LG FL Washer "Power Failure (pF)" / New Machine Options

Hi Everyone:

Just today, our trusty LG FL (model WM2101HW) started randomly shutting off during cycles. I think it is approximately 10 years old. After a short wait, you can press the power button again and it will display the "pF" code. You can press start and it will resume where it left off. The dryer is on the same outlet and there have been no issues with power loss on the dryer. (I did check/reset the breaker just in case.)

I monitored it for a while and it seems to occur at random when attempting to do multiple activities. (Examples: At the start of a cycle when adding water, pausing the drum for level sense then adding more water; when going into a spin cycle). It does not seem to shut off once the same action is in progress (spin, wash or rinse tumbling after all water has been added). Issue has been seen on different cycles.

I am thinking it is likely a control board. Thoughts? I did not see any other postings related to this issue.

If it is a board, I am inclined to get a new machine. Unfortunately, considering its age I think that more issues are likely to crop up in the near future. The only other issue I have ever had with this is some rust on the cabinet under the dispenser drawer assembly. (Because of the cabinet design, I don't think I can resolve that without replacing the entire front panel.)

I have been very happy with this LG. If I get a new one, I would like one with a heater that activates on multiple cycles. Thoughts on another LG or another brand? (Miele is too small for us.).

Thanks for your help.

Bob


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Post# 1092860 10/11/2020 at 16:12 (1,291 days old) by labboy (SD, CA)
Checkrate/Likes Hi Everyone: Just today, our trusty LG FL (model WM2101HW) started randomly shutting off during cycles. I think it is approximately 10 years old. After a short wait, you can press the power button again and it will display the "pF" code. You can press start and it will resume where it left off. The dryer is on the same outlet and there have been no issues with power loss on the dryer. (I did check/reset the breaker just in case.) I monitored it for a while and it seems to occur at random when attempting to do multiple activities. (Examples: At the start of a cycle when adding water, pausing the drum for level sense then adding more water; when going into a spin cycle). It does not seem to shut off once the same action is in progress (spin, wash or rinse tumbling after all water has been added). Issue has been seen on different cycles. I am thinking it is likely a control board. Thoughts? I did not see any other postings related to this issue. If it is a board, I am inclined to get a new machine. Unfortunately, considering its age I think that more issues are likely to crop up in the near future. The only other issue I have ever had with this is some rust on the cabinet under the dispenser drawer assembly. (Because of the cabinet design, I don't think I can resolve that without replacing the entire front panel.) I have been very happy with this LG. If I get a new one, I would like one with a heater that activates on multiple cycles. Thoughts on another LG or another brand? (Miele is too small for us.). Thanks for your help. Bob

Post# 1094687 , Reply# 1 10/26/2020 at 17:20 (1,276 days old) by smurdle450 (California)
Checkrate/Likes *LG again?* I think LG is still a good option!

Post# 1094695 , Reply# 2 10/26/2020 at 17:51 (1,276 days old) by gizmo (Victoria, Australia)
Checkrate/Likes look for bad connections in the power supply, including inside the washer. 1. Dryer on the same outlet... I'm assuming this is a double power outlet? It's common enough to have one dodgy socket on a double wall outlet. Try swapping the dryer to the washer's socket and vice versa. Or even just fit a new outlet - is it legal for you to fit a new outlet yourself? 2.Inspect wiring inside the machine. Especially, follow the power cable where it goes inside the machine. It probably goes straight to a filter capacitor. Look at the terminals where wires from power cord join the capacitor, and wires from capacitor to power switch. They are probably push-on terminals and can get loose/erratic with age. You can often tighten them up again by squeezing gently with a pair of pliers. Obviously disconnect from power first. 3. It might be the power switch in the washing machine. They too get erratic. You can squirt some contact cleaner/lube product into the switch, leave power off for 24 hours for the stuff to evaporate, then try it. 4. Maybe door lock? These used to be quite unreliable and had full current for the whole machine going through them. More modern machines no longer have full current through door lock, they just communicate with the main board and these are more reliable. I don't know which system your machine would use. Don't assume it is the main board. Look for the simple / cheap stuff first - bad connections the obvious one here. Fisher and Paykel used to say in their service manual that over 60% of the boards sent back to them for exchange had nothing wrong.