Skip to Content

If Your Washing Machine Won’t Spin, Then Properly Diagnose the Issue

There’s nothing worse than trying to complete your daily chores only to find out that your washing machine won’t spin. When a problem like this arises, it’s best to have it resolved as soon as you possibly can.

Trying to diagnose the problem with your washer machine can be quite a challenge. This is because when your washing machine doesn’t spin, there could be several reasons for it. In most cases, the problem can be attributed to the errors of the user.

Take advantage of the valuable information below, so you can diagnose your washing machine’s problems and get it back to working great again. So, if you’re asking yourself why your washing machine just won’t spin, then read on and put this information to use.

Washing Machine Filter

One of the main reasons a washing machine won’t spin is because of a blocked machine filter. If your washing machine does have a filter, start by pulling it out, cleaning it and reinserting it. In addition to this, clean out your washing machine’s drain pump as well. Cleaning your filter and your drain pump is something you should do on a regular basis to help keep your washing machine running correctly.

Spinning Out of Balance

What does it mean when your washing machine is spinning out of balance? With most washing machines, when an abnormal load is detected, the washing machine will either quit the spin cycle or not spin as fast as it’s programmed to. The loads that are most likely to make your washing machine spin out of balance include single items that are heavy and small loads with a single, light load with one heavy item among them.

The reason the washing machine stops or slows down when an abnormal load is detected is because abnormal loads can make the washing machine bounce and move around.

Another reason your washing machine stops or slows down when an abnormal load is detected is to keep from causing internal damage to the unit itself. What happens is the outer tank of the washer bangs against the sides of the washer’s outer cabinet which in return causes damage. To prevent this problem from continuing to happen, make sure your load is distributed evenly on all sides and don’t over fill it.

No Drainage

A washing machine that fails to drain its water will not spin. The main causes of this can include a blocked filter or something being stuck in the drain pump. Things that can block the drain pump include paperclips, small coins, keys and other smaller items.

In addition to this, having a washer that doesn’t drain could also be attributed to a faulty drain pump. It’s good to test out your drain pump to see if it is still in working condition. You can test to see if your drain pump is working with a multimeter. Check all the live and neutral connections in the motor coil of your drain pump. These connections should make a circuit if it’s not defected.

Another portion of the drain pump you want to check is the rotor. If you find that anything is loose or broken, then you know that your washing machine’s drain pump will need to be replaced.

Unless you have experience fixing washing machines, it’s best to find a reputable company to fix it for you. If your washing machine has a warranty, then contact the number provided in the warranty information. However, if your washing machine is outdated and there is no warranty on it, it might be best to just invest in a new one.

Belt Slipping and Worn Engines

If your washing machine is not spinning and it’s an old machine, that could be the problem. Worn motors have a harder time getting up to the intended speed, often make bizarre crackling or grating noises and sometime just don’t work period. Another sign your motor is going bad is when the speed of your cycle fluctuates from fast to slow when it’s not indented to.

On the other hand, if the belt happens to be getting worn or has slipped off, then this complication can also cause make it so your washing machine won’t spin out water. If this is an issue, you will need to take off the back panel and replace it.

Pressure Switch

The pressure system tells the washing machine that the water in the tank has been completely pumped out. However, if the pressure switch itself is faulty or a blockage takes place, the pressure system can’t electronically tell the washing machine that the water has been drained. As a result, the washer will not spin.

Lid Switch

Another common reason why some washing machines have problems spinning is because of the lid switch. Most washing machines on the market will stop once the lid is lifted. When it’s placed back down, the washing machine will start running again. As your washing machine gets repeatedly used over the years, this switch takes a lot of abuse and will more than likely fail from time to time. If it gets worse and worse, the switch will have to be replaced.

Other Reasons

If all the reasons listed above are not the problem, then the problem might be attributed to the something else like the electronic control module, the motor tachos or the capacitor. If you think it’s one of these issues, you have two options. You can have your washing machine repaired or you can replace the whole unit itself.

If you do decide to have your washing machine repaired, make sure you ask the professional you hire a few necessary questions. First, ask about how long the washing machine will last after the repairs are made. Second, inquire about prices. If the repairs are going to exceed $200, then it might be time to think about replacing your broken unit. Third, ask if original factory parts will be used or if your washing machine will be repaired with generic parts. By doing these things, you can make the best decision for your personal needs.

Michael Joseph

Rohan

Monday 27th of January 2020

my front load washer is not spinning fast, i change the pump but it still not spinning and the clothes still have a lot of water in them