I've been checking this forum for answers as to why the fabric softener does not dispense during a wash. The answers are all suggesting that it's because of the gunk build-up from the detergent and softener. I have this same problem, but it has happened from day 1. I've only had the machine for 2 weeks and I've tried various cycles, none dispense the softener. What other trouble-shooting options are there? I have cleaned the unused softener out and the tray is clean. Should I contact LG and get them to fix it?

Hi,

Please check that you added the softener to the correct compartment of your washer. Also, please read or re-read the instructions for adding the fabric softener. Once you've done those 2 things, please run a test wash with clothes that you would not particular care about potentially staining. Thank you.

Hello - There are several things that could cause the fabric softener to not dispense into the washer. Are you sure the liquid in the dispenser after the wash is fabric softener? If it is fabric softener, the solenoid that lets the water into the dispenser is not working. This solenoid is located on the back of the dispenser. It only gets voltage during the dispense time and fills the fabric softener dispenser with water. The fabric softener dispenser fills while the washer is filling for the rinse cycle.

When the washer begins to fill for the rinse cycle, the fabric softener solenoid is energized and water flows into the fabric softener dispenser cup. When the cup is full the water siphons out and softener and water flow into the tub.

If the liquid in the fabric softener dispenser is pure softener you may need a technician to diagnose and repair the problem. The voltage will have to be tested to the softener solenoid and a volt meter is required.

If the liquid in the fabric softener dispenser is water you probably need to clean the dispenser cup. **** will build up in the siphon tube and stop the liquid from going into the washer tub. The incoming water will dilute the softener and overflow the dispenser cup and run into the tub. The instructions for cleaning the dispenser should be located on page 43 of the use and care guide that came with the washer.

If you don't have the use and care guide these instructions will help. Open the dispenser until it stops. In the left rear corner of the dispenser, there is a release that is labeled push. Press down on the push area and you can slide the dispenser drawer out.

Remove the insert from the bleach and fabric softener compartments. Clean the bottom of the insert and the bleach and fabric softener compartments. Reinstall the insert and put the drawer back inside the washer.

To test the siphon action slowly pour water into the fabric softener compartment. When the water level goes above the maximum line stop pouring. The water should all drain out.

Hope this information proves to be helpful however if it is ineffective please contact a professional to move forward accurately.

Check and see if there is a cup in the top of the agitator. Some machines have you put it there, turning back and forth during wash doesn't bother it, but the spin to empty the wash water causes the softener to go out through slots in the top of the cup and be held in the agitator. when it stops the softener drains into the tub, ready for the rinse cycle.

On this machine the compartment is built to hold your softener until it is time to be dispensed. So put in your softener (and bleach if you are using it) at the beginning of the load when you are adding your detergent. The washer will flush the fabric softener cup during the rinse fill to make sure it comes in at the right time for you.
Hope this answers your question!

You could have a clog in the housing underneath the dispenser where the water flows through a hose into the tub.
Pull the dispenser drawer completely out.
There is a tab that needs to be depressed to release the drawer and remove it.
Check the opening at the bottom of the housing just inside the dispenser housing opening to see if a small sock or garment is clogging this opening.
Reach down into this opening to see if an item is inside the hose.
This is the normal issue that will cause water to leak out of the dispenser housing.

Wash the dispenser drawer thoroughly with warm water. Make sure that you pull off the siphon covers and wash all siphon holes. This process is described in your owner's manual. Replace the dispenser drawer and try the washer again.

Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question

The control board program has many sensors built into the unit to determine when to dispense the bleach and the softener.  LG tech documents doesn't list when these liquids are dispensed so there must be a program that matches the current operation and loads of each wash program.  That's the best answer I can give you at this time.

What type of water hoses are hooked up to it? If you have the flood safe hoses with the check valve in them then there isn't enough water pressure to distribute the softener.

In applications with low water pressure, insufficient water
volume is introduced during the fabric softener dispensing
portion of the cycle to flush the dispenser.
RESOLUTION:
The holes in the dispenser housing were enlarged to allow
a greater volume of water to flow through the fabric
softener dispenser to properly dispense the fabric softener.
Order and replace the dispenser housing, Part
#8181719, to correct the condition

I'm sure you heard a small motor running from time to time during a cycle. That moves an "arm" which sends water to the different chambers during a cycle. Fabric softener is dispensed when water goes to that chamber and dilutes the fabric softener. That chamber then empties by a siphoning action.
If you want to narrow down the problem a little to help trouble shoot -- put some wet rags in and run the Rinse and Spin cycle with some fabric softener. If the softener is not dispensed, then you know that the water isn't being sent to that chamber properly.
If you are intrepid enough to take the top off your washer, do that and see if the arm appears to be moving during a normal cycle. Maybe the arm got dislodged or broken during the move.
If water isn't being diverted properly, I think this calls for a real repair person.

Remove the dispenser tray. Inspect the area just above the fabric softener portion of the dispenser. There should be a series of holes where water feeds into the tray during the rinse cycle. Sometimes these holes become clogged with fabric softener residue. If the holes are clogged, water will never dispense the fabric softener out and it will stay in the tray. If you take some cotton swabs and meticulously clean all the holes out, I bet your problem will go away. Let me know if this was helpful to you.