Washer stops mid-cycle

Washer Stops Mid-Cycle? Here’s How to Fix It

There’s nothing more frustrating than starting a load of laundry only for your washer to suddenly stop mid-cycle. Whether it shuts off completely or just pauses indefinitely, this problem can leave you with a tub full of wet clothes and no idea what to do next.

A washing machine that stops mid-cycle is usually caused by something simple, like a power issue or an unbalanced load. However, it can also be due to a faulty door latch, a clogged drain pump, or a malfunctioning control board. Figuring out what’s causing the problem is the first step to repairing your washer back up and running.

If you’re dealing with this issue, here are some of the most common reasons your washer might be stopping mid-cycle and what you can do to fix it.

Common Reasons Your Washer Stops Mid-Cycle

Power Supply Issues

If your washer turns off completely during a cycle and won’t turn back on, it could be losing power. This can happen if the circuit breaker trips, the power cord is loose, or the outlet isn’t supplying power properly.

What to check:
  • Make sure the washer’s power cord is securely plugged into the outlet.
  • Test the outlet by plugging in another appliance to see if it works.
  • Check your home’s circuit breaker, if it has tripped, reset it and see if the washer turns back on.

If the washer still won’t power up, there may be an internal wiring issue or a problem with the control board.

Faulty Door or Lid Lock

Modern washing machines won’t run if the door or lid isn’t securely closed. If the latch is loose, broken, or not making proper contact, the washer may start a cycle but stop unexpectedly.

What to check:
  • Open and close the door or lid firmly to see if the washer resumes the cycle.
  • Inspect the latch for any visible damage or looseness.
  • If the washer stops right when it should start spinning, the door lock may not be engaging properly.

Replacing a faulty door latch or lid switch is a straightforward fix, but it’s best to use a part that matches your washer model.

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Overheating Motor

If your washer stops mid-cycle and won’t restart for a while, the motor could be overheating. Many washing machines have built-in protection that shuts the machine off if the motor gets too hot.

What to check:
  • Try running a smaller load to see if the problem persists.
  • Let the washer sit for 30 minutes, then try restarting it.
  • If the motor overheats regularly, it may be worn out and need replacing.

Overheating is more common in older washers, especially those that have been heavily used over time.

Clogged Drain Pump or Filter

If your washer stops mid-cycle right before it should drain, a clogged drain pump could be the issue. When water can’t drain properly, the machine may shut down to prevent flooding.

What to check:

  • Look for a drain filter near the bottom front of the washer and clean out any lint, hair, or debris.
  • Inspect the drain hose for kinks or blockages.
  • Try running a rinse cycle to see if the washer drains properly.

If the drain pump isn’t working even after cleaning, it may need to be replaced.

Malfunctioning Control Board or Timer

The control board manages all the functions of your washer, from filling and spinning to draining. If it malfunctions, the washer may stop mid-cycle, skip certain steps, or fail to start again.

What to check:
  • Unplug the washer for a few minutes, then plug it back in to see if a reset helps.
  • Check for any loose or damaged wiring inside the control panel.
  • If the washer consistently stops at the same point in every cycle, the timer or control board may be failing.

A faulty control board usually requires professional repair or replacement.

How to Fix a Washer That Stops Mid-Cycle

Before calling for repairs, try these steps:

  • Check the power supply – Make sure the washer is plugged in, the outlet is working, and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
  • Inspect the door or lid lock – Close the door firmly and check for a broken latch.
  • Clean the drain pump and filter – Remove any debris blocking the drain.
  • Reduce the load size – If the washer is overheating, try washing fewer clothes at a time.
  • Reset the control board – Unplug the washer for five minutes and restart it.

When to Call a Professional Washin Machine Repair Company

If your washer keeps stopping mid-cycle despite troubleshooting, it’s time to call a repair technician. The issue could be a failing control board, a damaged motor, or a faulty drain pump, problems that require expert diagnosis and repair.

At Just Call Appliance Repair, we provide washer repair services in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Whether your washer won’t complete a cycle, won’t spin, or has stopped working altogether, we can get it running again quickly.

If your washer keeps stopping mid-cycle, contact us today to schedule a repair.