can't turn on an LG top loading washer

[jamie_]

my sister just bought a house that came with a top loading washer (LG 5.5 CU). it was fine when we checked before we bought the house.
But after she move in, it's hard to even turn it on. I've done some research and did some fixes, but no dice.
I've tried putting aluminum foil over the black piezoelectric pad on the power button and also wedging some foil behind the power button touch point on the front panel, but nothing worked.

my idea right now is just to punch a hole in the front panel so that I can manually hit the button with a pencil. what do you think, guys. Is it a good idea, or even worse, a safety hazard?
My sister said she would just buy the new one, but I think this washer just needs a little adjustment

 

[danny_boy]

The issue is likely the capacitive touch sensor itself failing, not just poor contact and these can be replaced, order a new control board or just the touchpad assembly, you'll see it's a straightforward swap and way better than drilling holes

 

[Alan]

@jamie_ definitely don’t punch a hole. That’s a big safety hazard and could fry the electronics or cause a shock. The touch panel or control board is usually the culprit in these LG top loaders. Replacing the touchpad assembly is straightforward and much safer. Do you want a quick guide on how to swap it out?