user77458: Here's my code:
#include <LiquidCrystal.h>
int rs = 11;
int rw = 10;
int en = 9;
int d0 = 1;
int d1 = 2;
int d2 = 3;
int d3 = 4;
int d4 = 5;
int d5 = 6;
int d6 = 7;
int d7 = 8;
LiquidCrystal lcd(rs, rw, en, d0, d1, d2, d3, d4, d5, d6, d7);

void setup() {
  // put your setup code here, to run once:
  lcd.begin(16, 2);
  Serial.begin(4800);
  lcd.setCursor(0,0);
  lcd.print("Loading...");
  delay(3000);
  lcd.setCursor(1,1);
  lcd.print("waht");
}

void loop() {

}

And here's the output:

Also note the first line of text starts in the second column. I've tried with a different LCD and the same issue occurs. It seems to go one character further in ascii (ex: the '.'s become '/') if that's any clue to what's going on. In a separate program (exact same setup) I can print "Hello World" on the first line no problem. Anyone know why it's doing this and how to fix it? Thanks

user52062: Your Least Significant Bit is always 1 (Check the ASCII table to see this).
You might have a problem with your wiring, double check the pin you use and that the continuity is good.
Also, as KIIV said in comment, depending on the board you use, you might have a conflict with the serial port (Which pull the line high when not transmitting, explaining the result you get). Try moving pin 1 to another one.

77458: <p>Here's my code:</p>
<pre><code>#include &lt;LiquidCrystal.h&gt;
int rs = 11;
int rw = 10;
int en = 9;
int d0 = 1;
int d1 = 2;
int d2 = 3;
int d3 = 4;
int d4 = 5;
int d5 = 6;
int d6 = 7;
int d7 = 8;
LiquidCrystal lcd(rs, rw, en, d0, d1, d2, d3, d4, d5, d6, d7);

void setup() {
  // put your setup code here, to run once:
  lcd.begin(16, 2);
  Serial.begin(4800);
  lcd.setCursor(0,0);
  lcd.print(&quot;Loading...&quot;);
  delay(3000);
  lcd.setCursor(1,1);
  lcd.print(&quot;waht&quot;);
}

void loop() {

}
</code></pre>
<p>And here's the output:
<a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/CupPK.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/CupPK.jpg" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>Also note the first line of text starts in the second column. I've tried with a different LCD and the same issue occurs. It seems to go one character further in ascii (ex: the '<strong>.</strong>'s become '<strong>/</strong>') if that's any clue to what's going on. In a separate program (exact same setup) I can print &quot;Hello World&quot; on the first line no problem. Anyone know why it's doing this and how to fix it? Thanks</p>
 52062: <p>Your Least Significant Bit is always 1 (Check the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASCII" rel="nofollow noreferrer">ASCII table</a> to see this).
You might have a problem with your wiring, double check the pin you use and that the continuity is good.</p>
<p>Also, as <a href="https://arduino.stackexchange.com/users/23841/kiiv">KIIV</a> said in comment, depending on the board you use, you might have a conflict with the serial port (Which pull the line high when not transmitting, explaining the result you get). Try moving pin 1 to another one.</p>
