Repairing Guides

how to repair a washing machine that won t spin

by Glennie Senger Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Repair your machine's spin cycle with these quick tips–and learn when to call the pros.

  • Level an off-kilter washer. If positioned unevenly on its adjustable pedestal, your washer won’t spin properly. ...
  • Check the power source. While it may seem like a no-brainer, double-check that the washer is plugged in. ...
  • Inspect the spin switch. ...

Full Answer

What causes washing machine not to spin?

Why Is My Washing Machine Not Spinning

  • Drain pump blockage. One of the most common reasons why your washing machine has stopped spinning is when it can’t drain properly due to a blocked drain pump.
  • Imbalanced drum. When the load is too heavy for the machine, or sometimes if you are trying to wash one large item on its own, the appliance detects a risk.
  • Motor brushes worn out. ...

Why washer will not spin?

One of the most common causes of a failed spin cycle is an unbalanced laundry load. If your materials have clung to one side of the drum, this will cause the motion of the washer to be thrown off. This is especially common when you’re washing bulky items such as winter jackets or large blankets.

Why is my washer Not Spinning my clothes dry?

  • Delicate or handwash cycle selected
  • Extra Low, Low or No Spin option selected
  • Washing one bulky item
  • Excessive suds
  • Drain hose kinked or drain clogged
  • Drain hose more than 96” above the floor
  • Outlet voltage low

Why does my Hotpoint washing machine not spin?

  • Tech firms are buying up household appliances to harvest their microchips
  • The pivotal chips are experiencing a prolonged shortage worldwide
  • Hardest hit are car manufacturers who are seeing vehicles being unable to leave the factory for lack of the chips

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What is wrong with a washing machine when it won't spin?

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.

How do I fix the spin cycle on my washing machine?

0:543:23Washer Not Spinning - Motor Reset - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlease follow these three easy steps. 1 power down the unit by unplugging the washer from the outletMorePlease follow these three easy steps. 1 power down the unit by unplugging the washer from the outlet. To wait approximately one minute and plug the washer back into the outlet.

Why won't my washer spin?

Another common reason a washer won’t spin is a faulty drive motor. Most washing machines have what is called a reversing motor. It moves one direction to spin and the reverse direction to agitate. Often, the motor will stop working in just one direction, meaning the machine might still agitate even if it won’t spin.

What to do if your washing machine drum turns easily?

If the drum turns easily, it might be the drive belt. In that case, you should: Unplug the washing machine from the outlet. Then, you can open up the access panel (refer to your washer’s manual if you’re unsure where to find the access panel on your model).

What happens if a washer pump fails?

A failed pump will result in the water not being able to drain out of the tub.

How does a washer pump work?

The pump on your washer moves the water in the machine into the drain hose, which enables the tub to fill. Once the water reaches the loop or the bend in the drain hose due to the pump’s action, it moves out of the drain.

Why does my washing machine have a drive belt?

Your washing machine’s drive belt helps the motor power the spin of the drum by wrapping around the motor and a pulley wheel. If it slips off or breaks, the machine can still agitate during the wash cycle, but it won’t be able to spin.

What is a coupler on a washing machine?

The motor coupler on a washing machine is made of plastic and rubber, two materials that can wear out over time. This part is mounted to the direct-drive transmission and motor shaft of the washing machine.

Where is the lid switch on a washing machine?

Unplug the washing machine and locate the lid switch where the lid meets the cabinet of the machine.

Why won't my washing machine spin?

The machine generally won't recognize the issue until the washer has filled with water. If that's the case, unfortunately, your only solution is to remove some of the soggy clothes.

Why won't my washer spin?

If you're dealing with a top-loading washer not spinning, an impaired lid switch is one of the most common causes and should be one of the first things you check, especially if your issue is a top-loading washer that fills and agitates, but doesn't spin properly. You can find the lid switch underneath the lid, on the top of your machine. Check to see if it makes good contact, or if it's bent. You may be able to bend the switch back into shape, or you may need to have it replaced. There are many steps and it's pertinent that you use the correct replacement part, so we recommend reaching out to a washing machine repair professional for help.

How to check if washer belt is broken?

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. If the belt has slipped off, you may be able to put it back into place to resolve your issue. However, if the belt appears worn or broken, you'll need to purchase and install a new one.

How to know if your washing machine is balanced?

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. Some front-loading washers can even sense if they're not balanced properly, and won't spin as a safety precaution—so if you have a front-loading washer that won't spin, this is one of the first things you should check for. If you find that your washing machine isn't well-balanced, you can generally adjust the washer legs to fix it. Use a level to make sure it's done correctly.

Where is the hose located on a washer?

Then, pull the washer out from the wall to access the hose, typically located at the back.

Can you use a wire hanger to remove a hose?

Now, you can use a wire hanger to insert into the hose and remove whatever is potentially clogging it.

Can a washing machine go into a spin cycle?

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:

Why won't my washer spin?

A motor that doesn’t run at all, despite good connections to the power source and breaker, could prevent a washer from spinning. Some motors contain carbon brushes that wear out over time, and those can be replaced inexpensively. However, the problem could be more extensive than a worn carbon brush, and it’s impossible to know without removing the motor and testing it. Even with the washer unplugged, induction-type motors that contain capacitors can give you quite an electric shock, so motor testing and repairs are best left to the pros.

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 check if a washer coupler is broken?

To determine whether the motor coupler (a small rubber and plastic connector piece located between the washer’s motor and its transmission) has broken, conduct this simple test: Set the dial on your washer to a wash cycle and turn it on, allowing the drum to fill with water. When the water reaches the fill level, agitation should begin. If you hear the motor kick on but the center agitator does not move, your machine needs a new coupler. While a replacement is in the ballpark of a mere $20, this fix is only DIY-friendly for those who are skilled in small motor repair.

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.

Why does my washer leak?

Some washers feature electro-mechanical transmission shifters or clutches that, when worn out, can result in washing machine leaks. This issue also requires attention from a repairman.

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.

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