How to Fix a Washing Machine That Won't Spin
When your washing machine isn’t spinning, it can throw a wrench into your daily routine. But don't worry—fixing the problem might be easier than you think.
This guide provides practical tips to help you diagnose and repair common issues, understand when to call in the pros, and keep your washing machine in top shape.
Let’s examine how to fix a washing machine that won’t spin.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The most frequent reasons for a washing machine not spinning include: a faulty motor or control board, broken drive belt or pulley, clogged or broken drain pump or a bad lid or door switch/lock assembly. Checking and addressing these issues is often key to resolving the spin problem.
- Practical steps to fix a washing machine that won’t spin include: checking the power supply and resetting the circuit breaker, resetting the electronic control board, resolving any drain system problems if water remains in the tub, inspecting and replacing a damaged drive belt or pulley and replacing a bad lid or door switch/lock assembly.
- Using and maintaining your washer properly can help prevent spin failures. Use the right type and amount of laundry detergent, clean the washer monthly, avoid overloading, clean the drain pump filter regularly and schedule annual professional washer maintenance to keep your machine in top shape and spinning smoothly.
Common Causes of a Washing Machine Not Spinning
Understanding why your washing machine won't spin is the first step in resolving the issue. Here are some common reasons:
- Faulty motor or motor control board: The drive motor is responsible for spinning the basket. If the motor or its control board malfunctions, the basket won't spin. You’ll often need to schedule professional washer repair service to fix this problem.
- Broken drive belt or pulley: A worn-out or broken drive belt can prevent the basket from spinning in a belt-drive washer. The same goes for a broken pulley. Replacing these parts usually fixes the problem.
- Clogged or faulty drain pump: A clogged or malfunctioning drain pump can prevent the washer from advancing to the spin portion of the cycle. If the washer tub is full of water, check for drain system blockages and resolve the drain problem so the washer will spin.
- Malfunctioning lid or door lock/switch assembly: The lid or door lock/switch assembly ensures the lid or door is closed securely during the spin portion of the cycle for safety. If it’s faulty, the machine may not spin. Inspect and replace the lid or door lock/switch assembly if necessary.
Check for an Error Code
Washers with an electronic control board will display an error code when the washer won’t spin.
When you see an error code displayed on the control panel, look up the code and follow the troubleshooting described in our Washer Error Code Chart to fix the problem.
Error codes on common Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag and Amana top-load washers are sometimes hard to decipher without expert help. View this video to learn more about how to find and interpret error codes if you have this type of washing machine:
If you’re unable to find and fix the cause of the spin failure using information from the error code chart, you’ll likely need to schedule washer repair service to resolve the spin problem.
General Troubleshooting Steps to Fix a Washing Machine That Won't Spin
For washers that don’t display error codes, here are some practical steps to help you fix a machine that won’t spin:
1. Check the power supply
Sometimes a simple power issue prevents the washer from spinning.
- Ensure the washing machine power cord is plugged into a working outlet and check the house circuit breaker for the washer.
- Reset the circuit breaker if it’s tripped.
- Plug a test item such as a night light into the washer’s electrical outlet to make sure it’s working.
- If the outlet is dead, have an electrician fix that problem.
2. Reset the electronic control board(s)
Circuit boards inside the washing machine can freeze up due to a power surge or glitch encountered through your home’s electrical supply line.
Reset the main control board and any other circuit boards in the washer by unplugging the power cord for 2 minutes. This will cause circuit boards to reset and reboot – possibly clearing an internal logic or memory problem that caused the board to freeze up.
Restore power and see if the washer works and spins normally. If it does, your spin problem has been easily resolved.
3. Resolve a drain system problem
If you find the washer tub full of water when the washer isn’t spinning, troubleshoot and resolve the drain problem and the washer may spin normally.
Here’s a DIY troubleshooting video that shows how to resolve drain problems in common top-load washing machines:
Follow the expert tips in this troubleshooting video to resolve a drain issue in a front-load washer:
If you’re unable to find and fix the cause of a washer drain problem, schedule appliance repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the washing machine.
4. Examine the drive belt and pulley
Look for wear, cracks, or fraying on the drive belt and check the pulley for damage. Replace them if necessary. Schedule appliance repair service if you need a Sears Home Services technician to replace worn or broken washer parts for you.
5. Check the lid or door switch/lock assembly
Examine the door or lid switch and replace that component if it’s visibly damaged and the likely cause of the spin failure.
The lid or door switch/lock assembly can be tested using a multimeter but you’ll need the wiring diagram or tech sheet to check its operation. If you’re able to find that information and test the lid or door switch/lock assembly on your own, replace the part if it’s defective.
Following these basic steps can help you fix a washer that won’t spin. If you’re unable to find and resolve the spinning problem on your own, schedule an appointment to have a Sears Home Services technician fix your washer.
Expert Tips to Help Prevent Washer Spin Failures
Follow the guidelines in your washer’s user guide to properly load and use the machine. Using the washer correctly will help you avoid spin problems.
Here are some practical tips to keep your washing machine running and spinning smoothly:
- Use the right amount and type of laundry detergent: If you have an HE washer, be sure that you use HE detergent to avoid excessive suds. The washer won’t be able to pump out excessive suds and the washer won’t spin. Also, use the right amount of detergent to avoid the same excessive suds issue. For HE washers, you typically only need about 1 tablespoon of HE detergent for most wash loads.
- Clean the washer monthly: Use a washing machine cleaner such as Affresh or Washer Magic to clean the machine every month. Cleaning the washer tub and spin basket will keep detergent residue from building up and causing problems with draining and spinning.
- Avoid overloading the machine: Overloading strains the motor and other components, leading to spin issues. Follow the manufacturer’s load capacity guidelines.
- Clean the drain pump filter regularly: For front-load washers, clean out the drain pump filter to avoid clogging the drain system and preventing the washer from spinning.
- Schedule annual professional maintenance: Having a Sears Home Services technician perform yearly washer maintenance and cleaning service will keep your machine in top shape and spinning smoothly. Our technician will check all components in the washer and make adjustments necessary to help avoid unexpected breakdowns and spin cycle problems.
- Repair washer malfunctions promptly: Address drain system or drive system problems quickly so minor problems don’t develop into major failures. Have a service technician examine and repair the washer as soon as problems arise that you can’t resolve on your own.
Even with regular preventive maintenance and cleaning, your washer may eventually develop spin problems.
Being familiar with the causes and remedies for common spin problems will help you address issues quickly and keep your washer running.
When you need help with your washer, trust that Sears Home Services is always standing by to assist you. We know appliances and we’re committed to helping you keep your home running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my washer spin or drain?
If your washer isn’t spinning or draining, it’s likely due to a clogged drain pump, a faulty lid switch, or an unbalanced load. A clogged drain pump restricts water flow, preventing the spin cycle. A malfunctioning lid switch stops the washer for safety reasons. Try checking for blockages, resetting the washer, and redistributing the load evenly.
What causes a washing machine not to spin clothes dry?
A washing machine may fail to spin clothes dry due to overloading, a broken drive belt, or a malfunctioning motor coupler. Overloading can strain the washer and prevent proper spinning. Run a smaller load to see if the washer spins clothes dry. Inspect the washer drive system for problems such as a loose or damaged drive belt or a broken motor coupler.
How do I fix a washing machine that won’t spin?
To fix a washer that won’t spin, check the lid switch to see if it clicks when closed. Replace the lid switch if it’s broken. Inspect the drive belt for wear or slack and replace it if needed. Remove clogs or debris in the washer drain system. Redistribute the load if the tub bangs against the side of the washer cabinet because clothes are tangle into a large clump inside the spin basket. Schedule washer repair service if you’re unable to fix the spin failure yourself.
Why does my washer stop spinning mid-cycle?
Your washer might stop spinning mid-cycle due to an overloaded drum, a faulty lid lock, or a tripped motor sensor. Overloading causes imbalance, which triggers the washer to stop for safety. A defective lid lock prevents the spin cycle from starting or continuing. Additionally, modern washers have motor sensors that halt spinning if the motor overheats or detects unsafe spinning conditions.
Schedule your washer repair now!
With years of experience, our technicians possess the skills to repair your washer, regardless of the issue.
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Repair Washer Resources
Find out why your washing machine is leaking and learn the troubleshooting step and repair tactics to fix the problem causing the leak.
Learn how a pressure transducer works to detect water level in a washing machine.
Learn how a top-load washing machine works and how to use and maintain the washer.
Learn how a mixing valve works to control water temperature in a washer.
Glossary Terms
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.
A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.
A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.
Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.
Common Repair Washer Symptoms
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't stop filling are a clogged water valve, a bad water-level pressure switch, or a malfunctioning electronic control board.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't spin or drain are a seized gearcase, a broken motor, or a failed door switch.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't turn off are a malfunctioning electronic control board, broken motor or a jammed door lock assembly.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer won't start cycle are a malfunctioning electronic control board, jammed door lock assembly or a faulty user interface.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer vibrates are a damaged suspension rod, malfunctioning electronic control board or a dead fan.
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer is experiencing the rinse cycle not working are a broken lid switch, a bad water-level pressure switch, or a malfunctioning electronic control board.