Why Your Washing Machine Is Not Spinning and Potential Fixes

1. The Lid Switch

If your washer refuses to spin, one of the first components to inspect is the lid switch. This small but crucial part prevents the machine from spinning unless the lid is properly shut. When it’s not working correctly, the spin cycle often won’t start, and you might even hear a clicking noise when attempting to trigger the spin manually.

Severity and Consequences

A broken lid switch can cause more than just a spinning issue—it may create safety problems too. Without it working properly, the washer might run with the lid open, increasing the chances of water leaking out or someone getting hurt.

Next Steps

Start by making sure the lid is completely closed and try running the spin cycle again. If that doesn’t solve the issue, check your model’s manual for instructions on how to inspect or change the lid switch. If you’re unsure how to proceed, it’s best to call a local appliance repair specialist for assistance.

2. Drive Belt Problems

The drive belt is responsible for helping the drum rotate by linking it to the motor. If the belt becomes damaged, slips out of place, or wears down over time, you might hear high-pitched noises like squealing or screeching while the machine runs.

Severity and Consequences

Although a worn or slipping drive belt isn’t usually dangerous right away, it can stop the drum from spinning entirely. Ignoring the problem might cause more serious damage over time, potentially affecting other internal parts if the belt snaps.

Next Steps

If your washer keeps making a squeaking sound during use, it could be linked to the drive belt. Check the manual for steps on how to reach this part. A loose belt may just need to be tightened, while a cracked or worn one should be swapped out. Keep in mind, handling this type of repair might take some basic mechanical skill.

3. Door Lock Issues

Today’s washers often include a built-in locking mechanism to keep the door shut while the machine is running. When this lock fails, the spin cycle may not start at all, and you could hear a repeated clicking noise as the machine tries to activate it.

Severity and Consequences

When the door lock isn’t working properly, it can disrupt the washer’s functions and sometimes lead to leaks, but it usually doesn’t pose a significant safety risk.

Next Steps

Make sure the door is firmly shut and that the locking mechanism engages properly. If it fails to do so, replacing the lock unit might be necessary. Consult your washer’s manual for detailed guidance on locating and swapping out the door lock.

4. Motor Problems

The motor is what powers the drum, enabling it to spin during the wash cycle. When the motor starts to fail, you might notice unusual humming or buzzing noises while the machine is trying to spin.
If the motor isn’t working correctly, it can cause more than just spinning problems—it can affect the whole washing process, leading to extended wash times, clothes that stay wet, and reduced efficiency overall.

Severity and Consequences

When the motor isn’t functioning properly, it doesn’t just stop the drum from spinning—it can cause the entire washing cycle to falter. Overlooking this problem might result in extended washing durations, clothes that remain wet, and a generally ineffective cleaning performance.

Next Steps

Troubleshooting and fixing motor problems requires specialized electrical knowledge, so it’s usually safest to hire a qualified technician in your area. Expect to pay around $50 to $150 per hour for expert appliance repair assistance.

5. Overloaded Machine

Overloading your washer or placing clothes unevenly inside can cause the drum to spin out of balance. When this happens, you might notice a loud banging or thudding sound while the machine is running.

Severity and Consequences

Although it’s not a mechanical fault, putting too many items in the washer strains the motor, drum, and other parts. Over time, this can cause harm to the machine itself or even affect the surface beneath it.

Next Steps

Sometimes, the solution is as simple as properly balancing your washer. This means using smaller loads and spreading clothes evenly inside the drum. Many newer washers come equipped with sensors that spot uneven loads and try to adjust them on their own.

6. Unbalanced Machine

If your washer is off-balance, it might fail to spin or produce a repeated noise. Though this can be irritating, it generally isn’t indicative of a serious issue and can be fixed by adjusting the load. Most washers have sensors that detect imbalance and prevent spinning until it’s resolved.

Severity and Consequences

While an unbalanced washer isn’t an immediate issue, over time it can cause excessive wear on the motor, drum, and other components. If left uncorrected, this imbalance may lead to multiple parts breaking down sooner than expected.

Next Steps

Take a look underneath the washer—an uneven machine is frequently due to one of the leveling feet slowly shifting in a corner. To ensure it’s properly balanced, use a bubble level or a leveling app on your phone to check that the machine sits evenly at zero degrees.

7. Broken Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers help reduce the shaking and movement when the drum spins. If these parts become damaged or worn, you’ll likely notice stronger vibrations and louder rattling sounds during operation.

Severity and Consequences

Although faulty shock absorbers aren’t a major mechanical failure, they can cause loud noises and strong vibrations during spinning. Over time, these excessive movements might damage other parts of the washer.

Next Steps

Swapping out shock absorbers involves some basic repair skills. Check your washer’s manual for guidance on how to locate and change these parts. If you’re not confident handling it yourself, it’s a good idea to hire a qualified SD Appliance Repair technician.

8. Clogged or Faulty Drain Pump

The drain pump is responsible for expelling water from the washer throughout and at the end of a cycle. When the pump gets blocked or stops working properly, water can build up inside the drum and prevent it from spinning correctly. You might see water left behind after washing and hear unusual humming or gurgling noises as the pump tries to clear the water.

Severity and Consequences

A clogged or malfunctioning drain pump can stop your washer from emptying water properly and may cause leaks. If water stays inside for too long, it can encourage mold to develop and create bad smells.

Next Steps

Consult your washer’s manual to learn how to locate the drain pump. Inspect it for any blockages or buildup that might be causing trouble. If the pump is broken, replacing it is necessary to restore proper draining and spinning. If you’re not confident handling this repair, consider contacting a qualified technician.

9. Worn-Out Clutch Assembly

The clutch assembly links the motor to the drum, helping it shift smoothly between different cycles—especially when it comes to spinning. If this part becomes worn or breaks down, the drum may stop spinning altogether, and you might hear rattling or grinding sounds during operation.
If your washer isn’t spinning and makes those noises, there’s a good chance the clutch assembly needs attention.

Severity and Consequences

A damaged clutch can interfere with the washer’s spinning function and may cause more serious problems over time if not repaired. Leaving this issue unattended could result in the machine failing to operate correctly.

Next Steps

Refer to your washer’s manual for instructions on locating the clutch assembly. If you believe this part is causing issues, it’s best to contact a skilled SD Appliance Repair technician for evaluation and replacement. Trying to fix the clutch without the right expertise may result in further damage.

10. Electronic Control Board Malfunction

The electronic control board acts as the central command for your washer, managing different cycles like spinning. When this board experiences electrical faults or internal damage, it can stop the spin cycle from starting. Signs of a control board issue include a non-responsive panel, error messages on the display, or irregular cycle behavior.

Severity and Consequences

When the electronic control board fails, it can interfere with many parts of your washer’s operation, including spinning. Leaving this problem unaddressed may cause additional complications and make the machine less dependable.

Next Steps

If you think the control board might be causing your washer’s spinning problems, check your machine’s manual for steps on how to test and replace it. Because of the electrical complexity involved, it’s usually best to seek help from a qualified technician.