The drum in my LG washing machine isn't spinning properly.

The drum in my LG washing machine isn't spinning properly.If the drum is spinning slowly, it's clear there's something wrong with your LG washing machine. Without sufficient rotation, the washing machine won't spin, rinse, or wash the laundry, so ignoring the problem is unavoidable. It's best not to delay the inevitable; instead, call a professional immediately or tackle the problem yourself. To make things easier, it's worth learning about the possible causes of this problem and how to fix it. We'll cover all the recommendations and instructions below.

What causes weak rotation?

Before taking any active steps, it is necessary to find the root cause of the drum braking. Depending on the nature and scale of the problem, the tactics and methods of the required repairs will be determined.What problems might there be?

  • Drum overload. This is logical: if you exceed the maximum load, the machine will stop rotating, risking damage to the entire structure. Therefore, it's best to stop the cycle, open the door, and remove some items.
  • A broken motor. Drum drag or, conversely, sudden acceleration to unprecedented speeds often indicate a faulty motor.
  • Electronic board failure. A failure of the machine's electronics will inevitably lead to loss of motor control, which in turn will result in poor drum rotation.

It is strictly not recommended to repair, flash, or replace the control board yourself - there is a high risk of permanently damaging the part.

The drum also rotates poorly if there's an internal short circuit or damage. This condition involves several possible causes, so diagnosis and repair should be performed by specialists. To more accurately understand what's wrong, it's worth conducting a preliminary diagnosis.Problems with the LG SM engine

Primary diagnostics

You can determine the nature of the problem yourself. A few simple steps are all it takes to perform a basic diagnosis. These include the following procedures:

  • Check the manufacturer's instructions to find out the maximum load weight of the machine;
  • check if the hatch opens; if it is blocked, the drum will rotate with difficulty due to a clogged debris filter;
  • turn the drum by hand; when the machine is turned off, the drum rotates, but stands still during washing. This means the problem is in the tachogenerator, wiring, or control board;
  • Make sure that there is no foreign object stuck between the tank and the drum.

LG direct-drive washing machines often respond by braking the drum if the heating element is faulty. This is a safety feature of modern appliances, stopping operation if any component fails.

Eliminating jamming

Now you can begin troubleshooting. In most cases, replacing a heating element, fixing a jammed or overloaded appliance, or fixing it yourself, is possible. You just need to have the user manual, pliers, a flashlight and screwdrivers in front of you. Further action depends on the nature of the problem.

  • If the heating element is failing. When the drum slows down and the wash cycle doesn't continue, the heating element is to blame. It could have burned out, shorted out, or exploded, and it can't be repaired—the only way to do it is to replace it with a new one. This is easy: buy a similar unit, disconnect the machine from the power supply, remove the back panel, remove the old element, and install the new one.

When disassembling any part, it is recommended to record the location of the wiring on the camera to facilitate reassembly and avoid electrical problems.

  • If an object is stuck. Is the drum rotating with difficulty, jerking, and making a banging noise? This means there's a foreign object inside the machine. Remove the back cover, take out the heating element, and shine a flashlight into the empty space. Once the object is located, reach into the hole and remove the culprit.Changing the heating element of an LG washing machine

If the module is faulty, the wiring is burnt out, or the motor is broken, you can't fix the washing machine yourself. Professional help is needed, otherwise you risk making the situation worse.

   

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