Washer not spinning

Washer Not Spinning? Here’s How to Fix It

A washing machine that refuses to spin is one of the most aggravating laundry day issues. You open the lid or door ready to move your clothing to the dryer, and instead, you’re greeted by sopping wet clothing, motionless in the tub. If your washer fills with water but won’t spin, or if the spin cycle begins and then stops, then chances are good that something is amiss with a vital component.

The good news is that this issue is often fixable. Whether the cause is a broken drive belt, faulty lid switch, motor failure, or an unbalanced load, you can troubleshoot the problem and determine whether it’s a simple fix or requires professional repair.

At Just Call Appliance Repair, we offer affordable washer repair near you in Charlotte, Concord, Matthews, Huntersville, and nearby areas. If your washer is not spinning, use this guide to learn the common reasons and solutions.

Why Won’t My Washer Spin?

There are numerous reasons why a washer may not spin, ranging from easy issues to serious component failures. The following are the most common causes and what can be done about them.

Lid Switch or Door Lock Failure

In top-load washers, the lid switch inhibits the machine from spinning if the lid is open. If the lid switch is faulty, the machine will assume that the lid has not been closed; hence, it will not move to the spin cycle. The door lock in front-loaders serves a similar purpose.

Symptoms of faulty lid switch or door lock:

  • The washer fills and drains but won’t spin.
  • You will not hear the “click” that is usually heard when the lid or door shuts.
  • The washer will not start to spin unless you push or nudge the lid by hand.
Solution:
  • Open and shut the lid firmly to see if the washer is responding.
  • Check whether the switch is loose or broken. If it has excessive play or fails to click, it may require replacement.
  • Check the lid switch or door lock for continuity with a multimeter. Replace the faulty component if there is no electrical continuity.

Loose or Broken Drive Belt

The drive belt is what allows the drum to spin. If the belt is loose, worn, or has completely broken, the motor may still be running, but the drum will not spin.

Signs of a drive belt issue:

  • The washer is humming, but the drum is not spinning.
  • You can turn the drum by hand with little to no resistance.
  • You see a broken or frayed belt inside the washer.
How to repair it:
  • Disconnect the washer and remove the back panel to access the belt.
  • Check if the belt is still in place or has slipped off the pulleys.
  • If the belt is broken or worn, replace it with a manufacturer-recommended replacement.

Faulty Motor or Motor Coupling

If the motor is running but the drum won’t spin, the problem could be with the motor coupling. The coupling joins the motor to the drum and provides shock absorption during washer use. It wears out or breaks over time.

Symptoms of a motor or coupling problem:

  • The washer fills with water but clicks or grinds when it attempts to spin.
  • You smell burning rubber or plastic from the washer.
  • The drum doesn’t spin even when you manually try to move it.
How to fix it:
  • Unplug the washer and remove the motor access panel.
  • Inspect the motor coupling for cracks or damage.
  • If worn out, replace the coupling with a compatible part for your washer model.

washing machine spin cycle repair

Unbalanced Load or Washer Not Level

In certain instances, the issue is not mechanical, it is just an unbalanced load. Washers have sensors that detect excess movement or imbalance, and they will not spin if it will result in damage.

Signs of an unbalanced washer:

  • The washer shakes violently during the cycle.
  • The spin cycle starts but suddenly stops.
  • One side of the drum is significantly heavier than the other.
How to fix it:
  • Open the washer and redistribute the clothes evenly.
  • Don’t wash a single bulky item, such as a thick blanket, without other items to balance the load.
  • Make sure the washer is on a level surface, adjust the feet if required.

Clogged or Faulty Drain Pump

If the washer isn’t draining properly, it will not be able to enter the spin cycle. A clogged or defective drain pump will cause water to remain in the drum, preventing it from spinning.

Symptoms of a faulty or clogged pump:

  • The washer is full of water but will not spin.
  • You hear buzzing or humming with no water movement.
  • The machine pauses mid-cycle and will not proceed.
How to fix it:
  • Inspect the drain hose for clogs and clear any debris.
  • Clear the drain filter, which can be found at the bottom front of the washer.
  • If the pump is noisy but not functioning, it should be replaced.

Worn-Out Suspension Rods or Shock Absorbers

In top-load washers, suspension rods balance the drum. In front-load washers, shock absorbers keep it from moving too much. If these deteriorate, the washer can shake violently and won’t spin.

Symptoms of suspension rod or shock absorber failure:

  • The washing machine shakes violently, even under balanced loads.
  • The drum is loose or tilts when pushed.
  • Washer stops during spin or won’t spin at all.
How to fix it:
  • Check the shock absorbers or suspension rods for wear and replace them if needed.
  • If your washer is vibrating loudly, setting it on an anti-vibration pad can help.

How to Repair a Washer That Won’t Spin Before Calling a Technician

Before calling for a technician’s service, these steps should first be followed in case your washing machine won’t spin:

  • Balanced load – Redistribute clothes evenly and do not wash a single, heavy item.
  • Lid switch or door lock – Check if it’s closing and replace it if faulty.
  • Inspect the drive belt – Replace it if it’s loose or broken.
  • Inspect the drain pump and filter clean – If the washer is not draining, this could be the issue.
  • Test the motor coupling – If the drum won’t spin by hand, the motor or coupling could be worn out.

When to Call a Professional Repair Service For a Washer Not Spinning

If you’ve attempted these repairs and your washer is not spinning, there could be a more complicated problem with the motor, control board, or interior wiring. An experienced technician can easily diagnose and repair it.

Just Call Appliance Repair provides washer repair in Charlotte and the surrounding communities. If your washer won’t spin, won’t drain, or finishes a cycle, we can have it running again.

If your washing machine will not spin, don’t wait, call us now to schedule a repair and get your laundry back on track.