How to Troubleshoot and Repair a Washer That Will Not Start

If your washer control board is not responding or your washer simply will not start it’s likely something electrical within your washer is the cause of this issue. Both of these symptoms are similar and can be solved by following our steps below. Troubleshooting a washer that won’t start can sometimes be solved without even replacing a part. Resetting your washer, double checking your washer settings or checking for leaks or blown fuses may resolve your issue right away. Our guide below will step you through each of these, as well as the common parts you might have to replace if the problem persists. For each part, you’ll find details on where it’s located, how to test or determine it is at fault, as well as videos and instructions on how to access, remove and install each part.

The symptoms of a washer not starting or responding can be similar in many ways, which is why so many of these fixes are related and are in this guide together. That said, we have differentiated each of the parts below as being a symptom of one issue versus another. And remember that fixing an appliance can sometimes require you to try a few things, like resetting it or checking to see if you have the part in the first place, though with our straightforward guide, you’ll be back and running in a jiffy! Detailed below is a short list of non-part-related actions you can go through first to either remedy your situation temporarily or prevent it from ever happening again in the future!

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

1. Will Not Start
2. Touchpad Won't Respond

FIX TIP

One thing to remember is that you can often reset your washer to see if that solves whatever issue you may be having! If you don't know hot to reset your washer, either look for a reset button, or disconnect your washer from its outlet and reconnect it!

Inspect These Common Issues First

Often, a simple reset can solve any issues that the control board is having with the operation of the washing machine. This reset option can come in the form of holding a series of buttons on your user interface, opening and closing the door, turning the washer on and off, or simply pressing the “Reset” button. Refer to your user manual for machine-specific reset instructions.

Some machines feature a “Delay Start” option on the user interface, which allows the user to delay the start of the wash cycle until later. This delay start function can interfere with your machine, along with the “Control Lock” function, which ties directly into the reset of your washer. Make sure that both of these options are disabled before attempting to start your washer again.

In some cases of extended use in a short period, your washer can overheat from the constant motor usage, leading to error codes or the machine simply not starting. Be sure to give your washer time between cycles to allow the motor and the drive belt to cool down.

Leaks and clogs in your washer, whether in the valves or in the drain, can eventually lead to an inoperable washer, which can appear as error codes or a non-starting machine. Also, it’s important to ensure that the water lines in your washer are operating safely, especially if you are experiencing any issues with them.

Appliances like washers that are plugged into the wall can slowly unplug themselves over time, as the machine moves and shifts during operation, so check that the plug is securely in the socket. Another cause of a non-starting machine can be the power going out or a blown fuse. These events can lead to the outlet no longer becoming useable; if this is the case, you should seek help from an electrician.