How to Fix a Motor for a Washer With Draining Issues

The motor on your washer controls the functions of your washer. If it is not receiving power, your washer will not work properly, which may include it failing to drain. This can happen if the circuit breaker is faulty or if the power cord on the washer is damaged. You will need to access the motor and test it with a multimeter to see if it is experiencing power supply issues. If you have also noticed that the motor hums but does not run or does not turn freely or runs noisily, it will need to be replaced.

Don’t worry; this may sound intimidating, but it is quite simple! We have prepared this straightforward guide to help walk you through finding the motor on your washer and testing it! You’ll be able to figure out what’s wrong with your washer right alongside our expert and finally get that water out of there.

What is a Drive Motor?

The motor in your washer provides power to all the functions of the washing machine. It provides power to the washer to allow it to advance through the cycles such as washing, rinsing, and of course draining. On some washers, there is another motor connected to the pump that controls the pump’s functions; however, the drive motor is still responsible for the main power supply.

Where is the Drive Motor Located?

The motor is usually located at the bottom of the washing machine. It will be either at the back or at the front of your washer.

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Drive Motor in a Top Load Washing Machine

1. Begin by unplugging your machine.
2. Tilt the whole washer cabinet forward and lift it away. This should expose the drain pump at the bottom of the washer.
3. Remove the clips securing the drain pump and remove the pump off the motor shaft.
4. Disconnect the motor wire connectors.
5. At this point, you can test your motor for continuity using a multimeter.
6. Take your multimeter and touch the two probes to the terminals on the motor.
7. If it reads continuity, then spin the motor to ensure that it is turning freely.
8. If it reads well and spins freely, you will need to investigate another part of the washer.
9. If it tests negative/does not read any continuity or doesn’t turn freely, the motor will need to be replaced.

How to Install a New Drive Motor in a Top Load Washing Machine

1. Check ‘How To Access, Remove, and Inspect the Motor in a Top-Load Washing Machine’ for instructions on how to remove the motor.
2. With the wire connectors already disconnected, you can now begin to replace the old motor with the new one.
3. Remove any mounting screws on the motor and release any clips supporting the motor.
4. Pull out the old motor and inspect the coupling for any damage; you may need to replace it as well.
5. Take the (new) coupling and transfer it to the new motor.
6. Fit the motor back into the washer and reposition any clips and reinstall any mounting screws.
7. Reconnect the wire connectors to the motor.
8. Secure the pump to the motor shaft.
9. Reinstall the cabinet by sliding the front edge of the cab underneath the base frame while the sides sit on top of the base frame.
10. Reinstall the clips that secure the cabinet and reconnect the lid switch wire connector.
11. Lower the control panel and fit it back into its slots.
12. Plug your machine back in, and the repair is complete!

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Drive Motor in a Front Load Washing Machine

1. Begin by unplugging your machine.
2. Remove the back panel of your washer as the motor sits toward the back.
3. Take the belt off by turning the pulley around and slipping it off.
4. There will be multiple screws that hold the motor in place. Remove these.
5. Take the motor off its bracket by pulling on it gently.
6. Unplug the wire harness connector.
7. At this point, you can test your motor for continuity using a multimeter.
8. Take your multimeter and touch the two probes to the terminals on the motor.
9. If it reads continuity, spin the motor to ensure that it turns freely.
10. If it reads well and spins freely, you will need to investigate another part of the washer for any potential failures.
11. Reconnect the wire harness back on the motor.
12. Fit the motor back in and reinstall the mounting screws.
13. Fit the belt back on and reattach the back of your washer.
14. If it tests negative/does not read any continuity, the motor will need to be replaced.

How to Install a New Drive Motor in a Front Load Washing Machine

1. Check ‘How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Motor in a Front-Load Washing Machine’ for instructions on how to remove the motor.
2. With your motor already unmounted and the wire harness disconnected, you can now replace the old motor with the new one.
3. Take your new motor and line it up with the tub mounts.
4. Reinstall the mounting bolts to hold the motor in place.
5. Attach the wire harness connector to the new motor.
6. Hook the belt around the motor pulley and the tub drive pulley and ensure that it is well-aligned.
7. Fit the rear panel back onto the machine and reinstall the screws.
8. Plug in your machine, and your repair is complete.

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