LG Washer Stuck on 1 Minute Remaining? Step by Step Fixes That Work
Introduction: Why Your LG Washer Freezes at 1 Minute Remaining
It happens to lots of people, at the end of a wash, your machine sits, the display says 1 minute remaining, and it never moves. When an LG washer stuck on 1 minute remaining, it stops your day, ruins time, and makes you wonder if the cycle will ever finish. I see this with front load models mid rinse, and top load models during final spin cycles.
Usually the cause is simple, things like an unbalanced load, a clogged drain pump, a stubborn door latch, or a software hiccup. In some cases a faulty sensor or wiring can hold the timer at 1 minute.
Below you will find quick checks to try right now, step by step resets that fix most software hangs, clear instructions for cleaning the drain and pump, and a short guide on when to call a technician. These fixes are practical, fast, and written so you can follow them with confidence.
Quick Fix Checklist You Can Try in Under 5 Minutes
If your LG washer stuck on 1 minute remaining, try these quick moves before calling for help. They fix most control glitches in under five minutes.
Pause and resume: press the Start Pause button once, wait 5 to 10 seconds, then press it again. That often forces the timer to update, especially if the drum is still spinning.
Cancel and restart: hit Power to turn the machine off, wait 5 seconds, select the same cycle and press Start. Restarting the program can clear a stuck timer.
Full power cycle: unplug the washer or switch off the breaker for 30 to 60 seconds, then plug back in. A short reset clears electronic hiccups.
Check the door and locks: make sure the door latch is fully closed and nothing is wedged in the seal. Look for a child lock or control lock icon; to disable it, press and hold the lock button for about 3 seconds.
Try these first, they resolve the issue in most cases.
How to Power Cycle Your LG Washer Safely
Cancel the cycle and press the power button to turn the washer off, then unplug it from the wall outlet. If the plug is behind the machine or hard to reach, switch off the dedicated circuit breaker instead. Wait five minutes, this gives the control board time to discharge and clears any residual charge in capacitors that can lock the timer. After five minutes, plug the washer back in or flip the breaker on, close the door firmly so the latch resets, then press power and run a short test cycle. Power cycling often clears firmware or control board glitches that cause an LG washer stuck on 1 minute remaining, because it forces the timer and motor relays to reinitialize. If the issue persists, repeat with a ten minute wait.
Check the Door Latch and Child Lock Settings
A faulty door latch or an engaged child lock is one of the most common reasons an lg washer stuck on 1 minute remaining. The machine thinks the door is open or locked, and the timer refuses to advance. Don’t guess, inspect.
- Cut power, unplug the washer or switch off the breaker, then open and close the door firmly, listening for a solid click.
- Visually check the latch for debris, wear, or a broken plastic catch, clean away lint with a soft brush, do not force the mechanism.
- Reset child lock, by pressing and holding the Child Lock or Control Lock button for about 3 to 5 seconds until the lock icon clears (consult your manual if unsure).
- Plug back in, run a short rinse or spin to confirm the timer moves.
If the latch feels loose or cracked, replace the latch assembly.
Inspect Drainage and Spin Problems That Cause a 1 Minute Freeze
If your LG washer is stuck on 1 minute remaining, the machine is usually waiting to finish the final drain or spin. Start with the easiest checks first, then move to the pump and hoses.
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Unplug the washer, open the lower access panel, and prepare a shallow pan and towels. Many LG front loaders have a small drain hose or coin trap. Pull the little hose out, drain the water into the pan, then remove trapped lint, coins, or small socks.
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Inspect the drain pump impeller. If it is full of debris or won’t spin freely, the pump cannot expel water and the timer will freeze. Rotate the impeller by hand, and replace the pump if it feels stiff or cracked.
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Check the drain hose for kinks, sharp bends, or soft collapses. Disconnect the hose and blow air through it, or run water through a garden hose to clear clogs. Make sure the hose is properly elevated at the standpipe.
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Balance the load. A single bulky item or a mixed load can prevent spinning. Redistribute clothes evenly, then run a Drain and Spin cycle. These steps clear the common drainage and spin causes that leave an LG washer stuck on 1 minute remaining.
Software and Control Board Fixes to Try Next
Software fixes are low effort and often fix the lg washer stuck on 1 minute remaining problem. Start with a soft reset, it clears glitches fast. Turn the washer off, unplug it or flip the breaker, wait 60 seconds, then press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds before restoring power. Run a quick spin or rinse to see if the timer advances.
If that fails, try a factory reset. A safe, common sequence is power off, unplug for five minutes, plug back in, then press and hold Start/Pause for five seconds to cancel and reset the control board. If your model uses different buttons, check the manual.
Use the SmartThinQ or LG ThinQ app next. Add the washer, run remote diagnostics, and check for firmware updates. If firmware is available, install it, then repeat a reset. If the washer still shows one minute after these steps, document error codes and contact LG support, firmware or the main control board may need technician service.
When to Call a Technician and What to Tell Them
If your LG washer stuck on 1 minute remaining after resets, call a technician when you see persistent symptoms. Red flags: frequent error codes, loud grinding, no water draining, burning smells, or the timer never advances even after unplugging.
Most common pro repairs, with ballpark costs: door lock assembly $80 to $200, drain pump $60 to $150, motor or clutch $200 to $400, main control board $200 to $600, plus labor $100 to $200. Many LG timer issues are drain pump or control board related.
What to tell the repair tech: exact model and serial, the phrase lg washer stuck on 1 minute remaining, any error codes, what troubleshooting you tried, when it started, and a short video of the behavior.
Simple Maintenance Tips to Prevent the Problem From Coming Back
If your lg washer stuck on 1 minute remaining, small maintenance habits stop most recurrences. Do these once a month and after heavy use.
Clean the drain pump filter, usually behind a small panel at the bottom front. Place a shallow tray and towel, unscrew the cap slowly, pull out lint and coins, rinse the screen with a toothbrush. That one job fixes many drain and sensor errors.
Level the machine with a bubble level on top, turn the adjustable feet until all four corners are flush, then tighten the lock nuts. Run an empty spin to confirm no wobble.
Load clothes so they can tumble freely, about two thirds full for front loaders; avoid stuffing a single heavy item alone. Clean the door gasket and detergent drawer monthly, run the tub clean cycle with hot water and a cup of white vinegar, and inspect hoses for kinks or wear.
Conclusion and Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
You can fix most occurrences of lg washer stuck on 1 minute remaining with fast, low effort steps. Start with a power reset, clear the drain filter, and rebalance the load. If that fails, inspect the door latch and run the machine diagnostic. Those four actions solve the problem in most real world cases.
Quick checklist to follow now
- Cancel cycle, unplug washer, wait 1 minute, plug back in and restart.
- Open filter access, remove debris, and test drain pump by running drain or spin.
- Redistribute clothes, especially heavy items, then select drain and spin.
- Check the door latch for visible damage or debris, then close firmly.
- Run the built in diagnostic or update firmware if available. If the issue persists, schedule a service call.
Safety reminders
Unplug before you reach inside, avoid opening the door if water remains, and wear gloves when removing filter debris.
