Solution One: Wet the clothes to make the machine see the load as larger than it is. It goes by weight. Solution Two: Set the cycle for "Bulky" or "Heavy Duty". Search "How to bypass a washing machine water level setting"
That's my only complaint about the "smart" washers. They may be smart, but I know what I want and I don't want some smart-aleck washer telling me otherwise. For instance, if I were to put in three bras, four pairs of undies, and a single sock in there, I'd get a full load of water. Five pairs of jeans, seven t-shirts, and two towels and I'd get half a load of water, leaving them to slosh around anemically, all in the name of "water economy". Hmmmmph!!! I have learned how to circumvent the system, but I'd rather have the choice on the dials.
Big rocks by the crick never complained or told any woman how many time she had to smack those pants on it to get scrubbed. To be serious, I’ve had to work on the mother board on our Epic Z (Maytag) a few times and not unlike brain surgery, sometimes it comes out a title less smart than I started out with but it still works. Just to add to @Steven Stanick’s idea, perhaps starting the load on a quick rinse to get the clothes wet and then wash them on a shorter cycle?
I used to have a smart washing machine years ago. Hated it--Long wash cycle with low amounts of water. I want my clothes to be washed, not baptized. I have a Heavy Duty Speed Queen washing machine that lets me control the amount of water I want to use. It's about 10 years old plus and still going strong.
I bought a Speed Queen washer about 10 years ago. It stops filling up about 5 inches from the top, but the dial is spring loaded & when I turn it to "reset" & hold it there, it will keep filling up until I release it. But, I have to do it again on "Rinse" because it will stop filling in the same place.
That should work but it would take more time. I don't know how my LG decides (as if it thinks) what level of water to disperse vs. the weight of the load. I am going to experiment with 16 t-shirts. I'll wash without doing anything watching the water level. The, if necessary I'll wet 25% of them then compare. Last I'll wet 50% and so on. Sad that we have to use our human brains in order to tolerate the "decisions" made for us by these "smart" appliances Next, companies will install verbal apps so the machines can tell us "DON'T MESS WITH ME!"
Last year I had to buy a new dryer so I bought the least expensive one that had the basic functions such as low, medium, high, air only and timed drying if I want to time something. It cools the clothes down before the drying cycle stops. The clothes look great when I take them out and hang them. I could easily have paid between 2-3 times as much for a 'smart' one but I'm happy with this one. I plan to go basic again if I outlive my washer. Sorry, the last thing in the world I want to hear is my appliances talking to me. You guys have fun though.
My washer uses correct amount of water for the loads.. I have checked. I wash small loads most of the time. What I do not like - is not being able to open the lid until the damn sensor kicks in. My dryer is a peach no softeners needed - except I do use the pet hair remover ones -once in a while on certain things.
I can't find an old Speed Queen but I am with you and never buy a smart anything anymore. Nothing with a mother board. They will end up controlling us and not for our convenience.