How to Fix a Washer That Won’t Spin (in 9 Steps)
- Step 1 – Check the lid switch. The best place to start is to check the lid switch. If the lid switch is faulty, your washer won’t be able to spin as ...
- Step 2 – Check that the drive belt is working.
- Step 3 – Check the motor coupling.
- Step 4 – Check the door latch is working.
- Step 5 – Inspect the motor control board.
Full Answer
How to fix a washing machine that does not spin?
- Unplug the washing machine and locate the lid switch.
- Remove the lid switch (you may need to open the washing machine cabinet to access the full switch).
- Set your multimeter to Rx1 and touch both probes to the switch terminals. You should get a reading of zero, which indicates continuity. ...
Why is my washer not spinning all the water out?
| What You Need to Know
- Check Your Machine’s Power Supply. Perhaps one of the easiest answers to the question, “Why is my washer not draining or spinning?” is in its power source.
- Reset Your Machine. If your machine has this function, try performing a master reset on it. ...
- Check the Machine’s Position on the Floor. ...
- Rebalance the Washer’s Load. ...
- Inspect the Lid Switch. ...
Why is my washing machine not spinning?
You can find out if the pump is the problem by:
- Unplug the washing machine. ...
- Identify the pump and see if it turns freely when you loosen the tension from the pump belt that is wrapped around it.
- If the pump belt is worn or broken, that is likely the extent of the problem. ...
- If the pump does not turn freely or will not turn at all, you will need to have the pump removed and replaced.
How to fix a washer that will not agitate?
Washer Will Not Spin and/or Agitate
- Too Large of Loads. A washing machine will become unbalanced if there are too many clothes being washed in the same load.
- Switches and Settings. The lid switch is located inside the cabinet near the door frame, and it's designed as a safety precaution to keep hands from entering a spinning washer ...
- Drain Pump. ...
- Belts. ...
- Motor. ...
How do you fix a washer that isn't spinning?
Redistribute an off-balanced load of laundry. ... Level an off-kilter washer. ... Check the power source. ... Stop using an extension cord. ... Inspect the spin switch. ... Stick to high efficiency detergent with a front-load washer. ... Undo any kink in the hose. ... Track down a blockage in the drainage system.More items...•
Why is my washer filling but not spinning?
If your washer fills with water but doesn't agitate, the problem is likely to be a faulty lid switch, a broken belt, or a problem with the motor. (Note: Direct-drive washing machines do not have belts.)
The washing machine is too full
When your washing machine is overstuffed, it may fill but not spin. Some washer models have automatic detectors to tell you if you've overfilled your washing machine, but many don't. The machine generally won't recognize the issue until the washer has filled with water.
The load isn't balanced properly
If you're trying to wash only a couple of heavy items, your washing machine may not spin or may not spin effectively. This often occurs when you're washing things like a comforter or shoes. Open the machine and shift the items around to balance the washing machine load, and your washer can spin more effectively.
The washer isn't balanced correctly
You'll probably know if your washing machine isn't balanced, because it will make a lot of noise and vibration as it goes through its spin cycle. An uneven surface can cause issues for all sorts of washers, since it allows the machine to rock and move while agitating.
The lid switch isn't working properly
The lid switch determines whether the lid is closed properly and, as a safety feature, is designed to keep your washer from spinning if not. While on most models the washer won't spin at all if the lid switch isn't working, some models will allow the washer to fill but not spin.
The drainage is poor
Normally, your washing machine won't go into a spin cycle until it's been drained. The drainage hose may become clogged with debris from your clothing, or it could be kinked. If the hose is kinked or crushed, it will likely need to be replaced. If it's clogged, you can take a few steps to clean it:
The motor is burnt out
Your washing machine drive motor may have burnt out, preventing the spin cycle from functioning properly. If the drive motor isn't working, your washing machine may have issues mid-cycle when it tries to spin, even though the machine fills and agitates without trouble.
Issues with the drive belt
If the washer drive belt is broken or falls off of its wheel, the washer may still be able to agitate and make noise, but the drum won't spin around. To check the drive belt, first unplug your washing machine. Then, remove the back of the washer to see if the belt is still on the pulley system.
Why is my washing machine spinning?
An unbalanced load of laundry is one of the most common causes of an inadequate spin cycle. Sometimes clothing can settle on one side of the drum, throwing off the motion of the washing machine. (This happens most often when washing large and heavy items like comforters or heavy coats.) Moreover, some newer machines won’t reach high speeds with off-balanced loads, which leaves clothes dripping wet. If you suspect a distribution problem, try rearranging your clumped-up wet laundry and running the spin cycle again.
How to test a spin cycle on a washer?
Test the theory by opening the lid, selecting the spin cycle on your washer, and then manually depressing the switch with a finger. If the machine starts spinning normally, simply re-bend the protrusion so it triggers the spin switch properly.
Why does my washer agitate?
A broken drive belt, or one that has slipped off the pulley wheel, can cause the washer to agitate during the wash cycle and yet—despite the noise of the motor running—the drum remain still during the spin cycle. To determine if this is the case, remove the back of the washer and visually check to see if the belt is still on the pulley. If not, you may need to replace the drive belt. Be sure to purchase one that’s made specifically for your brand and model of washer.
What does a small protrusion on the underside of the washer do?
In a top-loading washer, a small protrusion on the underside of the lid depresses a switch when you close the lid, serving as a safety precaution to detect when the lid is closed. If the protrusion has bent out of shape, it may not trigger the switch as intended.
Where is the drain pump on a washer?
In some washers, the drain pump (typically located in the back of the washer, near the floor) can be accessed without removing the back of the washer, and other models require you to detach the washer back. Consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.
Can you move a washing machine closer to an outlet?
Plus, relying on an extension cord will shorten the useful life of the washer. If you can’t move the washing machine closer to an outlet, have a new outlet wired within a reasonable distance. Advertisement.
Can you plug an extension cord into a washer?
Stop using an extension cord. The heavy-duty power cord to your washer should be plugged directly into an outlet—not into an extension cord. Many extension cords can’t conduct enough electricity to power the washer’s motor, which can subsequently overheat and shut itself off.
1. Level Up the Washer
You need to know that the washer tub is usually suspended inside the drum in order for it to spin freely. Why is this a problem though?
2. Balance the Load
Washing a single or just 2 pieces of laundry causes an imbalance inside the drum which stresses the drum support system as well as other parts. This causes the washer to either spin slowly or not spin at all.
3. Reset the Motor
This will not work on all washing machines but it will do on others ( top-loading washers with a direct-drive system, which does not need a transmission system to spin). Resetting a washer motor will not even take you a minute to complete.
4. Check the Lid Switch
If your top-loading washer is not spinning, you could be dealing with a faulty lid switch. A washing machine with a broken or stuck lid switch will not spin or even drain.
6. Replace Worn Out Motor Carbon Brushes
If your washer is not spinning but you can hear the motor kick in amid a cranking noise then the motor carbon brushes are worn out and will need to be replaced. To do this, you will need to first remove the washer’s back panel to access and remove the motor.
7. Realign or Replace the Drive Belt
A washing machine drive belt is responsible for transferring motion from the motor to the drum. The belt is hooked on the motor as well as drum pulley.
8. Inspect the Motor Coupler
A motor coupler is a small plastic and rubber piece that connects the motor and the washer transmission. If it is broken, you will hear an unusual noise when you start the washer.
Step 1 – Check The Lid Switch
- The best place to start is to check the lid switch. If the lid switch is faulty, your washer won’t be able to spin as the control board will think that the door isn’t securely closed. Checking the lid switch can be done by: 1. Switch the power off to your washer or turn the circuit breaker off. 2. Find the lid switch (if required, check your user m...
Step 2 – Check That The Drive Belt Is Working
- The next step is to check the drive belt. The drive belt helps the washer to spin, so if it becomes broken or faulty, your washer won’t be able to operate correctly during a wash cycle. To check the drive belt, you need to: 1. Switch the power off to your washer or turn the circuit breaker off. 2. Remove the side panels from the washer so you can access the internal components (if you’re n…
Step 3 – Check The Motor Coupling
- The motor coupling connects the motor to the transmission, so if it becomes defective, your washer might not be able to spin. To check that the motor coupling is okay, you need to: 1. Switch the power off to your washer or turn the circuit breaker off. 2. If you haven’t already, remove the side panels from the washer so you can access the internal components. 3. Locate the motor co…
Step 4 – Check The Door Latch Is Working
- The next step is to locate the door latch in your washer and then check if it is working correctly. The purpose of the door latch is to ensure the door stays closed during a wash cycle. If it stops working, your washer will turn off and not spin. Depending on the specific make and model of your washer, you’ll either have a mechanical or electronic door latch (check your user manual to find …
Step 5 – Inspect The Motor Control Board
- The next step is to check the motor control board. This component is important because it ensures power is sent to the motor when required to spin the washer. Checking the motor control board requires you to: 1. Switch the power off to your washer or turn the circuit breaker off. 2. If you haven’t already, remove the side panels from the washer so you can access the internal com…
Step 6 – Inspect The Clutch
- The clutch connects the transmission and the inner tub and ensures the washer drum can spin at the right speed. Sometimes, the clutch can wear out, which will stop your washer from being able to spin. To inspect the clutch to make sure it is working, you need to: 1. Start by turning the power back on to your washer if it is turned off. 2. Turn the washer onto a cycle and check if you can se…
Step 7 – Inspect The Rotor
- The rotor is another component that helps the drum to spin around. The rotor has several magnets on it that, when damaged, will prevent the drum from being able to spin correctly or at all. Here’s how to inspect the rotor: 1. Switch the power off to your washer or turn the circuit breaker off. 2. If you haven’t already, remove the side panels from the washer so you can acces…
Step 8 – Check The Stator
- The stator is another component that helps the drum spin. To rule it out as the cause of the problem, you need to check that the windings on it are not damaged. Here’s how to inspect the stator: 1. Switch the power off to your washer or turn the circuit breaker off. 2. If you haven’t already, remove the side panels from the washer so you can access the internal components. 3. …
Step 9 – Check That The Drive Motor Is Working
- The final step is to check the drive motor. When the drive motor becomes faulty it won’t be able to power the drum to spin around. To check the drive motor, you will need to: 1. Switch the power off to your washer or turn the circuit breaker off. 2. If you haven’t already, remove the side panels from the washer so you can access the internal components. 3. Locate the drive motor and chec…