Accessing and removing the drain pump in an LG front load washer

Example LG model number: WM2487HWMA but applies to many others.

If you’re having intermittent drain problems or seeing the “OE” error code, you need to get some fingers and eyeballs inside the pump volute and impeller area to see if there’s some gookus in there jamming the pump impeller.

Y’all go grab you a cold one and gather round the campfire to hear Sublime Master john63 from the Samurai School of Appliantology explain how it’s done:

Most likely there’s a small obstruction in the DRAIN MOTOR housing (dime/button etc).

The DRAIN MOTOR is on the *left* side of the washer (if facing the front of the washer)and the RECIRCULATION MOTOR is on the *right* side.

Gaining access to the pump assy can be attempted from the bottom of the washer—but is more difficult due to limited space.

The correct way to do it:

1) Unplug washer

2) Remove 2 lower “phillips” screws from the rear of the *top cover*. The top 2 screws at the rear/top cover secure the plastic brackets to the top cover & need not be removed.

3) Slide the TOP COVER rearward about 2 inches & lift off.

4) Standing in front of the washer—-look behind the CONTROL PANEL. At each corner there’s a “phillips” screw–remove them (some LG washers only use 1 screw at the right-side corner).

5) Slide out & remove the DETERGENT DISPENSER TRAY (press a release tab to allow the drawer to slide out).

6) Remove 2 “phillips” screws from each side of the DISPENSER HOUSING opening/hole (on the control panel)

7) Disconnect the PLUGS to the CONTROL PANEL (behind the large knob/dial).

8 ) Grasp the top edge of the CONTROL PANEL & *snap it* off from the washer & put aside (May require some effort but the plastic is quite strong).

9) Open the door of the washer & remove two “phillips” screws to the DOOR LOCK/LATCH ASSY.

10) Using a *flat screwdriver* pry the DOOR GASKET SPRING from the 6 o’clock position of the gasket. Remove the entire wire/spring type “clamp”.

11) Pull the GASKET from it edges until completely off the FRONT PANEL & fold-over the rubber gasket into the washer tub—out of the way.

12) Remove the ACCESS PANEL on the lower front corner of the washer.

13) Pull the black rubber (small diameter) drain hose form the plastic retainer clip & leave the hose loose.

14) Remove 1 “phillips” screw from the bottom of the *screw-on” strainer cap. Pry out the *plastic housing* completely using a flat screwdriver of puttyknife. Use care not to damage the painted finish around the opening.

15) Remove 2 “phillips” screws below the *screw-on drain strainer cap* & 1 more screw below those.

16) At the top of the FRONT PANEL—there are at least 4 (some have 5) “phillips” screws that secure the FRONT PANEL. Remove all & lift away the entire FRONT PANEL ASSY.

17) Pull the plastic cap off of the *small* drain hose—and using a pan or small cup—remove all remaining water from the tub. Several cupfuls may be needed before fully emptied. Use a large rag/towel to “capture” any remaining water when the *large* STRAINER CAP* is unscrewed & pulled out.

18) Looking at the PUMP ASSY—which has *two* motors on it—-reach behind the center of the PUMP HOUSING & locate / depress a plastic *locking tab*. When this *tab* is pressed downward—the entire PUMP ASSY can be slid rearward about 2 inches & lifted up somewhat.

19) Remove the WIRES to the DRAIN MOTOR & RECIRCULATION MOTORS.

20) Remove the HOSES from the PUMP ASSY & pull out the entire unit.

21) Remove 3 “phillips” screws that secure the PUMP MOTOR to the PUMP BODY.

22) Pull off the motor & inspect for debris.

23) Re-assemble in reverse order.

Samurai Appliance Repair Man
http://fixitnow.com

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One thought on “Accessing and removing the drain pump in an LG front load washer

  1. yosappy

    Dear SAMURAI APPLIANCE REPAIR MAN,

    Thank You for an EXCELLENT STEP-BY-STEP SET OF INSTRUCTIONS! This is THE BEST that I have ever seen. While I did not need to access my drain pump, I was trying to replace my Drain Hose on my LG. Unfortunately, that was not possible because they glue the stupid thing onto its plug so I could not remove it. But, since your instructions were so EXACT and PERFECT, I was able to get the top off and clean the underside of the detergent tray, which was completely filled with mold and excess softener. WHAT A NASTY MESS! It took me a half bottle of windex and a roll of paper towels to finally get it all cleaned out. I never would have even seen it without your expert advice. Again, THANK YOU very much and I SHALL RETURN!

    Bill

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