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REPAIR > WASHER > SPINNING ISSUES
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How to Troubleshoot and Repair a Washer With Spinning Issues

If you’ve been experiencing issues with the spin cycle on your washer, you have come to the right place. Whether your washer is draining or agitating but not spinning or is spinning too slowly, we’ve got the answer for you. We’ve prepared this easy guide alongside our repair experts to help you figure out which part of your washer is causing your problems and how you can find it and repair it or replace it, if necessary. And don’t worry, you don’t have to be a seasoned pro to get this done - we’ve laid out simple step-by-step instructions that you can easily follow to restore your washer to full working condition.


Diagnosing a Washer That Spins But Won't Agitate

Diagnosing a Washer That Won't Spin or Agitate

Using this Page, You Will be Able to Troubleshoot the Following Symptoms:

  • Washer Pumps (Drains) But Will Not Spin
  • Washer Spins Slowly
  • Washer Agitates but Will Not Spin

    • Inspect These Common Issues First

    If you are experiencing spinning issues from your washer, be sure to check these common user errors before you move on to the next section.

    FIX TIP

    FIX TIP

    Is your washing machine displaying a fault code or series of flashing lights? A fault code is your first clue to where the problem is coming from - so be sure to follow the troubleshooting advice for that fault code.

    1. Is Your Laundry Coming out of the Washer Soaking Wet?

      2. If your laundry is still soaking wet at the end of the wash, your machine may not be draining properly. A washer needs to drain for it to spin out. If your washer drained but did not spin out the excess water from your laundry, continue reading below to determine the cause.

    2. Is the Load Unbalanced?

      3. You will be able to hear if your washer load is unbalanced as the machine will clunk together or vibrate excessively. Depending on your model, the machine may provide an error code and not proceed to the spin cycle until the load has been balanced. A washer not spinning due to an unbalanced load is an easy mistake to correct.

    3. Is there an Item Stuck Between the Tubs?

      4. An item stuck between the inner and outer tubs can cause your washer to spin slowly or may jam it up completely. Any stuck items should promptly be removed as they can lead to further damage such as puncturing the machine.

    4. Are You Putting Soaking Wet Clothes in the Dryer?

      5. No, you should not put soaking wet clothes in the dryer. Your dryer is not equipped to handle excessively wet and heavy items, and it may cause damage to the machine. If a balance issue caused your washer not to spin out, try redistributing your laundry and running a spin cycle again. If the issue with your washer requires further repair, wring your clothes out well before placing them in the dryer.

    Common Parts You May Need to Replace

    Below is a list of parts that are some of the most common parts that cause your washer to spin slowly, or not spin at all. Some of these parts are only applicable to top-load or front-load machines, so make sure you know which yours is before reading further! These pages all contain detailed information with videos and 3D diagrams on how to find, remove and replace that part, if necessary to your repair!

    1. Lid Switch:
      2. The lid switch is a safety mechanism on a top-load washer that allows your washer to operate and keeps it locked. If it is damaged, the washer cannot safely begin or continue with its cycles such as spinning.
    2. Door Strike:
      3. The lid & door strike are part of the door lock or lid switch that helps to keep the machine locked during operation. If it is broken, your washer will not be able to start or continue with its cycles.
    3. Door Lock Switch:
      4. The door lock switch is a safety mechanism on a front-load washer that keeps the machine locked during operation. If it is damaged, your washer may not start or spin.
    4. Lid Switch Actuator:
      5. The lid & door lock switch actuator works with the lid or door lock switch to keep your top-load or front-load machine locked. If it is broken, your washer will not be able to start or continue with its cycles as this is a safety hazard.
    5. Pressure Switch:
      6. The pressure switch detects the water levels in the machine. If it is faulty, your washer may not receive the instruction that it is time to drain the water and begin the spin cycle.
    6. Drive Belt:
      7. The drive belt allows the drum in your washer to spin. If it is torn or loose, the drum will not be able to spin. You may hear a loud noise or a burning smell coming from your washer.
    7. Pulley:
      8. The pulley(s) in your washer work with the motor and transmission to rotate and spin the inner-tub. If broken or damaged, it will produce unwanted noise and create spinning problems.
    8. Motor Coupling:
      9. The motor coupling helps to transport power from the motor to power your top-load machine. If it is damaged, the washer cannot proceed through its cycles such as spinning.
    9. Drain Hose:
      10. The drain hose removes water from your washer. If it is clogged or worn out, it cannot drain the water out of your machine ready for the spin cycle to begin.
    10. Transmission Actuator:
      11. The actuator allows a top-load washer to move into spin mode. If it is defective, you may hear a clicking or grinding noise in your washer.
    11. Drive Motor:
      12. The drive motor provides power to allow your washer to spin. If it’s damaged or experiencing a power issue, you may hear a buzzing or humming sound in addition to your washer not spinning.
    12. Rotor Sensor:
      13. The rotor positioning sensor allows your front-load washer to spin at the right time and speed. If it is faulty, your washer may spin too slowly or not at all.
    13. Timer:
      14. The timer controls the timing of the different cycles in your washer. If it is faulty, your washer cannot begin and end its cycles appropriately.
    14. Control Board:
      15. The electronic control board allows you to control the functions of your washer. If it is faulty, you may not be able to select any functions on your washer.
    15. Motor Control Board:
      16. The motor control board provides power to a front-load washer to allow it to carry out its functions. If there is a problem with the power supply, your washer may not spin.
    16. Clutch Assembly:
      17. In some top-load washers, the clutch holds your washer basket to the transmission to allow it to spin. If it’s worn out, your washer will not spin properly and you may notice loud noise, burning smells, and dust under your washer.
    17. Basket Drive Hub:
      18. The basket drive hub helps a top-load washer to spin smoothly. It may be worn out from regular use.
    18. Transmission:
      19. The transmission provides the motion for a top-load washer to spin. If it is malfunctioning, your washer will not spin.
    19. Drive Lug:
      20. The drive lug helps a top-load washer to spin smoothly by keeping it stable. If it is faulty, your washer may not be able to spin.
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