ENGLISH OWNER'S MANUAL WASHING MACHINE Please read this owner's manual thoroughly before operating and keep it handy for reference at all times. WM3998HBA MFL70701221 Rev.00_040220 www.lg.com Copyright © 2020 LG Electronics Inc. All Rights Reserved.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 31 SMART FUNCTIONS 3 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 31 33 7 PRODUCT OVERVIEW 7 7 Parts Accessories 8 INSTALLATION 8 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 15 Tools Needed Installation Overview Product Specifications Choosing the Proper Location Unpacking and Removing Shipping Bolts Connecting the Water Lines Connecting the Drain Hose Leveling the Washer Connecting to the Power Supply Testing the Washer 16 OPERATION 16 17 18 18 21 23 25 27 29 Using the Washer Sortin
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 3 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 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.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ••Keep packing materials out of the reach of children. Packaging material can be dangerous for children. There is a risk of suffocation. ••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.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 5 ••If the electrical supply cord is damaged, it must only be replaced by the manufacturer or its service agent or a similar qualified person in order to avoid a hazard. ••Do not put oily or greasy clothing, candles or flammable materials on top of the appliance. ••Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. ••Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or acids such as vinegar.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 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 ENGLISH Parts 12 13 1 Control Panel 2 Detergent Dispenser Drawer 3 Door Seal 4 Drum 7 Drain Pump Filter Cover 10 Water Inlets 5 Door 8 Drain Pump Filter 11 Shipping Bolts 6 Leveling Feet 9 Drain Hose 12 Power Cord 13 Drain Hose Accessories Included Accessories Non-skid pads Hole caps (4) Required Accessories Wrench Tie strap Elbow bracket (for securing drain hose) Optional Accessories Stacking Kit Pedestal or Pedestal washer Hot/cold water hoses
INSTALLATION INSTALLATION Tools Needed Level Pliers Installation Overview Please read the following installation instructions first after purchasing this product or transporting it to another location.
INSTALLATION 9 Product Specifications The appearance and specifications listed in this manual may vary due to constant product improvements. 120 VAC @ 60 Hz Min. / Max. water pressure 20 – 120 psi (138–827 kPa) Dimensions 70 cm(W) X 77 cm(D) X 99 cm(H), 139.6 cm (D with door open) 27”(W) X 30 ¼”(D) X 39”(H), 55” (D with door open) Net weight 213.8 lb (97 kg) Max spin speed 1300 RPM WARNING ••Moving or installation of the appliance requires two or more people.
INSTALLATION Choosing the Proper Location Install the washer on a solid floor that is strong and rigid enough to support the weight of the washer, even when fully loaded, without flexing or bouncing. If the floor has too much flex, you may need to reinforce it to make it more rigid. If the floor is not solid, it may cause severe vibration and noise. NOTE ••Before installing the washer, make sure the floor is clean, dry and free of dust, dirt, water and oil so the washer feet cannot slide easily.
INSTALLATION 11 Unpacking and Removing Shipping Bolts Install the hole caps. Locate the four hole caps included in the accessory pack and install them in the shipping bolt holes. CAUTION ••Failure to remove shipping materials can cause excessive noise and vibration. 1 Lift the washer off the foam base. After removing the carton and shipping material, lift the washer off the foam base. Make sure the plastic tub support comes off with the base and is not stuck to the bottom of the washer.
INSTALLATION Connecting the Water Lines To avoid the risk of costly water damage, purchase and install new inlet hoses when installing the washer. 1 Check the fittings and seals. Inspect the threaded fitting on each hose and make sure there is a rubber seal in place in both ends of each hose to prevent leaking. Rubber seal Water hose (to water inlet on washer) 2 Rubber seal Water hose (to tap) Connect the water supply hoses.
INSTALLATION 13 Connecting the Drain Hose Option 2: Laundry Tub Connect the drain hose to either a standpipe or laundry tub. 1 ••The drain must be installed in accordance with any applicable local codes and regulations. ••Make sure that the drain hose is not stretched, pinched, crushed, or kinked. No more than 4 inches (10 cm) ••Do not install the drain hose with the end lower than 29.5 inches (0.7 m) or higher than 96 inches (2.4 m) above the bottom of the washer or more than 60 inches (1.
INSTALLATION Leveling the Washer The drum of your new washer spins at very high speeds. To minimize vibration, noise, and unwanted movement, the floor must be a level, solid surface. NOTE ••Adjust the leveling feet only as far as necessary to level the washer. Extending the leveling feet more than necessary can cause the washer to vibrate. ••Before installing the washer, make sure that the floor is clean, dry and free of dust, dirt, water and oil so the washer feet cannot slide easily.
INSTALLATION 15 Connecting to the Power Supply WARNING ••Do not use a worn or damaged power cord or power plug. Replace or repair it immediately. Failure to do so may result in death, fire, electric shock, or malfunction. ••Do not modify the power cord and plug provided with the appliance. Take care not to damage it when installing or moving the washer. Failure to follow this warning may result in death, fire, electric shock, or malfunction. ••Make sure that the washer is grounded.
OPERATION OPERATION Using the Washer WARNING ••To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, read the SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS before operating this appliance. 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 detergent pods, place pod in drum before loading laundry. 2 Add Cleaning Products. Add the proper amount of HE (High-Efficiency) detergent to the detergent dispenser.
OPERATION 17 Sorting Laundry CAUTION ••Use the Bedding cycle for buoyant or nonabsorbent items such as pillows or comforters. Failure to follow this caution can result in leakage. ••Clothing or articles that are waterproof or water resistant must be washed in the Bedding cycle only. (e.g. water resistant clothing, mattress covers, outdoor clothes, plastic mats, etc.
OPERATION Loading the Washer Adding Cleaning Products ••Check and empty pockets. Paper clips, coins, matches, etc. can damage clothing and the washer. Loading the Dispenser ••Close zippers and hooks, and tie drawstrings to prevent snagging or tangling of clothes. ••Pretreat heavily stained areas for best results. ••Combine large and small items in a load. Load large items first. Large items should not be more than half of total load.
OPERATION 19 Pre-Wash Detergent Compartment Add liquid or powdered detergent to this compartment when using the Pre-Wash option. Always use HE (High-Efficiency) detergent with your washer. ••When using the Pre-Wash option, liquid detergent for the main wash needs to be loaded in the liquid detergent cup accessory in the main wash dispenser, to prevent it from being dispensed with the pre-wash detergent.
OPERATION Fabric Softener Compartment This compartment holds liquid fabric softener, which is automatically dispensed during the final rinse cycle. Do not exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations when adding softener. Using too much fabric softener can result in buildup in clothing and the washer. Either powdered or liquid fabric softener may be used. ••Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when adding fabric softener. Do not exceed the maximum fill line.
OPERATION 21 Control Panel 5 6 ENGLISH Control Panel Features 1 Power On/Off Button Press to turn the washer on. Press again to turn the washer off. Pressing the Power button during a cycle will cancel that cycle and any load settings will be lost. The door will unlock after a brief pause. 2 Cycle Selector Knob Turn this knob to select the desired cycle. Once the desired cycle has been selected, the standard presets will be shown in the display.
OPERATION Time and Status Display 1 Cycle Status Indicator These LEDs illuminates when a cycle is selected to indicate which stages runs. When a cycle is running, the LED for the active stage blinks, and the LEDs for the remaining stages remain steady. Once a stage is complete, the LED turns off. If a cycle is paused, the active stage LED stops blinking. 2 Door Lock Indicator The Door Lock indicator will light up once a cycle has started.
OPERATION 23 Wash Cycles 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). ••For information on using LG ThinQ applications to save energy, see the SMART FUNCTIONS section. Choosing by Wash Cycle Normal Fabric Type Description Use this cycle to wash all normal items, except delicate fabrics such as wool or silk.
OPERATION Choosing by Wash Cycle Tub Clean Speed Wash Description Use this cycle to clean the drum of your washer. See the Maintenance section. Use the Speed Wash cycle to quickly wash lightly soiled clothing and small loads. For high wash and rinse efficiency, wash small loads of 2-3 lightly soiled garments(less than 3 lb. (1.36 kg)). NOTE:Use very little detergent in this cycle. To add an extra rinse, use the Extra Rinse button.
OPERATION 25 Cycle Guide Normal Heavy Duty Cycle Modifiers Temp.
OPERATION Cycle Cycle Modifiers Temp. Spin Soil Heavy ▲ Sportswear Warm Medium Normal Cold Low ▲ Tap Cold No Spin Light Heavy Turbo Wash™ Hot High ▲ Warm Medium Normal Cold Wash Cold Low ▲ Pre Wash Tap Cold Perm.
OPERATION 27 Cycle Modifier Buttons Higher spin speeds extract more water from clothes, reducing drying time and saving energy. Press the Spin button until the desired speed is selected. Some fabrics, such as delicates, require a slower spin speed. To protect your clothing, not all spin speeds are available for all cycles. ••The Spin button also activates the Drain+Spin cycle to drain the tub and spin clothes; for example, if you want to remove clothes before the cycle has ended.
OPERATION Woolen Articles Drying Time Guide Do not tumble dry woolen articles. Pull them to their original shape and dry them flat. The drying time can be selected by pressing the Dry button. Woven and Loopknit Materials Some woven and loopknit materials may shrink, by varying amounts, depending on their quality. Always stretch these materials out immediately after drying.
OPERATION 29 Option Buttons Fresh Care Use this function when you won’t be able to unload your clothes immediately after the wash cycle ends. After the cycle ends, the drum will tumble periodically for up to 19 hours to prevent wrinkles. After selecting the desired cycle and settings, press the cycle option button(s) for the option(s) you would like to add. The button will light when that option is selected.
OPERATION Add Garments Cold Wash Use this function to add garments or remove foreign objects like coins or keys after the cycle has started. This option saves energy by using cooler water while increasing the wash and rinse times to maintain wash performance. 1 Press Add Garments. The cycle pauses and the door unlocks. 2 Open the door, add garments or remove foreign objects, and close the door. 3 Press the Start/Pause button to start the cycle. The cycle continues automatically.
SMART FUNCTIONS 31 SMART FUNCTIONS Push Alerts −− When the cycle is complete or the appliance has problems, you will receive a push message. The LG ThinQ application allows you to communicate with the appliance using a smartphone. LG ThinQ Application Feature Downloaded −− Download new and specialized cycles that are not included in the standard cycles on the appliance.
SMART FUNCTIONS •• The Wi-Fi may not connect or the connection may be interrupted because of the home network environment. •• 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.
SMART FUNCTIONS 33 Open Source Software Notice Information 2 Hold the mouthpiece of your phone in front of the c or d logo. 3 Press and hold the Temp. button for 3 seconds or longer while continuing to hold your phone near the logo. 4 Keep the phone in place untill the tone transmission has finished. The display will count down the time. Once the count down is over and the tones have stopped, the diagnosis will be displayed in the application.
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE WARNING To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, read this entire owner's manual, including the Important Safety Instructions, before operating this washer. ••Unplug the washer 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 35 Turn the cycle selector to select the Tub Clean cycle. 5 Press the Start/Pause button to begin the cycle. Selecting any other cycle after Tub Clean has been selected will cause the Tub Clean cycle to be cancelled. 6 After the cycle ends, open the door and allow the drum interior to dry completely. NOTE ••Never load laundry while using Tub Clean. The laundry may be damaged or contaminated with cleaning products. Make sure to run the Tub Clean cycle only when the drum is empty.
MAINTENANCE 5 Wipe off any moisture with a dry towel or cloth after cleaning. 6 Replace the detergent dispenser drawer. Cleaning the Water Inlet Filters If the washer does not fill properly, an error message will show on the display. The inlet valve filter screens could be plugged by hard water scale, sediment in the water supply, or other debris. CAUTION WARNING ••Do not spray water inside the cabinet. Doing so may cause fire or electric shock.
MAINTENANCE 37 Cleaning the Drain Pump Filter 6 Recap the plug onto the drain hose and attach the drain hose to the clip. 7 Insert the drain pump filter. 8 Close the drain pump filter cover. WARNING ••Opening the drain filter will result in water overflowing if there is water in the washer drum. Use a bucket if the drum is not completely drained before you open the drain filter.
MAINTENANCE Care in Cold Climates When the Water Line is Frozen Storing the Washer 1 Turn off the faucets connected to the water lines. 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, perform the following steps to protect the washer from damage. 2 Pour hot water on the frozen faucets to thaw the water lines and remove them. 1 Turn off the water supply. 3 Immerse the water lines in hot water to thaw them.
TROUBLESHOOTING 39 TROUBLESHOOTING 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. When the water valve in the washer shuts off, it can cause pipes in your home to move, resulting in a loud banging noise. This effect, called water hammer, can be reduced by installing an item called a water hammer arrestor. Add-on arrestors can be purchased through your local hardware or home improvement store.
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. Noises You Might Hear Noise Possible Cause Solutions Spraying or Hissing Water spraying or circulating during the cycle.
TROUBLESHOOTING 41 Operation Problem Possible Cause House drain pipes are clogged. ••The washer pumps out water very rapidly. Check for water backing up out of the drain pipe during drain. If water is seen coming out of the drain, check for proper drain hose installation and check for restrictions in the drain. Contact a plumber to repair drain pipe. Drain hose has come out of drain or is not inserted far enough. ••Tie drain hose to inlet hose or standpipe to prevent it from coming out during drain.
TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Possible Cause Solutions Wash cycle time is longer than usual The washer automatically adjusts the wash time for the amount of laundry, water pressure and other operating conditions. ••This is normal. The washer adjusts cycle time automatically to provide optimal results for the selected cycle. The time remaining shown in the display is only an estimate. Actual time may vary. Bleach dispenser cover is not properly installed.
TROUBLESHOOTING 43 Problem Solutions Door/Lid is open. ••The washer will not operate if the door/lid is open. Close the door/lid and make sure that nothing is caught under the door/lid preventing it from closing completely. Circuit breaker/fuse is tripped/ blown. ••Check house circuit breakers/fuses. Replace fuses or reset breaker. The washer should be on a dedicated branch circuit. Control needs to be reset. ••Press the Power button, then re-select the desired cycle and press the Start/Pause button.
TROUBLESHOOTING Performance Problem Wrinkling Staining Possible Cause Washer not unloaded promptly. Washer overloaded. ••The washer can be fully loaded, but the drum should not be tightly packed with items. The door/lid 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 connections. Bleach or softener dispensed too soon.
TROUBLESHOOTING 45 Problem Solutions Odors can occur if the drainage hose is not properly installed, causing siphoning (water flowing back inside the washing machine). ••When installing the drainage hose, be sure that it doesn’t become kinked or blocked. Using the dry function, odors can occur from lint and other laundry matter sticking to the heater. (Dryer model only) ••This is not a malfunction. A particular odor can occur from drying wet clothes with hot air.
TROUBLESHOOTING Error Codes Problem Possible Cause Solutions Water supply faucets are not fully open. ••Make sure that the water faucets are fully open. Water line hoses are kinked, pinched, or crushed. ••Make sure that the hoses are not kinked or pinched. Be careful when moving the washer during cleaning and maintenance. Water inlet filters are clogged. ••Clean the inlet filters. See the Maintenance section. Water supply pressure to faucet or house is too low.
TROUBLESHOOTING 47 Problem Solutions Drain hose is kinked, pinched, or clogged ••Make sure the drain hose is free of clogs or kinks, and is not pinched behind or under the washer. Drain discharge is more than 96 inches (2.4 m) above bottom of washer. ••The end of the drain hose should be no more than 96 inches (2.4 m) above the bottom of the washer. Control error. ••Unplug the washer and wait 60 seconds. Reconnect power and try again. If the error reappears, call for service.
LIMITED WARRANTY LIMITED WARRANTY FOR USA ARBITRATION NOTICE: THIS LIMITED WARRANTY CONTAINS AN ARBITRATION PROVISION THAT REQUIRES YOU AND 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 49 ••Damage or failure caused by incorrect electrical current, voltage, or plumbing codes, commercial or industrial use, or use of accessories, components, or consumable cleaning products that are not approved by LG. ••Damage or missing items to any display, open box, discounted, or refurbished product. ••Products with original serial numbers that have been removed, altered, or cannot be readily determined.
LIMITED WARRANTY Agreement to Binding Arbitration and Class Action Waiver. Upon failure to resolve the dispute during the 30 day period after sending written notice to LG, you and LG agree to resolve any claims between us only by binding arbitration on an individual basis, unless you opt out as provided below. Any dispute between you and LG shall not be combined or consolidated with a dispute involving any other person’s or entity’s product or claim.
LIMITED WARRANTY 51 FOR CANADA Should your LG Washer (“Product”) fail due to a defect in material or workmanship under normal home use during the warranty period set forth below, LG Canada will at its option repair or replace the product upon receipt of proof of original retail purchase. This warranty is valid only to the original retail purchaser of the product and applies only to a product distributed in Canada by LG Canada or an authorized Canadian distributor thereof.
LIMITED WARRANTY THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER: ••Service trips to deliver, pick up, or install the product; instructing a customer on operation of the product; repair or replacement of fuses or correction of wiring or plumbing, or correction of unauthorized repairs/installation. ••Failure of the product to perform during power failures and interruptions or inadequate electrical service.
LIMITED WARRANTY 53 PROCEDURE FOR RESOLVING DISPUTES: Definitions. For the purposes of this section, references to “LG” mean LG Electronics Canada, Inc.
LIMITED WARRANTY 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.
LIMITED WARRANTY 55 Warranty Exceptions (U.S. and Canada) Tub support Shipping bolt Carton base Remove the shipping bolts & tub support. Leakage caused by dirt (hair, lint) on seal and door glass. Clean the seal & door glass. Drainage issues caused by clogging of pump filter. Clean the pump filter. Water is not supplied because water inlet valve filters are clogged or water inlet hoses are kinked. Clean the inlet valve filter or reinstall the water inlet hoses.
LIMITED WARRANTY Leakage caused by improper installation of water inlet hose or using non-LG inlet hoses. Reinstall the inlet hose. Power not supplied because of loose connection of power cord or electrical outlet problem. Reconnect the power cord or change the electrical outlet. Level Service trips to deliver, pick up, install the product or for instruction on product use. The removal and reinstallation of the Product. The warranty covers manufacturing defects only.
