Some LG top-load washers add a small amount of water, rotate the basket, and pause before the main fill so they can perform Second Weight Detection. LG describes this as normal wet-load sensing. The short movement can look like spinning, draining, or washing with too little water even though the control is still measuring the load.
What the washer is measuring
The first measurement estimates dry load weight. Under certain course and water-level conditions, the washer then wets the fabric and measures again. Wet fabric behaves differently, so the second reading helps the control select a suitable water level and motion pattern.
On some AI DD models, fabric detection can also operate early in the Standard course. LG says a small fill and quick tub movements may continue for several minutes before water rises to the selected level.
Normal sequence versus a stalled fill
| Observation | Likely interpretation |
|---|---|
| Small fill, brief left/right rotation, then main fill | Documented sensing sequence on supported models |
| Water sound and gurgle while the basket moves | Can occur while wetting the load |
| No additional water after sensing, valves open, code appears | Investigate the displayed fill code or supply symptom |
| Water continuously leaves as it enters | Check drain-hose installation rather than assuming sensing |
Give the sensing phase a clean test
- Use a normal, loosely distributed load rather than one heavy item.
- Select the intended course and avoid changing the water level after Start.
- Watch for the transition from sensing to a sustained fill.
- Record the elapsed time and any code if the transition never occurs.
Do not pour extra water into the basket. Added water changes the condition the washer is trying to measure and can create a false impression that the sensor was repaired.
When to troubleshoot instead of wait
Move to fill troubleshooting when the washer remains in the same state beyond the behavior described in the model manual, repeatedly restarts sensing, or never reaches the selected water level. Shut off the supply if water appears outside the machine. Internal load, water-level, and control sensors require qualified diagnosis; do not test them with the cabinet open or power applied.
Do not interrupt a normal sensing sequence too early
A small initial amount of water can wet the load so the control can evaluate it again. Brief turns, pauses, and sounds that resemble draining may be part of that sequence on the supported LG designs. Opening the lid or repeatedly canceling the cycle prevents a clean observation of what the washer would do next.
Compare the behavior with the same moderate load and cycle before changing several variables. A true fill problem is more likely when the supply is absent, an inlet code appears, or the washer never progresses beyond sensing. A true drain problem is more likely when water remains and the display reports a drain condition.
Related Guides
- LG Washer Error Codes — Check an exact LG display if sensing does not transition to filling.
- Washer Stuck on Sensing — Use this when the normal brief sensing phase does not end.
- Washer Not Filling With Water — Continue here if the main fill never begins.