When your washing machine breaks down, it’s easy to think that only a repairman can fix it. We’re here to tell you that you can easily troubleshoot your washing machine failures yourself.
When you face a washing machine no power and lights issue, first check the circuit breaker to make sure there’s power going to the washer. If it’s a free-standing machine, check that the cord is plugged into a wall outlet and that it isn’t loose. If the washer is built-in, check that the cord is plugged into a surge protector.
Why Washing Machine No Power No Lights – Troubleshoot and Diagnosis
When your washing machine has no power and lights and you’re in a bind, all you need to do is keep reading. The guide below has the solutions to the most common problems and will show you exactly how to troubleshoot them.
IMPORTANT: You need to know what you’re doing when it comes to electric work. You have to have a clear understanding of how wiring works. You have to have knowledge of how to cut electrical parts, connect them, and so forth. Don’t do it without knowing what you’re doing.
1. Check Power Connection
So you’re having an issue with your washing machine and it isn’t turning on. Don’t freak out — just check your power supply first. If you’ve got a plugin power cord and the metal prongs that stick out the side of the machine are not inserted all the way into the outlet, there won’t be any lights or sounds. Also, make sure your outlet is working by plugging in something else to make sure the outlet isn’t broken.
Is the washing machine plugged in? Check the cord of the washer to make sure it’s properly plugged in. If no electricity is detected, check your power supply. Also, make sure the washing machine is grounded properly to ensure its safety.
2. Circuit Breaker is Tripped
Although your washer is a great appliance, there are times when it might need service. A good first step is to make sure you have the right tools on hand to test certain components of the machine. This is also a great time to check the main breaker board for your home, which will be full of circuit breakers that are labeled. Look for the breaker box that’s labeled with your washer and dryer.
The power breaker should be a clear indicator for whether a washing machine is in use or not. When a washer is in use, you should see a red light. If the washer isn’t in use, the light should be green. That being said, there are still occasions when a malfunction occurs and the breaker doesn’t reset properly. In this situation, it’s best to flip the breaker off and back on again, which should reset it.
Power faults are often the reason for washing machine faults, so follow these steps to reset your washing machine:
- Unplug the machine from the electrical socket.
- Flip the power breaker off and then on again.
- Wait a few minutes to see if the fault has been corrected.
- If it remains faulty, contact a qualified technician.
3. Main Control Board Fuse is Blown
When your machine doesn’t work, it’s incredibly frustrating. If you’re experiencing this problem with your appliance, it’s possible that its control board or fuse is damaged/blown. This fault is common in models by Samsung, Whirlpool, and LG, and generally happens following electrical power surges.
In the event that your washer requires maintenance, you may need to access its main control board. To do this, turn off the power supply to the machine and remove the ground wire from the back of it. Next, remove all screws from the metal plate at the back of the washer. You might also need to disconnect some hoses or pull out the machine slightly to get past obstacles blocking it in.
This control board is often located on the top of the machine. If you can’t find it there, your washer may have two control boards – one larger than the other. The smaller one should contain the fuse.
There are several methods to check this problem, but most methods rely on a multimeter. You can either check for an open fuse or a blown fuse. If there is no continuity in the fuse, replace it with a new one. It’s also a good idea to replace all fuses in the system with new ones. If the problem persists, the washer may have a bigger issue that requires service from an appliance technician.
If your fuse is good, you probably need to check the main control board of your washing machine.
4. Faulty Main Control Board
Your washer’s main control board is the stopping force behind your entire washer. It contains all the electronics that monitor the spin cycle, wash action, and whether or not the drum is balanced. If your washer has any issues spinning, agitating, or draining properly, it’s possible that your main control board needs to be replaced.
If you have tried replacing the fuse and it doesn’t work, there may be an issue with the main board.
The easiest way to access the main control board is by unplugging the washing machine and pulling it out enough so you can access the back panel. This will not be possible with all models of washer, and it is best to check the user manual for your specific machine. If you can’t disconnect the hoses and water supply for any reason, just improvise — cutting a small hole into the back panel should do the trick.
Some washing machines have two control boards. One is a power supply board and the other is the main control board. This is usually marked on the machine itself or on the owner’s manual.
When inspecting, you should check to make sure these are in good condition.
Please check the boards for burn marks or soft spots; if you find that your board is damaged, do not plug the unit back in. If it isn’t damaged, plug it in and test to make sure it works. If you’re not comfortable testing a high-voltage appliance, please contact someone who is.
If your washer is not getting power, or if it is getting power but the LED light is not lit, then there are likely to be a number of issues present. These can vary depending on the model, but often include either a faulty main control board, faulty wiring, or even a tripped circuit breaker. It’s good practice to check the voltage coming out of the board as well as into it.
If the voltage reading is not as per the owner’s manual. then replace the main control board.
5. Malfunctioning User Interface Board
The user interface board acts as a translator between you and your home appliances. It deciphers your pressing of the buttons on the machine’s control panel, and sends instructions to the equipment behind it. When something goes wrong with this board, you won’t be able to get your washing machine to switch modes no matter how hard you press the buttons on its control panel.
This is a control board that’s behind your main buttons and determines if your machine will start, stop, or operate. You can verify this by checking the LED lights on the front of your machine. If it’s malfunctioning, the LEDs won’t flash to indicate a load size.
Simplify your troubleshooting process with this troubleshooting guide. Here are the steps to guide you through each area. Easy. Take your washer apart. Find the user interface board on your specific washer model. Plug it back in, open the water supply valves and cross your fingers.
6. Noise Filter Assembly is Faulty
No lights or signs of power on your washing machine? A blown noise filter assembly can cause your washing machine to power down or seem to have no power at all, especially for LG washers. Because the sound produced by this part helps reduce electromagnetic noise, it’s often the culprit when machines are having power issues. Luckily, it’s an easy repair that shouldn’t take you long.
If the Noise Filter Assembly filter is faulty then please replace it.
A washing machine may not power up, or it might experience a problem just as any electrical device would. Washing machine no power no lights is a common problem sometimes caused by faulty power cords or circuit boards. However, you don’t need to call an electrician to repair this — our guide has shown you how to troubleshoot and repair your washer’s wiring and electronics on your own
Hi there! I’m Sam Hendricks, and I’m a repair technician and expert. I created this website to help people like you save money and time by fixing your own appliances.
Over the years, I’ve seen people spend a lot of money on unnecessary repairs or replacements. That’s why I decided to share my expertise and create easy-to-follow guides for fixing appliances on your own.