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Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?
Glyn,
Thanks for your reply!My service agent claimed NOT to have heard the noises before. So it makes you wonder what is going on.
Maybe the pump IS supposed to make these noises due to its design? However, I have not as yet received confirmation from my dealer as to whether these pumps are supposed to make these noises or not.
Ultimately, the washer (and pump) works, so I guess that is the most important factor.
Still, I wonder about these pump noises. ❓
EDIT: As of today (02 February 2008), the washer pump continues to make these noises, but the washer still works (fortunately).
I have still not received confirmation from the dealer whether the pump is supposed to make these noises.
I discovered today that my dealer (and possibly their service division as well), have closed down!! So I am not sure who will service my washer now? Probably have to contact LG and see what they have to say about servicing.
Lucky Goldstar
Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?
Neverending!!
I rang service agency. They said there was little more they could do at this stage, but if there was no progress after contacting the original dealer, then they’d see what they could do.
I rang the dealer, and I was advised (by L) that they would try to make some arrangement (probably have the washer checked by another service agency). That was about two weeks ago. I’ve since not been contacted by anyone regarding the washer.
I rang the dealer again yesterday, but the person I spoke to said that L was away, and would be back tomorrow. So a message was left for L to contact me (today).
No one phoned today, so I visited the dealer in person. I spoke to two staff. L had (conveniently?) left for the day before I arrived. Also, it was determined that L was the boss of the dealership (I wasn’t aware of that previously). I briefly explained the problem with the LG washers (and related sequence of events).
I complained that I hadn’t heard from anyone for two weeks, and that wasn’t good enough. Unfortunately there was no one “higher up” to complain to, as L was THE boss. The dealership, I think, is a franshchise type operation.
A senior staff member promised to give L a nudge regarding the issue of the noisy LG washer pump.
Anyway, is there anyone else having problems with LG washer pumps making rattling noises?
Is there anyone using LG washer (model WD-1238c in particular) with a pump that does NOT make rattling noises at the end of drain cycles?
Glyn? Have you resolved your washer problems? If so, what was done please?
Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?
Apparently, the service agent and LG (in Australia) were unable to determine the cause of the fluttering noises. ❗ ❓
So I was given another brand new LG washer (same model WD-1238c). That was nice!
The Engineer from the service agency installed the washer, and tested the pump also. The washer seemed to work fine with no unusual noises.
I had some washing to do. But, during the first wash, the new washer (pump) made the same unusual fluttering/rattling noises as the previous washer ❗ :shake:
I’ll be ringing the service agency again tomorrow. :rolls:
The result of this call tomorrow could be interesting.
Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?
On a severely limited income, it is not really practical to buy an Asko or Miele washer. Actually, I rather like the very latest Asko washers, but I simply can’t afford them!! 🙁
Engineer took away the LG washer to the workshop for further investigation. A loan washer (Fisher & Paykel top-loader; . . charming ❗ :eeek: ) was provided in the meantime. Engineer stated that it may take a week or more to determine cause of noise and to make appropriate repairs.
I did four light/moderate wash loads yesterday, and the pump did not make as much noise as on previous occasions. Pump settling in perhaps ❓
I asked Engineer how the pump was powered, and he said it was powered through a relay. So the pump is connected to mains supply to make it run, and pump power is not supplied/controlled directly by electronics (thyristors etc.) on the control module. This suggests that the pump itself is faulty rather than the mains power supply, since mains power is steady and reliable here.
Another possibilty is that the pump relay may “chatter” (open and close rapidly) due to fluctuating voltage being supplied to it from the control module. If so, then the control module may be at fault. However, no chattering noise was detected in the vicinity of the control module by myself or the Engineer. So this possibilty of relay chatter is very remote.
We’ll see what happens now ❗ ❓
Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?
Engineer came today with replacement control module. And guess what!? The washer STILL makes those fluttering noises ❗ ❓ ❓
Washer is going to be taken into workshop for closer examination. A loan washer will be provided in the meantime.
I suggested that the pump be looked at more closely, given that the noises suggest the pump impeller is striking something.
Sigh!!!! :taz:
Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?
Did two light wash loads yesterday. Pump made those fluttering noises at end of drain cycles.
Engineer came today and heard pump fluttering noises during (a full) wash. After taking some measurements, it was determined that the control module appeared to be faulty (even though it appeared to work OK on previous occasion), and it would have to be replaced.
As spare parts for LG washers are not (yet) available in NZ, they have to be imported from Australia. So it will take about two weeks or so to receive the replacement control module. We’ll see what happens after the module is replaced.
Owing to overwhelming response (NOT), the (moderately high quality) sound recordings of the fluttering noises are still available to anyone interested? This could be educational!?
Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?
Hmmm!
The pump seems to drain the washer OK, despite the noises.
However! I am still a bit concerned about these noises! It still sounds like the impeller is (momentarily) hitting against something. If so, this would increase loading on pump motor, and this in turn may reduce the motors useful life (because motor is being subjected to (brief) higher than normal loads)?
I have made four audio recordings of these noises (in “wav” format). One recording was for the wash drain cycle, and the remaining three recordings were for the three rinse drain cycles. The noises for all cycles sound identical, but there are slight variations in “noise” for the cycles.
If anyone is interested, I could email or upload these recordings (recordings are about 800kB each). And I would be keen to know what others opinions are of these noises. 💡
Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?
Today, I rang the service agent again as they didn’t return my earlier call on Friday.
Response from service agent later today was that they replaced the pump already, and it was unlikely that there was a problem with the replacement pump. Also, they were not keen on taking the washer to the workshop because it is too heavy! :rolls: :rolls:
I mentioned that there could be a batch of faulty pumps around; no comment from agent.
I made the comment that the noises seem to occur more likely during full washes (using detergent) and at the end of drain cycles. Also, I mentioned that it sounds as though impeller was hitting something. Agent mentioned cavitation could lead to more noise.
Anyway, I eventually convinced them to have an Engineer come again on Wednesday, as the replacement pump makes noises similar to the first (faulty) pump although not to the same extent.
We’ll see what happens on Wednesday . . . ➡
Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?
Engineer came today to check the washer. And despite running about 15 ~ 20 brief drain cycles through the washer, the washer behaved itself (of course) and it did not make any unusual (fluttering) noises! :bang: ❓ ❓
Engineer suggested that the washer may have to be taken into the workshop for further investigation if the problem noise returns.
Engineer was not sure what was causing noises to begin with.
After Engineer left, I did some washes, and sure enough the noises returned ❗ ❓ 👿
I rang the service agency, but the Engineer could not be contacted. I was to be rang back once the Engineer was contacted. That was about 3 hours ago. Agency has not rung back yet!!??
Anyway, I’ve noticed that the replacement pump does not seem to flutter as much as the first pump. There is some fluttering, then it stops. Then there is a faint whining sound. More fluttering. Stop. Whining sound. Fluttering. Stop. Whine. Then the pump appears to continue as usual.
My impression is that the fluttering may be due to the pump impeller (blades) hitting against something(?). The whining noise may be due to pump trying to turn impeller, but impeller may be momentarily jammed (this coincides with the brief stopping of fluttering sound).
I am beginning to suspect that there is a “bad batch” of pumps making the rounds at the moment. Or, there may be a “new design” of pump appearing. But either the design is flawed, or the pump components are not correctly assembled?
Still not a happy with the situation at the moment! 👿
Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?
Engineer replaced the pump today.
And the replacement pump made the same noises as the previous pump, and on the first wash ❗ ❗ 👿
The previous pump at least did not make noises until the second wash!
This has gone from bad to worse ❗ ❓
An Engineer is due to have another look at the washer tomorrow morning.
Either there is a batch of faulty pumps around at the moment, or there may be other issues involved here, such as faulty control module perhaps?
We might have a better idea tomorrow after the Engineers visit.
Re: LG Washer Making Weird Fluttering Noise?
Service agent has now received a replacement pump (after two week wait)!
Replacement pump is due to be installed tomorrow. We’ll see how the washer goes after this replacement pump has been installed.
I’ll update this topic as necessary.
Glyn, if your washer is having similar problems, then it may be that your washers pump is faulty as well. If so, then the pump will probably have to be replaced.
As your washer is new, the replacement should be done under warranty. The only issues, perhaps, being availability of spare parts and when an Engineer can actually carry out the replacement work.
Re: LG Washer Making Wierd Fluttering Noise?
Just a quick update.
The replacement pump has not yet arrived (I rang the service agent). Also, apparently, LG do NOT stock parts in NZ. Parts have to be imported from Australia!! This is why it may take two to three weeks for parts to arrive!
NOT impressed with that!! :tdown:
I am now regretting buying this LG washer. Part failure from new, and parts taking weeks to arrive! Overall, this is poor, from a consumer point of view!
Asko?? I wonder what their parts availability is like here in NZ? I am now considering switching to an Asko washer. ❓
Re: LG Washer Making Wierd Fluttering Noise?
Still waiting for spare pump.
It is my understanding that LG washers are supposed to be reasonably reliable. So I was both surprised and annoyed that a new washer came with a faulty pump!?
If the replacement pump fails (immediately, or very soon after installation), I will seriously consider replacing this LG washer with another brand washer (maybe Asko, IF I can afford it, or maybe Electrolux).
Out of curiosity, can anyone comment on and/or confirm the reliability of these LG washers (in particular their pumps)?
Re: LG Washer Making Wierd Fluttering Noise?
Engineer came to check on the washer. And guess what! Washer didn’t make strange noises, again! 😳 😳
However, I suggested a wash cycle, and to call Engineer again when/if washer made strange noise.
So, I started a full wash, and after wash water had drained, washer started making those noises! Paused washer, rang Engineer, Engineer returned and (finally) heard noises when washer was restarted!
Conclusion was that the pump was faulty. Apparently there was some timing issue, and the pump was overheating. New pump is to be installed.
According to Engineer, this model (WD-1238c) washer has been around for about 8 months (here in NZ), and Engineer was aware of only one other washer with similar type of fault.
I asked Engineer regarding reliability of LG, Asko and Miele washers. Engineer couldn’t comment on Miele because they didn’t service them. But, apparently, LG washers reliability are about equivalent to Asko washers!!! VERY interesting!! ❗ 💡
Now I have to wait for a new pump which may take up to two weeks to get. Apparently, LG are in the process of shifting from Wellington (near where I live) to Auckland. So obtaining parts may be delayed because of this. Also, I was told that LG (here in NZ), only stock parts on an ‘as required’ basis. Parts may have to be sourced from Australia (or elsewhere if need be)!? 🙁
Re: LG Washer Making Wierd Fluttering Noise?
The washer installation technician came around yesterday (Monday), to check out the washer. And, of course, the washer behaved itself while he was there! 😳 No fluttering noise whatsoever!!??
After he left, I did some washing, and THEN the washer started making these noises again!! I suspect this noise may start only after one or two washes have been completed first(?).
I contacted the installation technician and explained that the washer had started making these noises again. The technician contacted the service division, which resulted in the suspicion that some pump components may not be properly installed (loose).
Anyway, an Engineer is due to visit tomorrow (Wednesday). We’ll see what happens after their visit.
