LG Washing Machine Makes a Clicking Noise During Operation — Possible Motor or Control Board Problems
An LG washing machine can produce several normal sounds during a wash cycle, including water flowing, the door locking, the pump running, and the drum changing speed. However, a persistent clicking noise that appears during operation deserves attention, especially if it is new or becomes louder over time.
Clicking can come from different components, and the timing of the sound often provides useful clues. In some cases, the problem may be minor. In others, it can indicate an electrical or mechanical failure involving the motor, control board, wiring, or another internal component.
When Is a Clicking Sound Normal?
Before assuming there is a malfunction, consider when the clicking occurs. LG washers may make a brief click when the door lock engages at the beginning of a cycle. You may also hear clicking when the machine switches between different operating stages or when a relay activates.
A single click at a predictable point in every cycle may therefore be completely normal.
The situation is different when the washer clicks continuously, clicks repeatedly while the drum is trying to start, or makes a new clicking sound accompanied by other symptoms. Problems such as failure to spin, stopping during a cycle, error codes, or unusual vibrations make inspection more important.
Motor Problems Can Cause Clicking
The motor is responsible for turning the drum and changing its speed during the wash and spin cycles. If the clicking appears when the drum begins rotating or changes speed, the motor or its related components may need to be checked.
A motor problem can develop because of worn internal components, electrical issues, overheating, or excessive strain. A washer that has been overloaded repeatedly may also place additional stress on the drive system.
In some cases, the motor may attempt to start but fail to maintain proper operation. This can create repeated clicking or intermittent operation. You may notice that the drum starts and stops, spins unevenly, or does not reach the expected speed.
A professional technician can inspect the motor, wiring, connectors, and drive components to determine whether the motor is receiving the correct electrical signal and operating as intended.
The Control Board May Be Involved
The electronic control board manages many functions of an LG washing machine, including motor operation, water valves, pumps, door locking, and cycle timing.
If a control board or one of its components develops a fault, the washer may behave unpredictably. Clicking can occur when a relay on the board repeatedly activates or when the board is attempting to send power to a component that is not responding correctly.
Control board problems may also be accompanied by other symptoms. The washer might stop unexpectedly, fail to begin a cycle, display an error code, or repeatedly attempt the same operation.
Because the control board is connected to several electrical systems, diagnosing it correctly is important. Replacing the board without confirming the cause can result in unnecessary expense if another component is actually responsible for the problem.
Check for Simple Mechanical Causes
Not every clicking noise means the motor or control board has failed.
Objects such as coins, buttons, zippers, or other small items can become trapped between the drum and tub or inside other parts of the washer. A loose object may click or rattle as the drum rotates.
An uneven load can also create unusual sounds. If the noise disappears after removing some clothes and redistributing the load, the issue may be related to loading rather than an electrical component.
It is also worth paying attention to whether the sound occurs during washing, draining, or spinning. A noise that only appears when the drum rotates has a different set of possible causes from a noise that occurs while the drain pump is operating.
Other Symptoms Should Not Be Ignored
A clicking noise becomes more concerning when it appears together with changes in washer performance.
Watch for symptoms such as:
- The drum does not spin properly
- The washer repeatedly starts and stops
- The machine will not complete a cycle
- An error code appears
- The motor sounds like it is struggling to start
- The washer shuts off unexpectedly
- Burning odors or signs of overheating are present
- The clicking becomes louder or more frequent
If several of these symptoms occur at the same time, continued operation may make the underlying problem worse.
Why Professional Diagnosis Matters
Modern LG washing machines contain electronic controls and multiple interconnected components. A clicking sound alone does not identify the failed part.
A technician can inspect the washer systematically, determine when the noise occurs, test the motor and electrical connections, evaluate the control board, and check for mechanical interference. This approach helps identify the actual source instead of replacing parts based only on the sound.
If the washer is making an unfamiliar clicking noise, avoid repeatedly restarting it to see whether the problem disappears. If there is a burning smell, smoke, damaged wiring, or another obvious electrical concern, stop using the appliance and arrange for professional service.
Get Your LG Washing Machine Checked
A clicking washing machine may have a simple mechanical cause, but persistent clicking can also point to a motor, control board, wiring, or related component problem. Identifying the source early can help prevent a minor fault from developing into a more expensive repair.
If your LG washing machine is making unusual clicking sounds during operation, contact Service Center to schedule an appliance inspection. A technician can diagnose the problem and determine what repair is needed to restore reliable washing performance.
Call Service Center today to schedule LG washing machine repair and have the clicking noise properly diagnosed.