Englewood Cliffs, N.J. - LG Electronics USA today introduced a self-diagnosis tool for clothes washers and dryers that allows customer service reps to troubleshoot mechanical issues over the phone.

With the new technology, dubbed SmartDiagnosis, consumers can be instructed to press select buttons on the laundry unit to trigger a series of diagnostic tones. Each tone corresponds with a specific potential maintenance need that can be identified by service technicians over the phone.

LG said the tool can help service staffers quickly and efficiently troubleshoot mechanical issues over the phone, limiting costly, inconvenient service calls and in-home visits. In those instances where a service visit is required, the field technician can come prepared with the correct parts, enabling the repair to be resolved in one visit, the company said.

In a statement, Peter Reiner, LG's senior marketing VP said, "SmartDiagnosis technology is another example of LG's commitment to offering smart appliance innovations that deliver new levels of interactivity, convenience and reliability, ultimately offering consumers something better."

SmartDiagnosis is now available on models WM3875 and WM3885, LG's newest front-load steam washers with six-motion technology, and the WT5101 and WT500, the company's first top-load Wave series washers, along with their companion dryers.

Both washer series feature LG's direct drive motor which has fewer moving parts than conventional motors and a 10-year warranty. The direct drive motor enables innovations such as six-motion technology, which allows the washer drum to tailor each laundry load with a combination of motions including rolling, stepping, swinging, scrubbing, filtration and tumbling.

The service is also available on select Sears Kenmore laundry models.