LG FF
Freeze Failure
Hard severityVerified Diagnostic Guide
SeverityHard
What Your Machine Is Actually Telling You
FF means the temperature sensor detected water or ambient conditions near or below freezing (0°C/32°F). LG prevents operation in freezing conditions because ice can damage the pump, hoses, and drum.
Why this is dangerous:
- Frozen water expands, cracking pump housings.
- Ice in valves prevents filling.
- Frozen drain lines prevent draining.
- Rubber hoses become brittle and crack.
FF is most common in:
- Unheated garages.
- Basements in winter.
- Laundry rooms near exterior walls.
- Newly moved machines in cold transport.
Common causes:
1. Unheated installation area (40%) — garage, shed, porch.
2. Frozen inlet/drain lines (25%) — pipes froze.
3. Very cold inlet water (15%) — well water in winter.
4. Machine moved in cold weather (10%) — internal water froze.
5. Sensor fault (10%) — temperature sensor misreading.
Why this is dangerous:
- Frozen water expands, cracking pump housings.
- Ice in valves prevents filling.
- Frozen drain lines prevent draining.
- Rubber hoses become brittle and crack.
FF is most common in:
- Unheated garages.
- Basements in winter.
- Laundry rooms near exterior walls.
- Newly moved machines in cold transport.
Common causes:
1. Unheated installation area (40%) — garage, shed, porch.
2. Frozen inlet/drain lines (25%) — pipes froze.
3. Very cold inlet water (15%) — well water in winter.
4. Machine moved in cold weather (10%) — internal water froze.
5. Sensor fault (10%) — temperature sensor misreading.
What You're Probably Seeing Right Now
- FF in winter — machine in unheated area.
- Machine just arrived via cold delivery.
- Water won't enter — inlet lines frozen.
- Water won't drain — drain line frozen.
DIY Fix — From Easiest to Hardest
1
Warm Up the Area (Primary Fix — 80%)
1. Use a space heater to warm the room to at least 60°F (15°C).
2. Wait 2-3 hours for machine to warm up.
3. DO NOT pour hot water on frozen parts — thermal shock cracks components.
4. Once warm: try a cycle.
2. Wait 2-3 hours for machine to warm up.
3. DO NOT pour hot water on frozen parts — thermal shock cracks components.
4. Once warm: try a cycle.
2
Thaw Water Lines (30 minutes)
1. Use a hair dryer on LOW heat.
2. Warm the inlet hoses and drain hose.
3. Feel for frozen sections.
4. Once thawed: let warm water run through.
5. Check for cracks after thawing.
2. Warm the inlet hoses and drain hose.
3. Feel for frozen sections.
4. Once thawed: let warm water run through.
5. Check for cracks after thawing.
3
Check for Damage (After Thawing)
Once everything is thawed:
1. Check ALL hoses for cracks or bulges.
2. Run a short cycle and watch for leaks.
3. Listen to the pump — any grinding?
4. Replace any damaged hoses ($10-30).
1. Check ALL hoses for cracks or bulges.
2. Run a short cycle and watch for leaks.
3. Listen to the pump — any grinding?
4. Replace any damaged hoses ($10-30).
4
Prevent Future Freezing
1. Insulate the room — keep above 40°F minimum.
2. Insulate exposed water lines.
3. Leave cabinet doors open to let heat reach pipes.
4. During extreme cold: let a faucet drip to prevent freezing.
5. If in an unheated area: winterize or relocate the washer.
2. Insulate exposed water lines.
3. Leave cabinet doors open to let heat reach pipes.
4. During extreme cold: let a faucet drip to prevent freezing.
5. If in an unheated area: winterize or relocate the washer.
5
Winterize Machine (If Storing in Cold)
If machine will be in freezing area:
1. Disconnect hoses.
2. Run Spin Only to expel all water.
3. Use the emergency drain hose to get remaining water.
4. Add 1 quart RV antifreeze to drum.
5. Run a brief spin to distribute.
6. Disconnect power.
1. Disconnect hoses.
2. Run Spin Only to expel all water.
3. Use the emergency drain hose to get remaining water.
4. Add 1 quart RV antifreeze to drum.
5. Run a brief spin to distribute.
6. Disconnect power.
When to Call a Pro
- •Frozen pump cracked — replacement: $100-$250.
- •Frozen valve damaged — $80-$200.
- •Burst internal hose — $80-$250.
- •Electrical damage from condensation — $150-$400.
What It'll Cost You
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Frequently Asked Questions: Error FF
What does error code FF mean on a LG washing machine?
Water in hoses or pump is frozen.
What usually causes the LG FF error?
The primary cause is: Machine exposed to sub-zero temperatures.. It may also be caused by temporary sensor misreadings or wiring connection issues.
How do I reset and clear error FF?
Thaw hoses with warm towels. Ensure installation area is above freezing. If the error persists, unplug the washer from electrical power for 10 minutes to perform a complete logic board reset.
Is it safe to continue using the machine with error FF?
This code has a Hard severity level. While the machine might run, resolving the issue early prevents long-term wear on internal parts.