LG Washer FF Error — Freeze Failure Fix

What it means

LG washer FF error means LG's 'Freeze failure' detection — the temperature inside the washer has dropped below 1°C and water in the hoses, pump, or detergent drawer may have frozen.
Common in unheated garages, outbuildings, or houses left empty in winter.
The washer protects itself by refusing to run until thawed.

Affected Models

LG Front Load Washer
LG Top Load Washer
LG WashTower (combined washer + dryer)
LG TurboWash Washer
LG TwinWash Washer

Common Causes

Washer in unheated garage / outbuilding during winter
House heating off for an extended period
Cold draught onto the washer from a nearby vent
Outdoor wall behind the washer cold-conducting
Drainage pipe freezing externally

How to Fix It

Check the room temperature.

Look at a thermometer near the washer (or estimate by feel).
If it's below 1°C — clearly cold — the washer has correctly detected freezing.
Warm the room before continuing.
Warm the washer.

Bring the room temperature up to at least 15°C with central heating, a portable heater, or by leaving the door open to warmer rooms.
Allow several hours for the washer's internal water (in pump, hoses, detergent drawer) to thaw fully — do not pour hot water on the washer.
Check exposed hoses and pipes.

Inspect the inlet hoses and the drain hose at the back of the washer for visible ice.
If a hose feels solid and cold, it's frozen — warm it gently with a hairdryer on low (don't use direct boiling water; sudden temperature change can crack hoses).
Restart once warm.

Once the room and washer are well above freezing, plug the washer in and try a short cycle.
FF should clear and normal operation resume.
For long-term protection, consider moving the washer indoors or insulating the area.

When to Call a Professional

FF is a protective code, not a fault.
The washer just needs to warm up to above freezing.
If FF appears in a normally-warm room, the temperature sensor may have failed — call a technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent LG FF error in winter?

Keep the washer in a room that doesn't drop below freezing.
If the washer must be in a cold area, drain it down before extended cold spells (close inlet taps, run a Drain & Spin to empty the pump).
Pipe lagging on the inlet hoses helps protect against freezing.
For garages and outbuildings, a frost-protection thermostat that turns on a small heater when the temperature drops to 5°C is a cheap insurance.
Most FF cases happen after a multi-day cold snap when the washer hasn't been used and water has had time to freeze in the pump.