If you find your LG washer stuck on load sensing, it can be incredibly frustrating to watch the drum spin endlessly without starting the actual wash cycle. This common issue often halts your laundry routine before water even enters the drum, leaving you with dry, dirty clothes and a flashing display.
When an LG washer stays in this sensing mode, it is usually trying to determine the weight of the laundry to calculate the water level and cycle time, but a component failure or software glitch is preventing it from completing this calculation. The problem can range from a simple unbalanced load to more complex part failures like a faulty position sensor or control board.
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Quick Fixes: How to Reset Your LG Washer
Before disassembling the machine, attempt these non-invasive solutions. Often, a “soft glitch” in the control board causes the system to hang.
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Perform a Hard Reset
A hard reset can clear temporary electronic glitches that cause the washer to freeze during the sensing phase.
- Turn off the washer and unplug it from the power outlet.
- Press and hold the Start/Pause button for 5 to 10 seconds. This discharges any residual static electricity in the Control board.
- Plug the washer back in and attempt to start a new cycle.
Check for Unbalanced Loads
The Direct Drive motor relies on precise weight distribution. If you are washing a single heavy item (like a wet towel) or a large comforter, the tub may struggle to balance, causing the sensing cycle to loop.
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- Open the door and manually redistribute the clothes.
- Remove some items if the tub is packed too tightly.
- Avoid washing single heavy items; add a few smaller items to balance the drum.
Why is My LG Washer Stuck on Load Sensing?
If a reset does not work, the issue likely stems from a specific component failure. The load sensing phase relies on communication between the motor, the sensors, and the main computer.
The Role of the Hall Sensor (Position Sensor)
The most common culprit for this issue is the Hall sensor, also known as the rotor position sensor. This small electronic part is mounted on the Stator behind the Rotor assembly.
- Function: It monitors the exact position and speed of the Direct Drive motor. The control board uses this data to determine how heavy the load is based on how much resistance the motor meets.
- Failure: If the Hall sensor fails, the control board cannot “see” the motor moving. Consequently, the washer continues to rotate the drum in an attempt to get a reading, eventually getting stuck or throwing an error.
Inspecting the Rotor Assembly
The Rotor assembly is the magnetic part of the motor that spins the drum.
- Plastic Splines: The center of the rotor has plastic teeth (splines) that connect to the drive shaft. If these strip out due to overloading, the motor might spin, but the drum won’t turn effectively, confusing the load sensing logic.
- Magnets: Ensure the magnets on the rotor are not cracked or damaged.
Decoding the LE Error Code
Frequently, a washer stuck on sensing will eventually display the LE error code. This code stands for “Locked Motor” or “Load Error.”
- What it means: The main board detects that the motor is not turning as expected. This confirms that the issue is likely with the Hall sensor, the wiring harness connecting it, or the motor itself.
- LG ThinQ App: If your machine is Wi-Fi enabled, open the LG ThinQ app on your smartphone. The Smart Diagnosis feature can often pinpoint the specific nature of the LE error, confirming if it is a sensor communication failure or a mechanical lock.
Advanced Troubleshooting and Calibration
If the parts seem functional, the software might need recalibration, or a secondary sensor could be at fault.
Running Calibration Mode
After any repair or if the machine is acting erratically, you must run Calibration mode. This resets the weight sensors and teaches the machine the weight of the empty drum.
- Empty the Tub: Ensure the washer is completely empty.
- Enter Mode: Instructions vary by model, but a common sequence for top loaders is to turn the washer on, hold specific buttons (often ‘Temp’ and ‘Spin’), or use a dial sequence. Consult your service manual for the exact key combination.
- Execution: Once in calibration mode, the drum will rotate back and forth. The display may show numbers or flash. Wait until the cycle finishes and the door unlocks.
Checking the Pressure Switch
While less common for “sensing” hangs than the Hall sensor, the Pressure switch (water level sensor) can cause issues. If the machine thinks there is already water in the tub due to a faulty switch or a clogged air hose, it may confuse the sensing logic, preventing the Wash cycle from initiating.
The Control Board
If you have replaced the Hall sensor, checked the rotor, and performed a reset, but the washer remains stuck, the main Control board might be defective. The board sends the voltage to the motor and interprets the sensor signals. If the circuit responsible for the motor is blown, the sensing phase will never complete.
Summary of Repair Steps
- Unplug and perform a hard reset.
- Redistribute laundry to fix unbalanced load issues.
- Check for Error Codes (specifically LE) via the display or LG ThinQ app.
- Inspect/Replace the Hall Sensor if the motor spins but the system doesn’t register it.
- Examine the Rotor Assembly for stripped plastic teeth.
- Run Calibration Mode to reset the weight algorithms.
By systematically checking these components, you can identify why your LG washer stuck on load sensing is failing to start and get your laundry routine back on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my LG washer spinning indefinitely without starting the wash cycle?
This happens during the load sensing phase when the washer cannot determine the weight of the laundry. It is usually caused by an unbalanced load, a temporary software glitch, or a faulty Hall sensor (position sensor) that fails to communicate the motor’s speed and position to the control board.
How do I perform a hard reset on my LG washer?
To perform a hard reset, turn off the washer and unplug it from the power source. Press and hold the Start/Pause button for 5 to 10 seconds to discharge any residual electricity from the control board. Plug the machine back in and attempt to start a new cycle to see if the sensing issue is resolved.
What does the LE error code mean?
The LE error code stands for “Locked Motor” or “Load Error.” If your washer is stuck on load sensing and eventually displays this code, it means the main computer detects that the motor is not turning as expected. This is frequently linked to a failed Hall sensor, a wiring issue, or a physical obstruction in the drum.
What is a Hall sensor, and why does it cause sensing issues?
The Hall sensor, or rotor position sensor, monitors the movement of the Direct Drive motor. Because the washer calculates load weight based on motor resistance, a failed Hall sensor prevents the control board from receiving this data. Without this information, the washer stays stuck in a sensing loop because it doesn’t “know” how much water to add.
Can I fix the load sensing issue by recalibrating the machine?
Yes, in some cases, the weight sensors simply need to be recalibrated. By entering Calibration Mode with an empty tub (typically by holding a specific button combination like ‘Temp’ and ‘Spin’), the machine can reset its weight algorithms and relearn the weight of the empty drum, which often resolves erratic sensing behavior.
