LG WM3988H series Instruction Manual

Before beginning installation, read these
instructions carefully. This will simplify installation
and ensure that the washer is installed correctly
and safely. Leave these instructions near the
washer after installation for future reference.
USER’S GUIDE &
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
P/NO. MFL31245118
Antes de comenzar la instalación, lea atentamente estas
instrucciones. Esto simplificará la instalación y asegurará
que la lavadora está instalada en forma correcta y segura.
Conserve estas instrucciones cerca de la lavadora luego
de la instalación para futuras consultas.
Model/Modelo
WM3988H**
Designed specially to use only
HE (High-Efficiency) detergent
Diseñada específicamente para
usar con el detergente tipo HE
(Alta eficiencia)
Front Loading
Steam Combo
GUÍA DEL USUARIO E
INSTRUCCIONES DE INSTALACIÓN
Lavadora a Vapor de
Carga Frontal
To contact LG Electronics, 24 hours a day,
7 days a week:
1-800-243-0000
Or visit us on the Web at: us.lge.com
Número telefónico de LG Electronics, las 24
horas del día, 7 días a la semana:
1-800-243-0000
O visítenos en la Web en: us.lge.com
Protocol P172
Sanitization Performance of Residential and
Commercial, Family Sized Clothes Washers
Protocolo P172
Ejecucion de Saneamiento en la zona
residencial y comercial, lavodoras del uso del hogar

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Congratulations on your purchase
and welcome to the LG family.
Your new LG Steam Washer™
combines the most advanced
washing technology with simple
operation and high efficiency.
By following the operating and care
instructions in this manual, your
washer will provide you with many
years of reliable service.
THANK YOU!
INTRODUCTION
wWARNING For your safety, the information in this manual must be
followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion, electric shock, or to prevent
property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.
Your Safety and the safety of others is very important.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read
and obey all safety messages.
This is the safety alert symbol.
This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.
All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word DANGER or WARNING.
These words mean:
wDANGER: You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t immediately follow instructions.
wWARNING: You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t follow instructions.
All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of
injury, and tell you what can happen if the instructions are not followed.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Choose the Proper Location .................................. 9
Clearances ............................................................. 9
Flooring ................................................................ 10
Installations With Optional Pedestal Base
or Stacking kit ...................................................... 10
Unpacking and Removing Shipping Bolts ........... 11
Connecting the Water Lines................................. 12
Connecting the Drain Line.................................... 13
Leveling the Washer............................................. 14
HOW TO USE
Sorting Wash Loads............................................. 15
Selecting Detergent.............................................. 16
About the Dispenser............................................. 16
Loading the Dispenser ......................................... 17
Control Panel Features......................................... 18
Cycle Guide.......................................................... 19
The LCD Display................................................... 20
Operating the Washer .......................................... 21
Steam Cycles ....................................................... 22
Cycle Setting Buttons .................................... 23–25
Cycle Option Buttons .................................... 25-26
Special Functions........................................... 26-27
PARTS AND FEATURES
Special Features..................................................... 7
Key Parts and Components ................................... 8
TROUBLESHOOTING
Normal Sounds You May Hear ............................. 31
Before Calling for Service............................... 31–33
CARE AND CLEANING
Regular Cleaning .................................................. 28
Cleaning the Washer ............................................ 29
Maintenance................................................... 29–30
WARRANTY................................................... 39
Product Registration Information ......................... 39
SPECIFICATIONS/OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Basic Safety Precautions .................................. 3–6
Key Dimensions and Specifications..................... 34
Optional Accessories ........................................... 34
Pedestal Installation ....................................... 35–36
Stacking Kit Installation.................................. 37–38
2
3
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE

wWARNING For your safety, the information in this manual must be
followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion, electric shock, or to prevent
property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE
•Refer to INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS for
detailed grounding procedures. Installation
instructions are packed in the washer for installer's
reference. If the washer is moved to a new location,
have it checked and reinstalled by a qualified service
person. Failure to follow this warning can cause
serious injury, fire, electrical shock, or death.
• Do not, under any circumstances cut or remove
the third (ground) prong from the power cord.
Failure to follow this warning can cause serious
injury, fire, electrical shock, or death.
• For personal safety, this appliance must be
properly grounded. Failure to follow this warning
can cause serious injury, fire, electrical shock,
or death.
• The power cord of this appliance is equipped
with a 3-prong (grounding) plug which mates
with a standard 3-prong (grounding) wall outlet to
minimize the possibillty of electric shock hazard from
this appliance.
• This washer must be plugged into a 120VAC, 60Hz
grounded outlet. Failure to follow this warning can
cause serious injury, fire, electrical shock, or death.
• Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by a
qualified electrician to make sure the outlet is
properly grounded. Failure to follow this warning
can cause serious injury, fire, electrical shock,
or death.
• Where a standard 2-prong wall outlet is
encountered, it is your personal responsibility
and obligation to have it replaced with a properly
grounded 3-prong wall outlet. Failure to follow
this warning can cause serious injury, fire, electrical
shock, or death.
• Do not install on carpet. Install washer on a solid
floor. Failure to follow this warning can cause serious
leak damage.
• Do not remove ground prong. Do not use an
adapter or extension cord. Plug into a grounded
3-prong outlet. Failure to follow these warnings can
cause serious injury, fire, electrical shock, or death.
• The washer should always be plugged into its
own individual electrical outlet which has a
voltage rating that matches the rating plate. This
provides the best performance and also prevents
overloading house wiring circuits which could cause
a fire hazard from overheated wires.
• Never unplug your washer by pulling on the
power cord. Always grip plug firmly and pull straight
out from the outlet. Failure to follow this warning can
cause serious injury, fire, electrical shock, or death.
• Repair or replace immediately all power cords
that have become frayed or otherwise damaged.
Do not use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion
damage along its length or at either end. Failure
to follow this warning can cause serious injury, fire,
electrical shock, or death.
• When installing or moving the washer, be careful
not to pinch, crush, or damage the power cord.
Failure to follow this warning can cause serious
injury, fire, electrical shock, or death.
• The washer must be installed and electrically
grounded by a qualified service person in
accordance with local codes to prevent shock
hazard and assure stability during operation.
• Washer is heavy. Two or more people may be
needed to install and move the appliance. Failure
to do so can result in back or other injury.
• Store and install the washer where it will not
be exposed to temperatures below freezing or
exposed to outdoor weather conditions. Failure to
follow this warning can cause serious leak damage.
• Do not install the washer in humid spaces to
reduce the risk of electric shock. Failure to follow
this warning can cause serious injury, fire, electrical
shock, or death.
wWARNING:To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons when using this
appliance, follow basic precautions, including the following.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLATION
wWARNING For your safety, the information in this manual must be
followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion, electric shock, or to prevent
property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSIMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Before use, the washer must be properly installed as
described in this manual.
• Do not wash articles that have been previously
cleaned in, washed in, soaked in, or spotted with
gasoline, dry cleaning solvents, or other flammable or
explosive substances, as they give off vapors that could
ignite or explode.
• Do not add gasoline, dry cleaning solvents, or other
flammable or explosive substances to the wash water.
These substances give off vapors that could ignite or
explode.
• Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be
produced in a hot water system that has not been used
for 2 weeks or more. HYDROGEN GAS IS EXPLOSIVE.
If the hot water system has not been used for such a
period, before using the washer, turn on all hot water
faucets and let the water flow from each for several
minutes. This will release any accumulated hydrogen
gas. As the gas is flammable, do not smoke or use an
open flame during this time.
• Do not allow children to play on or in the washer. Close
supervision of children is necessary when the washer is
used near children.
• Before the washer is removed from service or
discarded, remove the door to prevent children from
climbing inside.
• Do not install or store the washer where it will be
exposed to the weather or freezing temperatures.
• Do not tamper with controls.
• Do not repair or replace any part of the washer or
attempt any servicing other than as described in this
manual. We strongly recommend that any service be
performed by a qualified individual.
• See Installation Instructions for grounding
requirements.
• ALWAYS follow the fabric care instructions
supplied by the garment manufacturer.
• Do not place items exposed to cooking oil in your
washer. Items contaminated with cooking oils may
contribute to a chemical reaction that could cause a
load to catch fire.
• Use fabric softeners or products to eliminate static only
as recommended by the manufacturer.
• This washer is not designed for maritime use or for
mobile installations such as in RVs, aircraft, etc.
• Turn off the water taps and unplug the washer if the
machine is to be left for an extended period of time,
such as during vacations.
• Do not use to dry articles containing foam rubber or
similarly textured rubber-like materials.
• Packaging material can be dangerous for children.
There is a risk of suffocation! Keep all packaging from
children.
• Always check the inside of the washer for foreign
objects before loading laundry. Keep the door closed
when not in use.
wWARNING:To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons when using this
appliance, follow basic precautions, including the following.
BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
This appliance must be grounded. In the event of malfunction or breakdown, grounding will reduce
the risk of electric shock by providing a path of least resistance for electric current. This appliance is
equipped with a cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and grounding plug. The plug must
be plugged into an appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all
local codes and ordinances.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
wWARNING:Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in risk
of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician or serviceman if you are in doubt as to whether the
appliance is properly grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with the appliance. If it does not fit the
outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician. Failure to follow these warnings can cause
serious injury, fire, electrical shock, or death.
4
5

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE, CARE AND CLEANING, AND DISPOSAL
• Unplug the washer before cleaning to avoid the
risk of electric shock.
• Never use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners,
or solvents to clean the washer. They will
damage the finish.
• Do not put oily or greasy rags or clothing on
top of the washer. These substances give off
vapors that could ignite the materials.
• Do not wash items that are soiled with
vegetable or cooking oil. These items may
contain some oil after laundering. Due to the
remaining oil, the fabric may smoke or catch
fire by itself.
• Disconnect this appliance from the
power supply before attempting any user
maintenance. Turning the controls to the OFF
position does not disconnect this appliance
from the power supply. Failure to follow this
warning can cause serious injury, fire, electrical
shock, or death.
• Do not combine laundry products for use
in one load unless specified on the label.
• Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia
or acids such as vinegar. Follow package
directions when using laundry products.
Incorrect usage can produce poisonous gas,
resulting in serious injury or death.
• Do not reach into the washer while parts are
moving. Before loading, unloading, or adding
items, push in the cycle selector knob and
allow the drum to coast to a complete stop
before reaching inside. Failure to follow this
warning can cause serious injury, fire, electrical
shock, or death.
• Do not allow children to play on or in the
washer. Close supervision of children is
necessary when the washer is used near
children. As children grow, teach them the
proper, safe use of all appliances. Failure to
comply with these warnings could result in serious
personal injuries.
• Destroy the carton, plastic bag, and other
packing materials after the washer is
unpacked. Children might use them for play.
Cartons covered with rugs, bedspreads, or
plastic sheets can become airtight chambers.
Failure to comply with these warnings could result
in serious personal injuries.
• Keep laundry products out of children’s reach.
To prevent personal injury, observe all warnings
on product labels. Failure to comply with these
warnings could result in serious personal injuries.
• Remove the door to the washing compartment
to avoid the danger of children or small animals
getting trapped inside before your washer is
removed from service or discarded. Failure to do
so can result in serious personal injury or death.
PARTS AND FEATURES
3
2
1
6
4
5
SPECIAL FEATURES
7
3
1
2
6
4
5
7
DETERGENT DISPENSER DRAWER
This four-compartment drawer provides separate
dispensers for prewash and main wash detergent,
liquid bleach, and liquid fabric softener.
CONTROL PANEL LCD DISPLAY SCREEN
Simple electronic controls are user-friendly.
The LCD screen shows cycle options and cycle
information and displays status messages
during operation.
EASY-ACCESS LOCKING DOOR
Extra-large door locks during operation and
features a delay to prevent the door from being
opened until the washer interior has cooled and
the water level has lowered.
HIGH-EFFICIENCY STEAM CYCLES
During LG’s unique high-efficiency STEAM cycles,
the steam nozzle injects fabrics with hot steam to
gently remove tough stains.
ROLLERJETS
The RollerJet system enhances wash
performance while reducing fabric wear.
Integrated jets spray clothes to further improve
washing efficiency.
INTERIOR DRUM LIGHT
The drum light illuminates the washer interior for
greater visibility when loading and unloading.
The ultra long-life LED bulbs should never need
replacement.
DIRECT-DRIVE MOTOR
Direct-drive motor eliminates the belt and pulleys
found on most washers to provide improved
performance and reliability while increasing
energy efficiency.
wWARNING:To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons when using this
appliance, follow basic precautions, including the following.
6
7
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE
wWARNING For your safety, the information in this manual must be
followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion, electric shock, or to prevent
property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.

PARTS AND FEATURES INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
CHOOSE THE PROPER LOCATION
CLEARANCES
Allow at least 24 in. (61.2 cm) in front of the
washer to open the door.
293/4"
(75.6 cm)
4"
(10 cm)
51"
(129.5 cm)
211/4"
(54 cm)
To ensure sufficient clearance for water lines and
airflow, allow minimum clearances of at least
1 in. (2.5 cm) at the sides and 4 in. (10 cm)
behind the unit. Be sure to allow for wall, door,
or floor moldings that may increase the required
clearances.
• Do not remove ground prong. Do not use
an adapter or extension cord. Plug into a
grounded 3-prong outlet. Failure to follow this
warning can cause serious injury, fire, electrical
shock, or death.
Power Outlet
• The power outlet must be within 60 in. (1.5 m) of
either side of the washer.
• The appliance and outlet must be positioned so
that the plug is easily accessible.
• Do not overload the outlet with more than one
appliance.
• The outlet must be grounded in accordance with
current wiring codes and regulations.
• Time-delay fuse or circuit breaker is
recommended.
NOTE: It is the personal responsibility and
obligation of the product owner to have a
proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
HIGH
WASHING
HIGHHOT/
COLD
STEAMDOORLOCK
EST.TIME:
REMANING
5%
NORMAL
CHILDLOCKDELAYWASH
1:21
27"
(68.6 cm)
1"
(2.5 cm)
1"
(2.5 cm)
2
1
3
1
2
4
Hot and Cold
Water Inlets
Drain
Hose
Rear of Washer
4
KEY PARTS AND COMPONENTS
In addition to the special features and
components outlined in the Special Features
section, there are several other important
components that are referenced in this manual.
ULTRA-CAPACITY STAINLESS STEEL DRUM
The ultra-large stainless steel drum offers extreme
durability and is tilted to improve efficiency and
allow easier access for large items.
WATER CIRCULATION AND STEAM
NOZZLES
The water circulation nozzles spray the water/
detergent solution directly onto garments for
super cleaning performance. During LG’s unique
high-efficiency STEAM cycles, the steam nozzle
injects fabrics with hot steam to gently remove
tough stains.
LEVELING FEET
Four leveling feet (two in the front and two in
the back) adjust to improve washer stability on
uneven floors.
DRAIN ACCESS PANEL
Provides access to the drain line and drain
pump filter.
wWARNING
• Washer is heavy! Two or more people
are required when moving and unpacking
the washer. Failure to do so can result in back
or other injury.
• Store and install the washer where it will not
be exposed to temperatures below freezing
or exposed to outdoor weather conditions.
Failure to follow this warning can cause serious
injury, fire, electrical shock, or death.
• Properly ground washer to conform with all
governing codes and ordinances. Failure to
follow this warning can cause serious injury, fire,
electrical shock, or death.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not
install the washer in humid spaces. Failure to
follow this warning can cause serious injury, fire,
electrical shock, or death.
• The base opening must not be obstructed by
carpeting when the washer is installed on a
carpeted floor.
3
Included Accessories
Hot and Cold
Water Hoses
Wrench
(for removing
shipping bolts and
adjusting leveling feet)
Tie Strap
(for securing
drain hose)
Elbow Bracket
(for securing
drain hose)
Caps (4)
(for covering
shipping bolt holes)
8
9