What if washer doesnt spin

The washer will probably function again after the motor cools, but the problem will likely occur again. Plus, relying on an extension cord will shorten the useful life of the washer.

In a top-loading washer, a small protrusion on the underside of the lid depresses a switch when you close the lid, serving as a safety precaution to detect when the lid is closed.

If the protrusion has bent out of shape, it may not trigger the switch as intended. Test the theory by opening the lid, selecting the spin cycle on your washer, and then manually depressing the switch with a finger. If the machine starts spinning normally, simply re-bend the protrusion so it triggers the spin switch properly. Did your washer not spin when you pressed the switch manually?

The problem could stem from a defect in the switch itself. Fortunately, replacing a broken spin switch can be a DIY-friendly project, depending on the washing machine brand and model. You may not realize it, but most front-loading washers require high efficiency HE detergents with low foaming action. If the washer drum is spinning in there, then your washer is capable of spinning.

Any problems you may be having are more likely related to controls or the speed and power of the spin. Or, possibly, imbalance. The next thing to check is whether your lid switch is intact. Top-loading washers have a few different lid switch mechanisms. Some use the lid switch to turn off the spinning feature when open, for similar safety reasons.

This can mean that a damaged lid switch can also affect how your washer spins during the cycle. If there is a special safety feature linked to the lid switch, and there usually is, then your lid switch might be preventing the washer from spinning. Open up the lid and look carefully. Sometimes, this tab can be broken off which can cause problems. Next, check to see if the lid switch has an effect on the washer. If there is anything wrong, replace the lid switch before continuing. Another thing to check is whether there is clothing jammed into the space between the drum and the cabinet.

This can happen from over-enthusiastic loading of laundry, often from dumping clothes from a basket into the top. If a piece of laundry falls into the top, it can get twisted into the space between the drum and the cabinet, where there should be a soft bumper-seal to keep the drum from scraping or falling to the side.

Check for socks and shirts among other items that may have twisted into this spot. The clothing can simply create too much resistance for the drum to keep spinning. Get Free Bids Now! Lift the lid during the spin cycle. If the tub is not spinning, you may have a damaged motor coupler. You can find affordable motor couplers on Amazon , but call an appliance repair person to replace this part.

If the tub is spinning, recheck the load to make sure it is balanced. If you are certain the load is balanced but your clothes still come out dripping, you may need to have a damaged motor pulley, tub bearing, belt, or clutch replaced. Press and release the lid switch. So if your washing machine won't spin or drain, the same troubleshooting steps should work.

Your appliances matter. So does your time. Make an appointment now, and our technicians will get you back up and running as soon as the same day. Schedule a repair. When your washing machine is overstuffed, it may fill but not spin. Some washer models have automatic detectors to tell you if you've overfilled your washing machine, but many don't. The machine generally won't recognize the issue until the washer has filled with water. If that's the case, unfortunately, your only solution is to remove some of the soggy clothes.

If you're trying to wash only a couple of heavy items, your washing machine may not spin or may not spin effectively. This often occurs when you're washing things like a comforter or shoes.

Open the machine and shift the items around to balance the washing machine load, and your washer can spin more effectively. Adding more items to help balance a load can be effective, too, as long it doesn't overfill the machine.