LG's documented reset is a full power-down: turn the washer off, unplug it, switch off its breaker, hold START/PAUSE for 5 seconds, then restore power and try again. If an error code is on the display, look it up and deal with the cause first, because a code that comes back after the reset means a real fault that needs service.
Look at the display before you cut the power
Most LG washers that seem frozen are telling you something. Snap a photo of whatever is on the screen and check it against the LG code list on this site. A code like OE (drain) or IE (fill) points at a hose, a filter or a faucet, and pulling the plug won't change any of those.
LG's own UK reset guide lists a few situations where a reset is the wrong move: a code on the display, a washer that's leaking or visibly damaged, and problems that come from a clogged filter or a dirty drum. Fix those directly.
A washer that shut itself off mid-wash may have been paused. LG says that if a paused cycle isn't resumed within about 4 minutes, the washer powers down on its own. Turn it back on and restart the cycle without adding more detergent.
LG's power reset, step by step
This is the sequence on LG's US support page for washers that keep switching off or won't behave. LG files it under washers and washer-dryer combos without splitting out front-load or top-load models. Keep the washer disconnected for the whole sequence, since plugging it back in early defeats the point.
Press Power to turn the washer off.
Pull the plug from the outlet. If the outlet is wet, behind a stacked unit or hard to reach, skip the plug and go straight to the breaker.
Switch off the washer's circuit breaker at the panel.
Press and hold START/PAUSE for a full 5 seconds.
Plug the washer back in and turn the breaker on.
Turn the washer on and see if the problem is gone. If it isn't, LG says to schedule a repair.
- Some LG pages add a step: hold Power for 5 seconds, then hold Start for 5 seconds, while the washer is unplugged. Doing both does no harm.
- LG's US page doesn't give a wait time. Its UK guide suggests 1 to 2 minutes unplugged for a frozen control panel, and 5 minutes for a door that stays locked.
- The whole sequence takes around 5 minutes and you won't need a screwdriver.
Codes that clear with a restart
A few LG codes are the washer reporting an event rather than a broken part. These usually go away once you restart the cycle or let the machine rest, with no unplugging needed.
- PF: the power dropped during the cycle. LG treats it as a notice rather than a fault; the washer remembers where it was, so press Start/Pause to carry on. A PF that keeps coming back with no outages in the house is worth a look at the outlet and breaker.
- LE: the motor got overloaded and stalled. LG's code page says to leave the washer alone for 30 minutes so it can cool before you restart it.
- UE on top-loaders: the washer tries to rebalance on its own first, which LG says can stretch the spin by about 10 minutes. If it gives up and pauses, spread the clothes out by hand and run the spin again.
- Powered off during spin: even out the load, then run Spin Only so you don't repeat the whole wash.
- CE: LG's code page says to unplug the washer for 10 seconds and try a cycle. If CE returns, close the water faucets, leave it unplugged and book a repair.
Control Lock (CL) won't clear with a power reset
CL on the display means the buttons are locked, usually by accident or on purpose to keep kids off the controls. LG notes that turning the power off and back on leaves the lock in place, so unplugging won't help here.
Find the two buttons marked with the lock symbol or the words Control Lock. With the washer on, press and hold both together for 3 seconds. You'll hear a chime when it unlocks. The same 3-second hold turns the lock back on. Which two buttons carry the marker depends on the model, so check the panel or your owner's manual.
Clearing tCL with Tub Clean
tCL is a maintenance reminder. The washer counts loads, and LG's front-loader guide says to run Tub Clean every 30 uses or whenever tCL appears. The reminder goes away after the cycle runs.
Empty the drum, add a washing machine cleaner at the dose printed on its package, select Tub Clean (or Tub Sterilization on some models) and press START/PAUSE. On LED WashTower models you touch and hold the Tub Clean button for 3 seconds. Newer LCD WashTower models have it on the screen. The cycle heats the water to about 140°F (60°C), using the washer's own heater if your hot supply can't reach that.
LG's front-loader page prefers oxygen-based cleaners and warns that chlorine or acidic products can discolor or corrode parts. Its error code page also describes a diluted bleach method for some models. Use whatever your owner's manual specifies for your machine. When the cycle ends, leave the door and dispenser drawer open so everything dries.
What a reset won't fix on an LG washer
A power reset only restarts the control board. If water isn't coming in, look at the faucets and the inlet hose screens. If it won't drain, clean the drain pump filter on a front-loader (your owner's manual shows where the access cover is). A dE code means the door isn't latching, often because a sock or a fold of the gasket is caught in it; on a SideKick pedestal, the drawer may be standing open.
Repeated codes are a different matter. LG's washer code page says that if the same error keeps coming back, close the water tap, unplug the power cord and call LG service. Resetting it every load hides the symptom and lets a failing part get worse.
If the washer is completely dead
No lights at all after the reset points to the power supply first. Check that the plug is fully seated in a grounded outlet, that the breaker hasn't tripped again, and that the washer isn't running through an extension cord. Try the outlet with a lamp.
If the outlet works and the washer still shows nothing, the problem is inside the cabinet: the power cord, a wire harness or a control board. Testing those means working near live voltage, so leave the panels on and call a technician.
When to call a professional
A code that survives one complete power reset, any repeat of CE, or a blank panel on an outlet that works all mean it's time to book service. Have the full model number from the label inside the door or under the lid, plus a photo of the code, ready when you call LG or a technician.
Parts involved
Error codes for this problem
- PFPower was interruptedLG
- CLControl lock is onLG
- CEMotor current too highLG
- LEMotor is locked or overloadedLG
- UELoad is unbalancedLG
- dEDoor or lid won't lockLG
- tCLTime to clean the tubLG
Washer error codes by brand
Seeing a code on the display? Pick your brand to look it up.
- LG15 codes
- Amana15 codes
- Bosch18 codes
- Electrolux8 codes
- Frigidaire17 codes
- GE16 codes
- Haier5 codes
- Hotpoint (UK)14 codes
- Maytag16 codes
- Samsung14 codes
- Whirlpool14 codes
All washer codes Washer parts guide
Manufacturer resources
The official pages we checked for this guide. Your owner's manual is still the final word for your exact model.
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