconds, then PLAY/PAUSE 5 seconds, then plug in. The video also says unplug for 15 or 30 seconds
BreakerUnplug or switch off the breakerBreaker off 5 seconds, then on
Pressing StartLG "Power/Start button" article: on touch models, hold Start 1 second; power on is instant, power off needs 1 secondWM3998HBA manual: press Start/Pause (no hold time given)
Turning off Control LockHold the designated button(s) 3 seconds until it beeps; it stays on after a power cycleManual: turn the washer on, then hold the button marked "Control Lock" 3 seconds; Control Lock doesn't lock the door, and Power still works

Our take: do the unplug + hold Start/Pause 5 seconds reset first; if your panel has separate Power and Start/Pause buttons and nothing changes, try LG's two-button version. On a touch panel, always hold Start for a full second. Don't expect a power cycle to clear CL; you must turn it off with the button.

LG washer codes and signs that stop a start

Codes vary by model. Your Owner's Manual has the full list.

Code / signWhat LG saysFirst fix (free)If it continuesDIY tier
Nothing lightsPowerWall outlet, GFCI, breaker off 5 seconds, no extension cord or surge protectorElectrician, then repairEasy โ†’ Pro
CL / beeps but won't startControl Lock on; all buttons except Power disabledHold Control Lock 3 secondsDisplay boardEasy โ†’ Advanced
Touch Start does nothingStart needs a 1-second pressHold 1 second; clean the panelDisplay boardEasy โ†’ Advanced
dE / dE1Door not closed properly; laundry in the gasketOpen, clear, re-close; LG resetDoor lock / latchEasy โ†’ Moderate
dE2Door closed but not locked: overload, items stuck, or a bent or broken latchReduce the load; clear the door; resetDoor lockEasy โ†’ Moderate
Display won't come on after cold storageWasher too coldLet it warm before pressing Powerโ€”Easy
Shuts off after you set a cycleStart/Pause not pressed within 60 minutesRe-select and press Start/Pauseโ€”Easy
Won't fillTaps off or very low pressureTaps fully on; check another faucetInlet valveEasy โ†’ Advanced

Which part each symptom points at:

SymptomPart most often involvedDIY tier
dE/dE1/dE2 returns with the door shut and gasket clearDoor lock (front-load) or lid lock (top-load)Moderate
Some buttons dead, CL off, panel cleanDisplay boardAdvanced
Completely dead on a tested outlet after the resetMain control board or wiringPro only
Won't fill, taps on and pressure goodWater inlet valveAdvanced
Starts, fills, but the drum won't turnStator or rotor position sensorPro only

Checks and codes from LG US help-library articles and the WM3998HBA owner's manual (sources 1โ€“5). The part mapping is our own from these sources and the Sears PartsDirect catalog.

Diagnose by symptom โ†’ likely part

Before you touch parts: Unplug the washer. Turn off both taps. Have towels ready.

1. Door code with the door firmly closed

Likely cause: a failed door lock (front-load) or lid lock (top-load). LG's dE article says to request service if the code continues after the reset.

DIY difficulty: Moderate.

PartWhat it doesDIY difficulty
Door lock (front-load)Locks the door and tells the board it's lockedModerate
Lid lock and switch (top-load)Same, for the lidModerate

2. Buttons dead, CL off, panel clean and dry

Likely cause: the display board (the board behind the buttons).

DIY difficulty: Advanced.

PartWhat it doesDIY difficulty
Display boardReads the buttons and drives the displayAdvanced

3. Completely dead on a tested outlet

Likely cause: the main control board, or wiring. LG says if it still won't power on after the reset, contact an electrician, then request a repair.

DIY difficulty: Pro only.

PartWhat it doesDIY difficulty
Main control boardRuns the motor, valves, lock, and pumpPro only

4. Won't fill with taps fully on

Likely cause: the water inlet valve, after checking pressure at another faucet.

DIY difficulty: Advanced.

PartWhat it doesDIY difficulty
Water inlet valveLets hot and cold water inAdvanced

5. Starts and fills, but the drum won't turn

Likely cause: the direct-drive motor's stator or rotor position (hall) sensor. LG's warranty covers these parts for 10 years on the model we checked.

DIY difficulty: Pro only.

PartWhat it doesDIY difficulty
StatorThe fixed half of the direct-drive motorPro only
Rotor position sensorTells the board where the rotor isAdvanced

Power, Control Lock, door, taps, and the reset all done, still won't start? A technician can test the lock, boards, valve, and motor in one visit.
Partner pro call line coming soon. See “who services” below for your options.
Independent partner service, not LG Electronics. We may be paid when you call.

Recalls

We checked the CPSC site on 2026-10-30:

This recall isn't about starting, but if your washer matches, use the recall remedy. Search your exact model at cpsc.gov/Recalls.

Prevent it next time

Related guides: LG washer not draining ยท LG washer not spinning ยท LG washer leaking ยท LG washer UE error ยท Samsung washer not starting

What LG's warranty covers on a washer

Per the LG limited warranty printed in the WM3998HBA owner's manual (see Sources); terms vary by model and year, so check your own manual:

Period (from original retail purchase)What's coveredWho pays labor
1 yearAny internal or functional parts and laborLG
3 yearsStainless steel drumCheck your manual
10 yearsDD motor (stator, rotor, hall sensor)Parts only; you pay labor and in-home service

What this means for a washer that won't start: in year 1, a failed door lock, board, valve, or motor part is covered. After that, a stator or rotor position sensor is parts-only for 10 years. LG doesn't cover service trips to install or for instruction, repair or replacement of fuses or correction of wiring or plumbing, failure during power failures or inadequate electrical service, or inadequate or interrupted water supply, so a tripped breaker, a bad outlet, or closed taps usually aren't warranty repairs. LG requires model and serial numbers plus the original receipt.

โ†’ LG Electronics service: 1-800-243-0000 ยท LG US warranty information

Before you pay for any repair: a 4-point check

  1. Warranty: year 1; 10-year parts on the DD motor; retailer or credit-card extended protection.
  2. Recalls: check the 2012 top-load recall, then search cpsc.gov/Recalls.
  3. Free fixes done: outlet, GFCI, breaker, Control Lock, Start hold, door, taps, reset.
  4. Written quote: ask for part, labor, and trip fee separately, and which part tested bad.

What it costs: repair parts and pro service (2026)

How we price this table: DIY part prices are LG-format part numbers (EBF, EAU, EBR, AJB, 4417EA, 6501KW, 5220FR, 5221ER, AJU) listed on Sears PartsDirect public search pages for "lg washer โ€ฆ" searches (S-list under Sources), USD before tax and shipping. Strikes, springs, dishwasher boards and valves, and other-brand numbers were excluded. Pro costs tagged [GUIDE] come from two US cost guides (Fixr = G1, HomeGuide = G2): national averages for washers in general, not LG-specific quotes.

RepairPart cost (DIY)Typical pro cost (parts + labor)Notes
Power, Control Lock, Start hold, door, taps, reset$0โ€”Do these first
Door lock (front-load)EBF49827801 $81.23, EBF61315802 $153.00 [S1][GUIDE] door lock $110โ€“$200 (G1); door lock or lid switch $100โ€“$300 (G2)Match your model
Lid lock (top-load)EBF61674802 $146.12, EAU63143510 $188.73 [S2][GUIDE] lid switch $85โ€“$160 (G1); door lock or lid switch $100โ€“$300 (G2)
Display board$167.30โ€“$395.78 (EBR85194701 to EBR79853404) [S3]Varies โ€” get a quote (not itemized separately in G1/G2)
Main control board$261.01โ€“$464.74 (EBR81634305 to EBR87519301) [S4][GUIDE] motherboard $250โ€“$400 (G1); control board $350โ€“$550 (G2)Diagnose first
Water inlet valve$51.73โ€“$265.79 (5220FR2075L to 5221EA1009B) [S5][GUIDE] inlet valve $95โ€“$190 (G1); water inlet valve $100โ€“$300 (G2)Only if it won't fill
Stator$153.36โ€“$424.16 (AJB73816015 to AJB76315004) [S6][GUIDE] motor $300โ€“$500 (G1); motor $300โ€“$700 (G2)Parts-only warranty 10 years on the model we checked
Rotor position sensor6501KW2001B $39.80, 6501KW2002B $54.29 [S7]Varies โ€” get a quote (not itemized in G1/G2)
"Won't start" repair, overallโ€”[GUIDE] washer won't start $200โ€“$400 (G1)Fixr's problem-based figure
Service visitโ€”[GUIDE] diagnosis $50โ€“$100 (G1); minimum fee $70โ€“$130, then $50โ€“$125/hr (G2)
New washerโ€”[GUIDE] replacement $650โ€“$2,100 (G1); new washer $700โ€“$1,300 (G2)

Part prices checked 2026-10-30 on Sears PartsDirect public search pages (S1โ€“S7). Pro-cost cells tagged [GUIDE] from G1 (Fixr) and G2 (HomeGuide), re-read 2026-10-30; [GUIDE] figures are national averages, not LG-specific quotes. Prices change; confirm with your model number.

Tip: tell the tech your model number, the exact code, whether it powers on at all, and what you've tried.

Repair vs. replace calculator

1. What's the all-in repair cost? โ†’ R = trip/diagnostic fee + part + labor + tax, minus anything LG's warranty (or a recall) covers
2. What does a comparable new washer cost, all-in? โ†’ N = unit + delivery + installation + haul-away
3. How old is your washer, and how long should it last? โ†’ Age and Life (HomeGuide says washers last 8โ€“13 years; use 10 if you don't know)
4. How much have you spent on repairs in the last 2 years? โ†’ Past

Step A โ€” Cost ratio: R รท N
Step B โ€” Life used: Age รท Life
Step C โ€” Repeat-repair check: (R + Past) รท N

Life used under 50%Life used over 50%
Repair under 50% of newโœ… Repair๐Ÿค” Repair is usually fine. Check for other wear
Repair over 50% of new๐Ÿค” Get a second quote firstโŒ Replace

Repeat-repair rule: if Step C is over 50%, lean toward replacing. HomeGuide says replacing is usually cheaper for a washer 7โ€“10 years old that needs frequent repairs. If the part is no longer available for your model, replace.

Worked example 1 (illustrative numbers): An LG front-loader beeps but won't start, and CL shows. Holding Control Lock for 3 seconds fixes it. R = $0.
โ†’ Not a repair.

Worked example 2 (illustrative numbers): A 5-year-old LG front-loader shows dE2 on every load, even half-full with the gasket clear. A tech replaces the door lock: R = $190; N = $1,100.
190 รท 1,100 = 17%; life used 5 รท 10 = 50% โ†’ Repair.

Worked example 3 (illustrative numbers): A 9-year-old LG washer is dead on a tested outlet after LG's reset. The main board quote is $560, a year after a door lock ($190): N = $1,000.
560 รท 1,000 = 56% (inside the 50โ€“60% second-quote zone); life used 9 รท 10 = 90%; repeat check (560 + 190) รท 1,000 = 75% โ†’ Replace.

Tips toward replacing: a main board on an older washer, repeat repairs, or parts no longer sold for your model.
Tips toward repairing: it's a door lock, lid lock, valve, or sensor; the washer is under about 7 years old; it's in year 1; or a stator is still within the 10-year parts term.

Why 50%? It's the common rule of thumb for appliances. Some technician checklists draw the line a little higher, at about 60% of a new washer's price, so treat a repair that costs 50โ€“60% of new as a second-quote zone, not an automatic replace.

Who services LG washers near you

1. LG Electronics (warranty). Call 1-800-243-0000 or request a repair on LG's US support site. Have your model and serial number and the original receipt ready.

2. A partner appliance pro (out of warranty).
Our call line connects you with an independent appliance repair provider in your area. Tell them your model number, the code, whether it powers on, and what you've already tried.

Need a repair pro?
Our partner pro call line is coming soon. Until then: if your appliance may still be under warranty, contact the manufacturer first. Otherwise, get two or three written quotes from local appliance repair companies, and ask about the diagnostic fee and the parts-and-labor warranty.

Questions to ask any technician:

Optional: is an appliance warranty worth it?

A home warranty (service contract) can cover repairs for a yearly fee plus a per-visit service fee. Read the exclusions carefully: plans often exclude electrical supply problems, cosmetic parts, and pre-existing problems.

FAQ

Why won't my LG washer start?
LG lists Control Lock (CL), a door or lid that isn't closed (dE codes), taps turned off, not pressing Start/Pause within 60 minutes of setting a cycle, and, on touch panels, not holding Start for a full second.

Why won't my LG washer turn on at all?
Plug it straight into a wall outlet (no extension cord or surge protector), reset any GFCI, switch the breaker off for 5 seconds and back on, and test the outlet with another device. Then do LG's reset.

How do I reset an LG washer?
Power off, unplug it (or switch off the breaker), hold Start/Pause for 5 seconds, plug it back in, and power on. LG's power-on article gives a two-button version: hold POWER/START 5 seconds, then PLAY/PAUSE 5 seconds, while unplugged.

How do I turn off CL on an LG washer?
Turn the washer on, then hold the button marked for Control Lock for 3 seconds until it beeps. Unplugging doesn't clear CL.

What does dE mean on an LG washer?
dE or dE1 means the door isn't fully closed, often because of laundry in the gasket. dE2 means the door is closed but not locked: too much laundry, something stuck, or a bent or broken latch.

Why does my LG washer beep but not start?
LG's manual says that's usually Control Lock.

How much does it cost to fix an LG washer that won't start?
Often nothing. When we checked Sears PartsDirect on 2026-10-30, two LG front-load door locks listed at $81.23 and $153.00. Fixr puts a "won't start" repair at $200 to $400.

About the author

Fix It or Replace editorial team โ€” We research appliance repairs using manufacturer documentation, parts-supplier data, and current US cost guides, and we cite every source below. We are not appliance technicians; for electrical, board, or motor repairs, call a qualified pro.
Last updated: 2026-10-30.

Sources

  1. LG US help library: "LG Washer โ€“ Why Won't My LG Washing Machine Power On?" (plug directly into a wall outlet, no extension cord or surge protector; reset GFCI; breaker off 5 seconds; test the outlet; while unplugged hold POWER/START 5 seconds then PLAY/PAUSE 5 seconds; if still dead, contact an electrician, then request repair; video: touch panels, clean with mild detergent, dry fingers, unplug 15 or 30 seconds, outlet tester). https://www.lg.com/us/support/help-library/lg-washer-why-wont-my-lg-washing-machine-power-on--20150791852235DRC (accessed 2026-10-30)
  2. LG US help library: "LG Washer - Troubleshooting Unresponsive Washer Buttons" (CL = Control Lock, all buttons except Power disabled, stays on after a power cycle, hold 3 seconds until beep; check error codes; reset: power off, unplug or breaker off, hold Start/Pause 5 seconds, plug in, power on). https://www.lg.com/us/support/help-library/lg-washer-troubleshooting-unresponsive-washer-buttons--20152367429605 (accessed 2026-10-30)
  3. LG US help library: "LG Washing Machine: The Power/Start button is not working" (touch models: Start works after a 1-second press; power on immediate, power off 1 second; pause immediate). https://www.lg.com/us/support/help-library/lg-washing-machine-the-powerstart-button-is-not-working--20153081565039 (accessed 2026-10-30)
  4. LG US help library: "Front Load Washer - What are dE, dE1, and dE2 Error Codes?" (dE/dE1 door not closed properly, laundry in the gasket; reset; service if it continues; dE2 closed but not locked: too much laundry, items stuck, bent or broken latch). https://www.lg.com/us/support/help-library/front-load-washer-what-are-de-de1-and-de2-error-codes--1400508168566 (accessed 2026-10-30)
  5. LG WM3998HBA Owner's Manual (MFL70701208), retailer-hosted copy (not an LG-hosted file) (will not turn on: grounded 3-prong 120 VAC 60 Hz outlet, reset breaker or replace fuse, don't increase fuse capacity; will not operate: powered off due to inactivity, unplugged, water off, door/lid open, breaker, dedicated branch circuit, control needs reset, Start/Pause not pressed within 60 minutes, low water pressure, washer too cold; beeps then nothing = Control Lock, hold 3 seconds; Control Lock doesn't reset with power off; washer weighs load briefly after Start/Pause; limited warranty: 1 year parts and labor, 3 years stainless steel drum, 10 years DD motor (stator, rotor, hall sensor) parts only; exclusions incl. installation and instruction trips, fuses, wiring or plumbing correction, power failures or inadequate electrical service, inadequate water supply; model, serial and receipt required; 1-800-243-0000). https://assets.coastappliances.com/product-assets/lg/washers-and-dryers/WM3998HBA/WM3998HBA-manual.pdf (accessed 2026-10-30)
  6. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: "LG Recalls Top-Loading Washing Machines Due to Risk of Injury" (December 18, 2012; recall 13-073; about 457,000; LG WT5001CW, WT5101HV, WT5101HW serials 002KWโ€“111KW; Kenmore Elite 29002, 29272, 29278 serials 005KWโ€“111KW; drum can come loose; free in-home repair; LG (855) 400-4639). https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2012/lg-recalls-top-loading-washing-machines-due-to-risk-of-injury (accessed 2026-10-30) ยท recalls search https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls
  7. Federal Trade Commission: endorsement and affiliate disclosure guidance. https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/ftcs-endorsement-guides-what-people-are-asking
  8. Part prices (Sears PartsDirect, S-list) and repair cost guides (Fixr G1, HomeGuide G2), see lists below (accessed 2026-10-30).

Part price sources (Sears PartsDirect public search results for "lg washer โ€ฆ", USD, accessed 2026-10-30; LG-format numbers only; prices change, confirm with your model number):

Pro-cost guide sources [GUIDE] (US national averages, parts + labor, not brand-specific quotes; the guide pages carry 2023โ€“2025 dates, so local quotes may differ):

Disclosure

Fix It or Replace is an independent site. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by LG Electronics. "LG" is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to describe the products we cover.

We don't publish fake reviews or testimonials, and we never present a tracking phone number as a specific local business.