Repairing Guides

how to repair washer not spinning

by Gerda Emard Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • 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. 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 ...
  • Replace or readjust the drive belt. A broken drive belt, or one that has slipped off the pulley wheel, can cause the washer to agitate during the wash cycle and ...

  1. Redistribute an off-balanced load of laundry. ...
  2. Level an off-kilter washer. ...
  3. Check the power source. ...
  4. Stop using an extension cord. ...
  5. Inspect the spin switch. ...
  6. Stick to high efficiency detergent with a front-load washer. ...
  7. Undo any kink in the hose. ...
  8. Track down a blockage in the drainage system.
Sep 23, 2020

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

  1. 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.
  2. Reset Your Machine. If your machine has this function, try performing a master reset on it. ...
  3. Check the Machine’s Position on the Floor. ...
  4. Rebalance the Washer’s Load. ...
  5. Inspect the Lid Switch. ...

More items...

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. ...

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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.

Check the Lid Switch

The best place to start is to check the lid switch. When your washing machine lid is open, the lid switch will stop the washer from working during a cycle. Sometimes it can become defective and turn your washer off mistakenly.

Check the Drive Belt

The second component to check if your washer is not spinning is the drive belt. The purpose of the drive belt is to help the washer to spin during a cycle, so when the drive belt is broken, your washer will stop spinning.

Check the Drive Pulley

The next component to check is the drive pulley. The drive pulley is connected to the drive belt and helps it to rotate properly. When it becomes faulty, your washer will stop spinning.

Check the Motor Coupling

The next step is to check the motor coupling. The motor coupling connects your washing machine’s motor to the transmission. When your washer gets overloaded, the coupling helps to protect the transmission and motor.

Check the Door Latch

The next step is to check the door latch. The purpose of the latch is to make sure your washer door stays closed when it is operating. If it becomes defective, your washer might stop working.

Check the Clutch

The next step is to check the clutch. The clutch connects the transmission and the tub, and its main purpose is to help the tub get up to the correct spin speed during a cycle. If it becomes worn out or faulty, your washer won’t spin.

Check the Rotor

The next step is to check the rotor to see if it is defective. The rotor works with the stator to help the tub rotate, so when it becomes faulty, your washer won’t spin.

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.

How to tell if a washer is spinning?

What you are going to do is test the washer by opening the lid when it should be spinning, without filling the washer first. Do this by first closing the lid. Twist the dial to the spin cycle and start the washer.

Why does my washer spin?

The spin on your washer is its core function. Other than filling and draining with water, spinning is how the clothes get clean. Spinning the drum is also how water is finally spun from the clothes so that they go into the dryer not totally sopping wet. If your washer is not spinning at all or not seeming to spin enough, then something will have to be done.

Why does my washer lock the lid?

Some lock the lid so that children and pets can’t fall in while the drum is spinning. Some use the lid switch to turn off the spinning feature when open, for similar safety reasons. This can mean that a damaged lid switch can also affect how your washer spins during the cycle.

What is the washer belt used for?

Investigate the Washer Belt (if it has one) Last but not least, there’s taking a look at the washer belt directly. The washer belt is what is used to spin the drum. The belt is attached to a mechanism at the bottom of the drum and the spinning of the belt pushes the drum either back and forth to agitate or around quickly to drain the clothes at ...

Why does my washer make a noise?

These have an even higher chance of clumping on one side and making the washer uneven. Older washers gone unbalanced tend to make noise and take damage, while newer washers may have a safety mechanism that stops the spin if the drum is too unbalanced to spin correctly.

What happens if clothes get jammed in washer?

The clothing can simply create too much resistance for the drum to keep spinning. Many washers will have a safety mechanism to cancel the spin feature instead of grinding the belt against a jam.

How to check if a washer lid is broken?

Open up the lid and look carefully. First, check to see that the lid switch’s plastic tab (the switch lever) is still visible and catches when the lid closes. Sometimes, this tab can be broken off which can cause problems. Next, check to see if the lid switch has an effect on the washer.

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