dO
LG Washing Machine
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
The dO error on an LG washer means the door was opened while the machine was running a cycle. This is a safety feature — the washer stops and shows dO to prevent water from spilling out and to protect you from the moving drum. In most cases, simply closing the door firmly will clear the error and allow the cycle to resume.
Affected Models
- WM3900HWA
- WM4500HBA
- WM3500CW
- WM2250CW
- Most LG front-load and top-load washers
Common Causes
- The door was physically opened mid-cycle
- Door latch not fully engaged when the cycle was started, causing it to pop open
- Child or pet accidentally opened the door during the wash
- Faulty door latch sensor reporting door open when it is actually closed
- Vibration during spin loosening the door latch on a worn mechanism
How to Fix It
-
Check whether the door was actually opened. If someone opened it mid-cycle — even briefly — the washer will show dO and pause. Close the door firmly until you hear a clear click.
On LG front-loaders, the door locks within the first few minutes of the cycle. If the door was opened after that, the washer will show dO and wait for you to close it.
-
Press the door closed firmly. You should feel it click into the latch. Then press the Start/Pause button to resume the cycle. The machine will typically continue from where it stopped.
If there is water in the drum and you opened the door, some water may have come out. Wipe up any spills before resuming.
-
Check that nothing is caught in the door — laundry items, drawstrings, or fabric that partially sticks out of the door can prevent full closure and cause the door to pop open during a cycle.
Always check the drum load before starting. Items caught in the door can also damage the door seal over time.
-
If the dO error appears when the door is definitely closed, the door latch switch may be faulty. The switch sends the 'door closed' signal to the control board. When it fails, the board thinks the door is open even when it is not.
A faulty switch is confirmed when the washer shows dO consistently with the door properly shut.
-
If the latch switch is confirmed faulty, replace the door latch assembly. On most LG front-loaders, the latch is accessible after removing the door seal and front panel — a job for confident DIYers or a technician.
Parts cost $40–$100 depending on your model. Always order parts using your specific model number.
When to Call a Professional
dO is usually not a repair issue — it just means the door was opened. If the code appears when the door is fully closed and no one opened it, the door latch or its sensor is faulty. Latch replacement costs $80–$180 at a repair shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add clothes after getting the dO error?
Yes, on most LG washers. If you opened the door intentionally to add a forgotten item, you can add it, close the door, and resume the cycle. However, this only works in the first few minutes of the cycle before the water level gets too high. After that, the door stays locked for safety.
Why does my LG washer show dO when I haven't touched the door?
If the door latch switch is faulty, it can send a false 'door open' signal to the control board. Vibration during high-speed spin can also cause a worn latch to momentarily lose contact. If this happens repeatedly without anyone touching the door, the latch assembly should be inspected and replaced.
My LG washer door is stuck closed after dO — how do I open it?
If the cycle was interrupted mid-wash with water in the drum, the door lock may stay engaged. Wait a few minutes — the lock will often release on its own once the control board registers that the machine is stopped. If it stays locked, use the manual door release cord inside the filter access panel at the bottom front of the machine.