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A washing machine that won’t spin (you don’t hear splashy whirring sound) during spin cycle will cause your clothes to come out still soaking wet.
The good news is that, for the most part, it is very easy to fix a washer that won’t spin..
Read on to find out how to fix a washing machine that won’t spin yourself (there’s no need to call in a repairman before you try the fixes we suggest below as you may end up paying a lot for a problem that typically has an easy fix)..
How to fix a washing machine that won’t spin clothes dry
Try the repairs in this guide if you have the following problems
- Washing machine won t spin or drain
- Samsung washing machine won t spin or drain
- Whirlpool washing machine won t spin or drain
- LG washing machine won t spin or drain
- Whirlpool washing machine won t spin
And as we always do here at machinelounge.com, we shall start with the simplest fixes
Try to reset it
Because it can be due to a computer glitch, you can try to reset your washer first.
Here are the steps (typical) to reset your washing machine:
- Unplug your washing machine
- Next, turn off the circuit breaker.
- Press and then hold the POWER/START button for not less than 5 seconds.
- Next, press then holds the PLAY/PAUSE button for 5 seconds.
- Plug your washing machine back in then turn on the circuit breaker(and start the washer again).
Check for balance issues
If your washer is not spinning, it could be because it has an unbalanced load.
You see, an unbalanced load makes it harder for the drum to spin.
The good thing is that depending on the washing machine model you are using, it may display some error showing there is an unbalanced load.
For example, if you own a Samsung washing machine, it will display fault code “Ub” or “Ur” if there are load balancing issues
Recommended fix:
Make sure you have not overloaded or underloaded your washing machine.
To be clear, if you have overloaded it, try to wash the larger items by themselves.
Meanwhile, if you suspect that you have underloaded it, simply add some more clothes.
Oh and be sure to redistribute your clothes evenly in the drum.
Another thing that you might want to check is leveling of your washer- many washers have problems when they’re not perfectly level.
Recommended fix:
Adjust the leveling legs until the machine is perfectly level.
Is the door really latched?
If your washing machine door/lid is not properly latched, your washer tends to detect it as open, and it will in turn not spin.
So make sure the door is firmly shut – listen out for a locking sound to be sure.
That brings me to another potential fix: you might have to replace the door lock (if you have a front loading washer) or lid switch(for those who have a top loading washer).
Why?
Well, if either of these is broken, the signal that the door/lid is closed(and hence spin should start) will not be coming to the washer so it won’t start spinning.
Now, if you’re not sure if the door switch is faulty, listen if the door makes an audible clicking sound when it closes.
In addition, you can test the lid switch with a multimeter for continuity- order a compatible replacement(depending on your model) and swap it out if it shows no continuity.
More on the lid switch
Change the lid switch on your top loader if it turns out that when the lid closes, the switch is not making a clicking sound.
And the truth is the lid switch is one of the most common culprits when it comes to spinning problems- could be either the switch is not designed durable enough or probably many washers design make the switch susceptible to repeated failure.
As regards installation, the switch is pretty easy to access and replace but searching for and watching a YouTube video on Lid switch replacement (for your model) will make your work even easier.
Don’t forget the door striker (front load washer)
The door striker allows your washing machine door to lock correctly and can actually be the culprit if the washer won’t start or spin.
So consider changing it as well- Here is a replacement door striker that works with numerous top name brands(Kenmore, Crosley, Frigidaire, Gibson, Westinghouse, Electrolux, etc.)
How to fix a washing machine that won’t spin clothes dry-others fixes to try
Check if the belt is loose/broken
Your washer belt can wear out, break or even slip on the pulley after using your washer for a long time.
This can result in your washer not agitating or spinning.
There’s no shortcut here and your best bet is getting a replacement washer drive belt and installing it.
Of course, you want to try and tighten the belt before thinking of getting a new one.
Check if the idler pulley is defective
The other component that could be causing spinning problems is a bad idler pulley- remember the part holds the drive belt(in place) and your washer is unlikely to spin if it has snapped.
Below are signs that your washer idler pulley might be damaged:
- You hear squealing sounds.
- If you look keenly, you notice some wear on the bearing.
- Also, you can find there are missing springs.
Get a genuine replacement idler puller if your washer has the above signs.
Check if you have a faulty washer tub bearing
There is a bearing on the outside of the water tab(in most washers) that keeps the inner tub spinning smoothly.
Now, if the bearing is defective, your washer may stop during the spin cycle.
Here is the thing:
Your machine can start humming/sounding like a jet during a spin cycle if the part has malfunctioned.
Besides, sometimes your washer will display an error code – Maytag Bravos xl washer shows Ul error- once it fails.
Again your best bet is replacing the part (shop for an original replacement for your exact washer model on Amazon).
Check for possible drive motor failure
If you have checked everything indicated above to no avail, there is a chance that the motor itself has failed, leading to the drum stopping spinning when you start the cycle.
Once more you might have to change out the part for your washer to resume spinning.
With that in mind, check out these recommended replacement washer drive motors (for GE, Frigidaire, Maytag, Whirlpool, Kenmore, and more models).
More on troubleshooting the motor
Before changing the motor, check if it is getting power with a multimeter.
If it is but nothing happens, then obviously the motor could be burnt out.
Alternatively, try to hear if the motor is kicking on (you should, once you start the spin cyle).
If yes, it could be the belt(see above)
How to fix a washing machine that won’t spin
There are other parts that could be behind your washer’s spinning fault.
These are:
The washer timer
If it is spinning on one setting(but not another), then it may be a timer issue.
In short, if you cannot hear a click, the timer control might be the problem(a bad contactor-on the timer- probably).
Drain pump
The washer could also be not spinning due to the drain pump not operating normally (replace it) or a clogged drain.
If, for example, your washer makes a hum sound(like it wants to spin, but won’t), then something can be stuck in the pump(I once found a baby sock lodged in the pump).
Just drain it out and check that.
Quick Tip: If your machine fills at its regular rate and drains again at a regular rate, this is unlikely to be the cause.
Motor coupling
In some models, the motor coupling is a fragile plastic part that breaks every now and then.
Replace it- Just loosen the motor only to remove coupling(the part easily slides off once you get the motor out of the way).
The drain hose
Check if it is clogged/bent and fix, as necessary
The main control board
Check for any bulging capacitors on your washer’s main control board (disassemble it) or burn marks.
If you see any, perhaps it has gone bad and you could need to swap it out(that can be costly).
Drain Pump/Coin filter
Check if there are any coins here and remove them- coins/items jammed in the pump/coin filter(if your washer has one) cause the problem occasionally.
Shift actuator
Changing the washer shift actuator can resolve the following issues:
- Washer pumps but won’t spin
- Washer spins slowly
You can clearly see why it is worth trying.
How to fix a washing machine that won’t spin-Wrapping up
Be sure to seek the help of a professional serviceman if the above troubleshooting tips do not work.
The other option is to contact the seller if your washer is still under warranty.
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