LG F8068QDP direct drive washing machine - drum not spinning properly
I hope this video tells the story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8L5ySXen68
It started last weekend, I put the washing on, came back hours later and it was stuck, water in the machine. Moved the machine out to make sure the drain hose wasn't blocked (it wasn't), left the clothes to dry in the sun, then tried again this weekend and same thing. This time I caught it before it gave up. As you see in the video, the drum wants to spin but can't (maybe a couple of cm in either direction).
The tub does spin freely by hand.
I've searched the web endlessly but I'm no closer to a solution. It can't be carbon brushes because this type of motor (direct drive) uses an inverter, not brushes. It can't be the drive belt because there isn't one. I can't find a service manual online.
Where do I go from here? I'd really rather not have to throw it out.
1 Answer
From what you describe, the motor is trying to “index” the drum a little each way but not getting properly away. On an LG direct drive, that usually points more towards a motor/control/feedback issue than anything mechanical, especially if the drum turns freely by hand.
Before checking anything internal, isolate the washing machine from the mains.
1. Check for a drain problem first If it still has water in it, many machines will refuse to spin properly. Clean the pump filter, check the pump impeller turns freely, and make sure the drain hose and sink spigot are clear. If it drains strongly, move on.
2. Try a spin cycle empty Run a drain/spin with no laundry in it. If it still only rocks a few cm each way, that helps rule out load balance or an overloaded drum.
3. Inspect the rotor and stator On LG direct drive models, remove the rear cover and check the large rotor fastening bolt is tight. A loose rotor can cause odd jerky movement. Also inspect the stator windings and wiring plugs for burning, loose connectors, or damaged wires.
4. Check the hall sensor / position sensor A very common fault on LG direct drive machines is the hall sensor on the stator. If the control board cannot read motor position properly, the drum may just twitch backwards and forwards. This is one of the first parts I’d suspect here.
5. Consider the main PCB If the sensor and motor wiring are sound, the inverter/control board becomes the next suspect.
If you’re not confident with electrical testing, it’s worth getting an engineer in, as live testing and PCB diagnosis are not DIY-safe. Any mains electrical work should be left to a qualified engineer.
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