LG Washing Machine Test Mode & Diagnostic Service Sequence

LG Washing Machine Diagnostic Service Test Mode Guide

In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to enter the diagnostic test mode on your LG washing machine. This mode will aid you in identifying potential issues with your machine.

This guide is particularly useful for LG washing machines that display a different method of accessing the test mode relative to other models, and it can be used on most direct drive LG washers.

We would also recommend you watch our 10-minute video since we're taking you on an exclusive tour inside a LG washing machine, showcasing test mode.

Additionally, you can visit our web store to buy genuine spare parts: https://shop.how-to-repair.com/collections/washing-machine-parts

Safety First!

• Diagnose test mode should always be run with the drum empty and no clothing in the drum.
• If you have to do any work on the machine, make sure you unplug the appliance from the electricity supply.
• Also, the machine should be connected to the water supply.
• Organize screws and parts meticulously to avoid confusion if you have to do any work on the machine.

Let's Begin!

How to Enter the LG Test Mode and Test the Door Lock

To enter the diagnostic mode, shut the door of your machine and simultaneously press the two central buttons. For this model, they are the Spin and Temperature buttons. However, the specific buttons may vary depending on the model of the machine. While holding down these two buttons, press the On/Off button to activate the diagnostic mode.

On activation, you should hear a click sound, indicating that the door lock has passed the test. All the LED lights will illuminate, testing the LED system. The software version of your machine will then be displayed on the screen. If the door lock fails the test, a DE Error code will appear on the screen.

You can proceed through the diagnostic procedure by pressing the Start button. Each press will advance the diagnostic program to the next step.

Please remember that the whole video includes step-by-step and detailed explanations, which may help you reduce your repair time.

LG Washer Diagnostic Mode Stages

Stage 1: Anticlockwise Motor Test at 50 RPM

Pressing the Start button once will initiate an anticlockwise rotation of the motor at 50 RPM. The display will show the current RPM, ranging from 50 to 51 for this test. You can also measure the RPM using a tachometer, a device that counts the number of revolutions by pointing a light at the motor.

Stage 2: Testing the Motor at 50% Power

Pressing the Start button again will test the motor at 50% of its maximum spin speed. For a machine with a maximum spin speed of 1200, this test will reach around 600 RPM. The display will show the current RPM.

Stage 3: Testing the Motor at Maximum Power

The next press of the Start button will test the motor at its maximum RPM. For a machine with a 1200 RPM maximum, this stage should reach close to that figure.

The following steps of the diagnostic mode will focus on testing the water valve, the pressure switch, and the fill system of the program.

Understanding Hz Frequency Display on Fill and Water Level Pressure Testing

Before proceeding to the next steps, it's important to understand the numbers that will appear on the display. If you don't understand these numbers, you won't be able to comprehend the information the machine is providing.

We suggest you to watch our video to understand these numbers.

Stage 4: Pre-wash LG Water Valve Test with Water Level Indication

The next test sequence begins with the drum having no water, displaying a reading of 260 on the screen. As the machine fills with water, this number will decrease. The machine will only allow a maximum fill level of 230.

Stage 5: Main Water Valve Test with Water Level Indication

In this stage, we switch to testing a different water valve which is the main wash valve. The machine will continue to fill with water until it reaches the maximum fill level, which is typically 230.

Stage 6: Continue Filling until Frequency Level 230

Your LG washing machine continues to fill in this stage until the reading reaches 230, as it indicates the machine has reached the maximum required level for a rinse cycle, for example. Once the machine has stopped and the reading reaches 230, the machine has found the perfect maximum level of water.

Stage 7: Clockwise Rotation, 50 RPM

In this stage, the machine tests the motor's clockwise rotation at 50 RPM. The RPM will be displayed on the screen.

Stage 8: Checking the Heater Circuit Heating Element & NTC Sensor

This stage involves testing the heating system. The heater is only turned on for three seconds while it tests the heating element and also displays the water temperature on the screen. The temperature reading should be accurate, indicating the NTC sensor is working correctly. The heater should pull just under 9 amps of power, meaning it's a 2-kilowatt element and the element is working as expected.

Stage 9: Pump Emptying Drum until Frequency Level 260

The final test involves the pump emptying the machine. Once the water has fully emptied, the reading on the pressure switch will return to 260, telling the machine that it is now fully empty.

With this guide, you should be able to diagnose and troubleshoot issues with your LG washing machine. Remember to use your full model number off the identification plate when obtaining parts. 

Don't forget to buy spare parts from our website!

In addition, our YouTube channel contains hundreds of videos that provide assistance on a wide range of domestic appliance repairs.

If you need any parts for your LG washing machine, you can find them on our site.

If this guide was particularly helpful, you can always donate us by clicking on the Buy Paul a Beer page.

Related Video: https://youtu.be/RAABlRMMmY4?si=We2KQqCKmBvxoY7g

Complete Playlist on All LG Washing Machine Repairs: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnAHZbSarsyHLR4x9XPIS-ZEsheufxm9Y