LG Washing Machine Turning Off and On by Itself? Here’s Why — and How to Fix It

Posted on by RefiTech Kenya | Category: Washing Machines

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If your LG washing machine keeps turning off mid-cycle, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common complaints among LG washer owners, and the good news is that most causes are easy to diagnose and fix without calling a technician. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every likely reason your LG washer is shutting down on its own — and exactly what to do about it.

Why Is My LG Washing Machine Turning Off by Itself?

LG washing machines are built with smart diagnostic technology that automatically shuts the machine down when it detects a problem. While this protects your appliance from serious damage, it can be incredibly frustrating when you’re halfway through a load of laundry. Understanding what triggers these shutdowns is the first step toward getting your machine running again.

1. Power Supply Issues

One of the most overlooked causes of an LG washer turning off by itself is an unstable power supply.

What to check:

  • Make sure the washing machine is plugged directly into a wall outlet — not an extension cord or power strip, which may not supply consistent voltage.
  • Inspect the power cord for any visible damage, fraying, or loose connections.
  • Check if the circuit breaker for the laundry area has tripped. Reset it and see if the machine stays on.

A fluctuating power supply can cause the control board to lose power and shut down the machine unexpectedly.

2. Overloading the Drum

LG washers have built-in sensors that detect when the drum is overloaded. If the machine senses an unbalanced or excessively heavy load, it will stop the cycle — and sometimes shut down entirely — to protect the motor and drum bearings.

Fix: Remove some items from the drum and redistribute the remaining laundry evenly before restarting. As a general rule, your laundry should fill no more than three-quarters of the drum.

3. Unbalanced Load

Similar to overloading, an unbalanced load can cause excessive vibration. LG washing machines are programmed to stop when vibration levels become too high, which can look like a random shutdown.

Fix: Pause the machine, open the door, and rearrange the clothes so weight is distributed evenly around the drum. Heavy items like jeans or towels should be mixed with lighter garments.

4. Error Codes and Fault Detection

LG washing machines display error codes when they detect a fault. If your machine turns off and shows a code on the display panel, this is your best clue.

Common LG error codes that cause shutdowns:

  • UE / UB – Unbalanced load
  • LE – Motor overload or malfunction
  • OE – Drainage issue (water not draining properly)
  • DE / DE1 / DE2 – Door not properly closed or locked
  • PE – Water level pressure sensor fault
  • tE / tE1 / tE2 – Thermistor (temperature sensor) error

Note the code displayed, then refer to your LG washer’s user manual or the LG support website to get a specific fix for that error.

5. Door Latch Problems

LG front-load washers are especially sensitive to door closure. If the door latch is faulty, worn, or not fully engaged, the machine’s safety system will shut it down immediately.

What to do:

  • Ensure the door clicks fully shut before starting a cycle.
  • Inspect the latch and door seal for visible damage.
  • If the door sensor is faulty, it may need to be replaced — this is a relatively affordable repair.

6. Drainage Problems

If water isn’t draining properly from the drum, your LG washer may stop mid-cycle. This is often triggered by the OE error code.

Common drainage causes:

  • A clogged drain filter (usually located at the bottom front of the machine)
  • A kinked or blocked drain hose
  • A faulty drain pump

Fix: Clean the drain filter every month by unscrewing the cap at the front of the machine and removing lint and debris. Check that the drain hose isn’t bent or blocked.

7. Overheating Motor

If your washing machine has been running long or heavy cycles back-to-back, the motor may overheat. LG machines have thermal protection that shuts the washer off when the motor temperature gets too high.

Fix: Turn the machine off and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before running another cycle. Avoid running multiple back-to-back heavy-duty cycles.

8. Control Board Malfunction

If you’ve ruled out all the above causes and your LG washer is still turning off by itself, the main control board may be faulty. The control board is the brain of the machine — if it malfunctions, it can cause random or frequent shutdowns.

Signs of a faulty control board include:

  • Random shutdowns with no error code
  • Buttons that don’t respond
  • Display panel flickering or going blank

A control board replacement is best handled by a qualified technician or an LG-authorised service centre.

9. Check the Smart Diagnosis Feature

LG washers come with a Smart Diagnosis feature that lets you troubleshoot problems using the LG ThinQ app or by calling LG customer support. When you hold your phone up to the machine, it transmits diagnostic data that identifies the fault.

This is a free and quick way to get a precise diagnosis before spending money on parts or a repair visit.

How to Reset Your LG Washing Machine

Before calling a technician, try a simple reset:

  1. Turn off the washing machine and unplug it from the wall.
  2. Wait 5 to 10 minutes.
  3. Plug it back in and power it on.
  4. Select a short cycle (like a rinse and spin) to test if the problem is resolved.

A reset can clear temporary software glitches that cause unexpected shutdowns.

When to Call a Professional

If your LG washing machine continues to turn off by itself after trying the above fixes, it’s time to contact a professional. Specifically, seek help when:

  • The machine displays a persistent error code that won’t clear
  • The control board, motor, or drain pump appears to be faulty
  • You notice burning smells, unusual noises, or water leaks

You can contact LG Customer Support or book a repair through their official website. If your machine is still under warranty, repairs may be covered at no cost.

Preventive Tips to Avoid Future Shutdowns

  • Don’t overload the drum — follow the manufacturer’s recommended load capacity.
  • Clean the drain filter at least once a month.
  • Use the correct detergent in the right amount — excessive suds can trigger shutdowns.
  • Level the machine properly so it doesn’t vibrate excessively.
  • Run a Tub Clean cycle monthly to keep the drum and sensors in good condition.

Final Thoughts

An LG washing machine turning off by itself is almost always the machine’s safety system doing its job — but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Whether it’s a simple unbalanced load, a clogged drain filter, or a deeper electrical issue, identifying the cause early saves you time and money.

Start with the simple fixes: check the power supply, balance the load, clean the filter, and perform a reset. If the problem persists, note any error codes and contact LG support or a qualified technician.

With the right diagnosis, your LG washer will be back to full performance in no time.