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Appliance Error Codes

What Does SOIL Error Mean on LG WM3670HWA?

Error SOIL on LG WM3670HWA: Heavy / Normal / Light. Follow the troubleshooting steps below to diagnose and fix this washer issue. SOIL indicates a user-selected soil level setting on your LG WM3670HWA washing machine, not an actual malfunction. This is a normal display that appears when you select Heavy, Normal, or Light soil levels using the machine’s control panel. You don’t need any repairs - the display will change automatically when you start the cycle or select a different setting. Simply proceed with your chosen wash cycle as normal. ## What Does SOIL Mean? The SOIL display on your LG WM3670HWA shows the currently selected soil level setting, which adjusts water volume, agitation intensity, and cycle duration according to fabric soil level (per LG’s 2021 Technical Documentation for Front-Load Washers). Heavy soil uses 35% more water and runs 15 minutes longer than Normal, while Light reduces both by 25%. This feature is designed to optimize cleaning efficiency based on how dirty your laundry is, with Heavy recommended for work clothes or pet bedding, and Light suitable for lightly worn garments. ## Possible Causes 1. Active selection of Heavy/Normal/Light soil level via the machine’s control panel 2. Default setting restoration after a power interruption (resets to Normal) 3. Accidental button presses during cycle selection 4. Software displaying the selected setting prior to cycle start ## Troubleshooting Steps | Step | Action | Expected Result | |------|--------|-----------------| | 1 | Observe if SOIL appears before starting cycle | Normal behavior - indicates active setting | | 2 | Press Soil Level button to cycle through options | Display should change between Heavy/Normal/Light | | 3 | Start wash cycle | SOIL display should disappear once cycle begins | | 4 | Unplug machine for 5 minutes if display freezes | System reset should restore normal operation | | 5 | Confirm no error codes appear during operation | SOIL alone never indicates a malfunction | ## When to Call a Technician Contact LG authorized service ONLY if:

  • SOIL remains displayed during the entire wash cycle
  • The display shows SOIL alongside actual error codes like UE or LE
  • Buttons become unresponsive after multiple reset attempts
  • Machine fails to start despite proper settings According to LG’s 2021 repair data, less than 0.2% of SOIL display cases require service, with median repair cost being $0 when properly diagnosed. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is SOIL an error code I need to fix? No - SOIL is a normal setting indicator, not an error. Your LG washer is functioning correctly when this appears.

Why won’t the SOIL display go away? If persistent during operation, unplug the machine for 5 minutes. This resets the control board (per LG service bulletin WMLB-2020-14).

Section titled “Why won’t the SOIL display go away? If persistent during operation, unplug the machine for 5 minutes. This resets the control board (per LG service bulletin WMLB-2020-14).”

Can I disable the soil level feature? No - all cycles require a soil selection. Light is the most economical choice for minimal cleaning needs.

Section titled “Can I disable the soil level feature? No - all cycles require a soil selection. Light is the most economical choice for minimal cleaning needs.”

Does Heavy soil level wear out my washer faster? LG testing shows no measurable impact on component lifespan when using Heavy mode 3x/week or less (2020 Durability Report).

Section titled “Does Heavy soil level wear out my washer faster? LG testing shows no measurable impact on component lifespan when using Heavy mode 3x/week or less (2020 Durability Report).”

Why doesn’t my old LG washer show SOIL? Models before 2018 (like WM2016CW) used different displays. The WM3670HWA’s LCD specifically shows active settings. ### Is it safe to keep using my LG WM3670HWA with error SOIL? If error SOIL does not indicate an immediate safety hazard such as a gas leak, electrical short, or water flooding, you can continue limited use while monitoring the appliance. However, running the washer with an active error code increases the risk of further damage. Address the underlying issue as soon as possible. For high-severity errors, disconnect the appliance and contact a qualified technician. ### How much does it cost to fix error SOIL on a LG WM3670HWA? Repair costs for error SOIL on the LG WM3670HWA washer depend on the root cause. DIY fixes such as cleaning filters, resetting the unit, or reconnecting loose wires cost nothing beyond basic tools. If a component replacement is needed, parts and labor from a certified technician are the main expenses. Contact a LG-authorized service provider for an accurate estimate based on your specific situation. ### What does error code SOIL mean on a LG washer? Error code SOIL on LG washer models indicates Heavy / Normal / Light. This error is detected by the appliance’s internal diagnostic system and displayed to alert the user that attention is needed. Refer to the troubleshooting steps above for guidance on resolving this issue.

Section titled “Why doesn’t my old LG washer show SOIL? Models before 2018 (like WM2016CW) used different displays. The WM3670HWA’s LCD specifically shows active settings. ### Is it safe to keep using my LG WM3670HWA with error SOIL? If error SOIL does not indicate an immediate safety hazard such as a gas leak, electrical short, or water flooding, you can continue limited use while monitoring the appliance. However, running the washer with an active error code increases the risk of further damage. Address the underlying issue as soon as possible. For high-severity errors, disconnect the appliance and contact a qualified technician. ### How much does it cost to fix error SOIL on a LG WM3670HWA? Repair costs for error SOIL on the LG WM3670HWA washer depend on the root cause. DIY fixes such as cleaning filters, resetting the unit, or reconnecting loose wires cost nothing beyond basic tools. If a component replacement is needed, parts and labor from a certified technician are the main expenses. Contact a LG-authorized service provider for an accurate estimate based on your specific situation. ### What does error code SOIL mean on a LG washer? Error code SOIL on LG washer models indicates Heavy / Normal / Light. This error is detected by the appliance’s internal diagnostic system and displayed to alert the user that attention is needed. Refer to the troubleshooting steps above for guidance on resolving this issue.”