OWNER'S MANUAL WASHER AND DRYER Read this owner's manual thoroughly before operating the appliance and keep it handy for reference at all times. ENGLISH WM3998HBA MFL71728991 Rev.00_081221 www.lg.com Copyright © 2021 LG Electronics Inc. All Rights Reserved.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 3 3 6 READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE WARNING STATEMENTS CAUTION STATEMENTS 7 PRODUCT OVERVIEW 7 Product Features 9 INSTALLATION 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Before Installing Choosing the Proper Location Unpacking and Removing Shipping Material Connecting the Water Inlet Hoses Connecting the Drain Hose Leveling the Washer Final Installation Check 17 OPERATION 17 18 19 20 23 25 29 29 31 Before Use Sorting Laundry Loading the Washer Adding Cleaning Pr
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 3 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Safety Messages Your safety and the safety of others are very important. We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and follow all safety messages. This is the safety alert symbol. This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or injure you and others. All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word WARNING or CAUTION.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS • Destroy the carton, plastic bag, and other packing materials after the appliance is unpacked. Children might use them for play. Cartons covered with rugs, bedspreads, or plastic sheets can become airtight chambers. • The appliance must be installed and electrically grounded by qualified service personnel in accordance with local codes. • When installing or moving the appliance, be careful not to pinch, crush, or damage the power cord.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 5 • Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. • Never use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or solvents to clean the washer. They will damage the finish.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION STATEMENTS CAUTION • To reduce the risk of minor or moderate injury to persons, malfunction, or damage to the product or property when using this product, follow basic precautions, including the following: Installation • Install the product on a firm and level floor. Operation • Do not place objects on top of the appliance. • Turn off the water faucets and unplug the appliance if the appliance is to be left for an extended period of time, such as during vacations.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW 7 PRODUCT OVERVIEW The images in this guide may be different from the actual components and accessories, which are subject to change by the manufacturer without prior notice for product improvement purposes. WARNING • For your safety and for extended product life, use only authorized components. The manufacturer is not responsible for product malfunction, property damage or bodily injury caused by the use of separately purchased unauthorized components, parts, or non-LG products.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW Accessories Included Accessories a Non-skid Pads b Hole Caps c Wrench d Tie Strap e Elbow Bracket (for securing drain hose) Required Accessories (sold separately) a Hot and Cold Water Hoses Optional Accessories (sold separately) a Pedestal b Pedestal Washer c Stacking Kit Product Specifications Model WM3998H*A Electrical Requirements 120 V~, 60 Hz Min. / Max.
INSTALLATION 9 INSTALLATION Installation Overview Please read the following installation instructions first after purchasing this washer or transporting it to another location. a b c e f a Choosing the Proper Location b Unpacking and Removing Shipping Material c Connecting the Inlet Hoses d Connecting the Drain Hose e Leveling the Washer f Final Installation Check WARNING • Moving or installation of the appliance requires two or more people. Failure to follow these instructions may result in injury.
INSTALLATION WARNING • Certain internal parts are intentionally not grounded and may present a risk of electric shock only during servicing. Service personnel- Do not contact the following parts while the appliance is energized: pump, valve, motor, control board. Tools Needed a Pliers b Flat-Blade Screwdriver c Level Choosing the Proper Location Check the following requirements for the install location before installing the washer.
INSTALLATION 11 Unpacking Shipping Material Dimensions and Clearances 27'' (70 cm) G 1/4'' (0.5 cm) *Some models do not ship with drum support. Lift the washer off the foam base. • After removing the carton and shipping material, lift the washer off the foam base. Stacking or Pedestal Installation The washer can be stacked under a dryer or on top of a pedestal or pedestal washer. • Make sure the plastic drum support a* comes off with the base and is not stuck to the bottom of the washer.
INSTALLATION the washer. Install the caps in the holes left by the bolt assemblies. • Water supply pressure must be between 20 psi and 120 psi (138 - 827 kPa). If the water supply pressure is more than 120 psi, a pressure reducing valve must be installed. • Your hot water heater should be set to deliver water at 120–135 °F (48–57 °C) to allow the washer to properly control wash temperatures. CAUTION • Once removed, save the bolt assemblies for future use.
INSTALLATION 13 • Let the water drain into a bucket, and check the water temperature to make sure you’ve connected the hoses to the correct faucets. beyond 66" (168 cm), the drain function will be increasingly affected. Using a Standpipe to Drain 1 4 Attach the inlet hoses to the back of the washer. Clip the end of the hose into the elbow bracket. • Connect the elbow bracket a within 4 inches (10 cm) of the end of the drain hose.
INSTALLATION hoses with the provided tie strap c (ribbed side on inside). 24 - 96 " (61 - 244 cm) 24 - 96 " (61 - 244 cm) Using the Laundry Tub to Drain 1 Clip the end of the hose into the elbow bracket. • Connect the elbow bracket a within 4 inches (10 cm) of the end of the drain hose. If the drain hose is extended more than 4 inches (10 cm) beyond the end of the elbow bracket, mold or microorganisms could spread to the inside of the washer.
INSTALLATION 15 2 Adjust the leveling feet. leveling feet, place them under the back leveling feet. ENGLISH • Turn all 4 leveling feet in one direction to raise the washer or the other direction to lower it. a This side up b Remove backing 3 Check the level again. • Push or rock the top edges of the washer gently to make sure the washer does not rock. If the washer rocks, readjust the leveling feet.
INSTALLATION WARNING • Do not use an adapter or extension cord. Doing so may result in serious injury, fire, electric shock, or death. • For best performance, plug the appliance into its own individual outlet. This helps prevent overloading house wiring circuits which could cause a fire hazard from overheated wires. • If necessary, use a new, UL-listed 3-prong (grounding) plug rated at no less than the branch circuit. Do not use an extension cord longer than 3 feet.
OPERATION 17 OPERATION WARNING • To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, read the SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS before operating this appliance. Operation Overview 1 Sort laundry and load the washer. • Sort laundry by fabric type, soil level, color and load size as needed. Open the door and load items into the washer. • If using single-use detergent packs, or gel or tablet detergents, place them in the drum before loading the laundry. 2 Add cleaning products.
OPERATION 7 End of cycle. • When the cycle is finished, a melody sounds. Immediately remove the clothing from the washer to reduce wrinkling. • Check around the door seal when removing the load for small items that may be caught in the seal. NOTE • The washer rotates the laundry in a way that allows it to use less water while still fully saturating the clothing. It is normal to be unable to see water during the wash cycle.
OPERATION 19 By Soil By Fabric By Lint Lights Normal Easy Care Lint Collector Darks Light Sturdy ENGLISH By Colors Fabric Care Labels Many articles of clothing include a fabric care label. Using the chart below, adjust the cycle and option selections to care for your clothing according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
OPERATION • Combine large and small items in the drum. Load large items first. Large items should not be more than half of the total load. • The washer can be fully loaded, but the drum should not be tightly packed with items. The door of the washer must close easily. • The washer will not fill or operate with the door open. Bulky Items • Wash thick, bulky items individually. Heavy blankets, comforters, bedspreads, or pet beds can get tangled or cause an unbalanced load if combined with other items.
OPERATION 21 Main Wash Detergent Compartment This compartment holds laundry detergent for the main wash cycle. Either powdered or liquid detergent may be used in this compartment. • The detergent is added to the load at the beginning of the cycle. Always use HE (HighEfficiency) detergent with your washer.
OPERATION NOTE • Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when adding bleach. Never add more than one cup, and do not exceed the maximum fill line or the bleach may be dispensed immediately and damage fabrics. Using too much bleach can also damage fabrics. • Never pour undiluted liquid chlorine bleach directly onto the load or into the drum. Fabric damage can occur. • Do not use color-safe bleach or oxygen bleach in the same cycle with liquid chlorine bleach.
OPERATION 23 Control Panel Control Panel Features ENGLISH a Power On/Off Button • Press this button to turn the washer on or off. • Pressing this button during a cycle will cancel that cycle and any load settings will be lost. • The door will unlock after a brief pause. NOTE • If there is any water remaining in the drum after the washer shuts off, it will drain after a delay. The washer can be restarted at any time before the drain begins.
OPERATION Time and Status Display a Cycle Status Indicators • These LEDs will blink when a cycle is selected to indicate which stages will run. • When a cycle is running, the LED for the active stage will blink, and the LEDs for the remaining stages will remain steady. Once a stage is complete, the LED will turn off. If a cycle is paused, the active stage LED will stop blinking. b Estimated Time Remaining • When a cycle is selected, the default time for that cycle is displayed.
OPERATION 25 Wash Cycles Cycle Guide Turn the knob or press the button to select the desired cycle. When you select a wash cycle, the light for the corresponding wash cycle will turn on. NOTE • Whenever load weights are mentioned, assume 1 lb (0.45 kg) = 1 thick bath towel (dry). • Temperature indicator lights up when one of Tap Cold, Cold, Warm, Hot or Extra Hot is selected. • Spin indicator lights up when one of No Spin, Low, Medium, High or Extra High is selected.
OPERATION Cycle Bedding Wash Temp. Default: Warm Available: Hot, Warm, Cold, Tap Cold Spin Speed Default: Medium Available: Medium, Low, No Spin Soil Level Default: Normal Available: All Bright WhitesTM Cycle Description This cycle is for washing white items only. (less than 15 lb (6.8 kg)) Wash Temp.
OPERATION 27 Cycle Perm. Press Default: Warm Available: Hot, Warm, Cold, Tap Cold Spin Speed Default: Medium Available: High, Medium, Low, No Spin Soil Level Default: Normal Available: All Cycle Towels Description Use this cycle for washing towels, shirts, jeans and mixed loads. Wash Temp.
OPERATION Cycle Downloaded (Small Load) Wash Temp. Default: Warm Available: Hot, Warm, Cold, Tap Cold Spin Speed Default: High Available: All Soil Level Default: Normal Available: All Available Options † This option is automatically included in the cycle and cannot be deselected. NOTE • Delay Wash, Extra Rinse, Fresh Care and Add Item can be selected for every cycle in this table. • Steam and Cold Wash cannot be selected at the same time.
OPERATION 29 Cycle Modifiers About Modifier Buttons • Repeatedly press the button for the desired modifier until the indicator light for the desired setting is lit. • The washer automatically adjusts the water level for the type and size of wash load for best results and maximum efficiency. • This is a high-efficiency washer, and the water levels may be much lower than you expect. This is normal, and cleaning/rinsing performance will not be compromised.
OPERATION Always stretch these materials out immediately after drying. NOTE Permanent Press and Synthetics • This function spray water periodically onto the drum while drying to reduce the drying time. Do not overload your appliance. Take out permanent press articles as soon as the appliance stops to reduce wrinkles. Normal Baby Clothes and Night Gowns Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
OPERATION 31 4 Press the Start/Pause button. Your washer includes several additional cycle options to customize cycles to meet your individual needs. • Select the desired option after selecting the desired cycle and settings. Press and hold the Steam button for 3 seconds to select this function. 4 Press the Start/Pause or Power button at any time to unload laundry.
OPERATION WARNING • Do not attempt to force the door to open when locked. Doing so could result in damage to the appliance, malfunction, or personal injury. NOTE • If the water level and temperature are safe, the door lock LED turns off and the door unlocks once the wash movement has stopped. • Press the Extra Rinse button to add additional rinses to the cycle. Rinse+Spin Select this option to rinse and spin a load separately from a regular cycle.
SMART FUNCTIONS 33 SMART FUNCTIONS Before Using LG ThinQ Application The LG ThinQ application allows you to communicate with the appliance using a smartphone. 1 • If the appliance is too far from the router, the signal strength becomes weak. It may take a long time to connect or installation may fail. LG ThinQ Application Features For the product that contains the Wireless LAN module • Remote Start - Control the appliance remotely from the LG ThinQ application.
SMART FUNCTIONS try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: NOTE • If the appliance cannot be registered due to problems with the wireless signal transmission, unplug the appliance and wait about a minute before trying again. • If the firewall on your wireless router is enabled, disable the firewall or add an exception to it. • The wireless network name (SSID) should be a combination of English letters and numbers. (Do not use special characters.
SMART FUNCTIONS 35 Using LG ThinQ to Diagnose Issues This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. If you experience a problem with your Wi-Fi equipped appliance, it can transmit troubleshooting data to a smartphone using the LG ThinQ application. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm (7.8 inches) between the antenna and your body.
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE WARNING • To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, read this entire owner’s manual, including the SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS, before operating this appliance. • Unplug the appliance before cleaning to avoid the risk of electric shock. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious injury, fire, electric shock, or death. • Do not use volatile substances (benzene, paint thinner, alcohol, acetone, etc.
MAINTENANCE 37 • Do not exceed the maximum fill line when adding bleach or powdered cleaners. Powdered cleaners may remain in the drum after cleaning. Close the door and press the Power button. 4 Select the Tub Clean cycle and press the Start/Pause button to begin the cycle. 5 After the cycle ends, open the door and allow the drum interior to dry completely. After you finish using the washer, leave the door open overnight to allow air to circulate and dry the drum. This helps prevent odors.
MAINTENANCE 8 Replace the drawer. CAUTION • Do not use the washer without the inlet filters. Doing so will cause leaks and malfunction. • If you use the washer in an area with hard water, the inlet filter may clog due to lime buildup and require more frequent cleaning. Cleaning the Door Seal Clean the door seal once a month to prevent build-up of dirt. 1 Turn off the washer, and unplug the power cord. 2 Turn off hot and cold water faucets.
MAINTENANCE 39 Cleaning the Drain Pump Filter ENGLISH The washer fails to drain if the drain pump filter is clogged. Periodically clean the drain filter to prevent clogging with foreign objects. WARNING • Opening the drain filter will result in water overflowing if there is water in the drum. Use a bucket if the drum is not completely drained before you open the drain filter.
MAINTENANCE Care in Cold Climates Storing the Washer If the washer will not be used for an extended period of time and is in an area that could be exposed to freezing temperatures, follow these steps to protect the washer from damage. 9 Dry the drum interior with a soft cloth, and close the door. 10 Store the washer in an upright position. 11 Remove the inserts from the dispenser. Drain any water in the compartments and let them dry.
MAINTENANCE 41 When the Drain Hose is Frozen Pour hot water in the washer drum and close the door. 2 Wait for 1 - 2 hours. 3 Press the Power button. 4 Press the Spin button to operate spin only cycle for draining and spinning. 5 Press the Start/Pause button to make sure the water drains.
TROUBLESHOOTING TROUBLESHOOTING Before Calling for Service The washer is equipped with an automatic error-monitoring system to detect and diagnose problems at an early stage. If the washer does not function properly or does not function at all, check the following before you call for service. FAQs Q: Why does my washer make loud banging noises while it is filling with water? A: This is actually a problem with the plumbing in your home.
TROUBLESHOOTING 43 Problem Possible Cause & Solution The load is too small. UNBALANCE ERROR • Add additional items to allow the washer to balance the load. Heavy articles are mixed with lighter items. • Always try to wash articles of somewhat similar weight to allow the washer to evenly distribute the weight of the load for spinning. The load is out of balance. • Manually redistribute the load if articles have become tangled, preventing the automatic rebalancing from working properly.
TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Possible Cause & Solution vs Vibration sensor malfunctions. VIBRATION SENSOR ERROR • Call for service. Noises Problem Clicking Possible Cause & Solution Door lock sounds when the door locks or unlocks. • Normal operation Spraying or hissing Water spraying or circulating during the cycle • Normal operation Humming or Gurgling Drain pump is pumping water from the washer at times during a cycle.
TROUBLESHOOTING 45 Problem Plumbing in the home moves or flexes when the water valves in the washer shut off. • Water hammer is not caused by a defect in the washer. Install water hammer arrestors (purchased separately at hardware or home improvement store) between the fill hose and the washer for best results. Household water supply pressure is very high. • Adjust household water supply regulator to a lower pressure or contact a plumber.
TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Incomplete or no dispensing of detergent Possible Cause & Solution Detergent compartments clogged from incorrect filling. • Make sure that detergent and additives are put into the correct dispenser compartments. • For all detergent types, always make sure that the dispenser drawer is fully closed before the start of the cycle. Too much detergent used. • Make sure that the suggested amount of detergent is used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
TROUBLESHOOTING 47 Problem Washer is not filling properly. Possible Cause & Solution Filter is clogged. Inlet hoses may be kinked. • Check that inlet hoses are not kinked or clogged. Energy efficiency • This is a High-Efficiency (HE) washer. As a result, the water level settings for this washer may be different than for conventional washer. Insufficient water supply • Make sure that both hot and cold water faucets are turned on all the way. Washer door is open.
TROUBLESHOOTING Performance Problem Wrinkling Possible Cause & Solution Washer is not unloaded promptly. • Always remove items from the washer as soon as the cycle is complete. Washer is overloaded. • The washer can be fully loaded, but the drum should not be tightly packed with items. The door of the washer should close easily. Hot and cold water inlet hoses are reversed. • Hot water rinse can set wrinkles in garments. Check the Inlet hose connectors. Staining Bleach or softener dispensed too soon.
TROUBLESHOOTING 49 Odor Problem Some odor is caused by the rubber attached to the washing machine. • This odor is normal for new rubber and will disappear after the machine has been run a few times. If the rubber door gasket and door seal area are not cleaned regularly, odors can occur from mold or foreign substances. • Be sure to clean the gasket and door seal regularly and check under the door seal for small items when unloading the washer.
LIMITED WARRANTY LIMITED WARRANTY USA TERMS AND CONDITIONS ARBITRATION NOTICE: THIS LIMITED WARRANTY CONTAINS AN ARBITRATION PROVISION THAT REQUIRES YOU AND LG ELECTRONICS (“LG”) TO RESOLVE DISPUTES BY BINDING ARBITRATION INSTEAD OF IN COURT, UNLESS YOU CHOOSE TO OPT OUT. IN ARBITRATION, CLASS ACTIONS AND JURY TRIALS ARE NOT PERMITTED. PLEASE SEE THE SECTION TITLED “PROCEDURE FOR RESOLVING DISPUTES” BELOW.
LIMITED WARRANTY 51 • Damage or failure of the Product caused by leaky or broken water pipes, frozen water pipes, restricted drain lines, inadequate or interrupted water supply, or inadequate supply of air. • Damage or failure of the Product caused by accidents, pests and vermin, lightning, wind, fire, floods, pandemics, acts of nature, or any other causes beyond the control of LG.
LIMITED WARRANTY Notice of Dispute. In the event you intend to commence an arbitration proceeding, you must first notify LG in writing at least 30 days in advance of initiating the arbitration by sending a letter to LG at LG Electronics, USA, Inc. Attn: Legal Department-Arbitration 111 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632. You and LG agree to engage in good faith discussions in an attempt to amicably resolve your claim.
LIMITED WARRANTY 53 You may only opt out of the dispute resolution procedure in the manner described above (that is, by e-mail or telephone); no other form of notice will be effective to opt out of this dispute resolution procedure. Opting out of this dispute resolution procedure will not affect the coverage of the Limited Warranty in any way, and you will continue to enjoy the full benefits of the Limited Warranty.
LIMITED WARRANTY OF ANTICIPATED PROFITS, LOST REVENUE, LOSS OF USE, OR ANY OTHER DAMAGE, WHETHER ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FROM ANY CONTRACTUAL BREACH, FUNDAMENTAL BREACH, TORT OR OTHERWISE, OR FROM ANY ACTS OR OMISSIONS. LGECI’S TOTAL LIABILITY, IF ANY, SHALL NOT EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID BY YOU FOR THE PRODUCT. This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights that vary from province to province depending on applicable provincial laws.
LIMITED WARRANTY 55 All costs and expenses associated with the above excluded circumstances, listed under the heading, This Limited Warranty Does Not Cover, shall be borne by the consumer.
LIMITED WARRANTY courts of the province or territory of your purchase for the resolution of the claim, action, dispute or controversy between you and LG. Fees/Costs. You do not need to pay any fee to begin an arbitration. Upon receipt of your written demand for arbitration, LG will promptly pay all arbitration filing fees unless you seek more than $25,000 in damages, in which case the payment of these fees will be governed by the applicable arbitration rules.
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