FixPlainly

Washer won’t start

Before suspecting a fault, rule out the things that hold a washer back on purpose: a door that isn’t locked, the control lock, a delay timer, or water that’s turned off.

7 checks, quickest firstAbout 18 minutes if you do them allLast checked against its sources on

Fix Finder

Fix Finder: washer won’t start

Work through the checks below, in order.

Turn on JavaScript to use the interactive step-by-step version.

Before you start

  • Anything beyond the quick checks: unplug the washer first.
  • Touching hoses: turn off both water valves behind the washer.
  • After a hot cycle, give the water time to cool. Samsung suggests about an hour.
  • Have towels and a shallow tray ready whenever a step may release water.

More in appliance repair safety basics.

All the checks, in order

  1. Read the display

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    Many “won’t start” problems show a code that names the cause.

    1. If a code is showing, look it up before anything else.
    2. A lock symbol usually means the control lock is on.

  2. Close the door firmly

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    The washer won’t start until the door or lid locks.

    1. Close the door or lid firmly and remove anything caught in the latch.
    2. Front-loaders: give it about 10 seconds. The lock can take that long to engage after you press Start.

  3. Press and hold Start

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    On many washers a quick tap isn’t enough.

    1. Press and hold Start for about 3 seconds. Some models count down 3-2-1 first.

  4. Turn off the control lock

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    Control lock (or Child Lock) stops buttons working.

    1. Look for LOC, LC, CL or a padlock symbol.
    2. Press and hold the lock button, usually for 3 seconds. Your manual shows which button.
    3. If you set a delay timer, the washer is waiting. Cancel the delay to start now.

  5. Turn the water fully on

    Safe to tryAbout 3 min

    Some washers won’t start, or stop straight away, if they can’t fill.

    1. Open both the hot and cold valves behind the washer fully. Some washers need both.
    2. Straighten any kinked supply hoses.

  6. Check the power

    Take careAbout 5 min

    A tripped breaker or loose plug stops everything.

    1. Make sure the plug is pushed fully into a wall outlet. Avoid extension cords and power strips.
    2. Check your breaker panel for a tripped breaker and reset it once.

  7. Power-cycle the washer

    Safe to tryAbout 6 min

    A reset clears a confused control board.

    1. Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, plug it back in, choose a cycle and press Start.

When to call a technician

  • The breaker trips again after you reset it. Don’t keep resetting it.
  • There are no lights at all with a working outlet and breaker.
  • You smell burning or see scorch marks.
  • The door is damaged or the same door code keeps returning.

Error codes that point here

If your washer shows one of these, open it for the brand’s exact meaning.

Samsung 4CNot filling with waterSamsung dEDoor not closed or lockedLG IENot filling with waterLG dEDoor not lockingWhirlpool F5 E2Door won’t lock (front-load)Whirlpool LdLLid won’t lock or unlock (top-load HE)Whirlpool F8 E1Low water flow (slow fill)

Questions

Why does my washer need both hot and cold water connected?

Whirlpool notes that its washers use both supplies, and a closed valve can trigger a slow-fill code. Make sure both valves are fully open.

Can I use an extension cord for my washer?

Samsung and LG both say to plug directly into a wall outlet, without an extension cord or power strip.

Sources

  1. Not Starting or Not Operating: Front Load Washer, Whirlpool Product Help
  2. Error Codes in Front Load Washers, Whirlpool Product Help
  3. Samsung washing machine information and error codes, Samsung US Support
  4. LG Front Load Washer: Error Code List, LG USA Support
Last checked against its sources on