Washers can stop spinning
The Top Reasons Why Your Washing Machine Might Stop Spinning
In this article we will go through 8 common reasons why front loading washing machines might stop spinning.
It doesn't matter whether you have a top-loading or front-loading washing machine, when it fails and breaks down it can wreak tremendous havoc throughout your entire day.
If your machine suddenly stops spinning and draining throughout the middle of a cycle, you will have to contend with all of that soaking wet clothing. If the machine stops working at the end of your washing cycle, the countdown will begin on how long it’ll take to get the machine repaired, or in some cases completely replaced and you will start to worry about how much it’s likely to cost you.
On the bright side:
1. You might have an easy to fix non-mechanical problem that you can handle yourself, or
2. Cairns Appliance repair service can provide a same-day appliance service for many of your washing machine repair needs.
A very common problem that we find is that washing machines stop spinning throughout the cycle. There are quite a few non-mechanical procedures that you can check right away to mitigate the problem:
An imbalanced load
This issue typically occurs with top-loading washing machines and is normally the result of heavier clothes being loaded to one side instead of being spread out evenly throughout the drum. Most machines will automatically shut down when it senses that the load is out of balance, this is to prevent further mechanical damage.
A simple fix for this requires usually to turn the washing machine off and re-balance the load by moving the clothes to an equal distribution across the drum. With all things going well on closing the lid or door, the spinning should resume. In some cases however It might be necessary to drain the excess water build up from the drum before the regular wash cycle will continue on its normal path.
Blocked Drainage trap
A blocked drainage trap is a common non-mechanical reason for a front-load washing machine to stop spinning. Lint and small items such as paper that may have been left in pockets or inadvertently picked up with the laundry can sometimes collect in the machines drainage trap. The built in filtration system prevents the items from entering the main drainage outlet and clogging or damaging the drain. That said, in most cases if the drainage trap itself happens to become clogged up, the washing machine will shut down.
Washing machine models differ depending on the manufacturer, but you’ll need to find the drainage trap door (this is normally on the front bottom portion of the washing machine.) Pull and pop out the cutout section to access the drain trap cap or plug. Some water normally remains in the drainage trap, so please do ensure that you place a cup or small basin under the drainage cap to catch any liquid prior to turning the cap counterclockwise.
Ensure that all of the water drains out, then clean out any lint, paper or debris that may be trapped and clogging the drainage outlet. Once it has been cleared up, do replace the lint trap (secure it in its rightful place by turning it clockwise), and snapping and clicking the cover back into place. Restart the washing machine to resume the spin cycle.
Master Reset Option
If neither rebalancing the machines load nor cleaning the drainage trap seems yo resolves your problem, the master reset option may help.
To reset the machine you will need to unplug the machine for approximately one minute. Plug it back in to the wall and reset the onboard computer by opening and closing the door six times in 12 seconds. This is sometimes not possible with all washing machines.
If you’ve attempted these fixes and tests without success, you will want to consider that your machine might have a mechanical or electrical issue and requires a professional intervention:
Door Lock
A standard safety mechanism is included on all modern front-loading and some newer top-loading washing machines this feature prevents the washer door from being opened in the middle of a cycle. A washer door lock/interlock system includes a lock on the machine, a door strike and switch. When the door is closed, it clicks and triggers a signal to the control system that the washing machine door has been locked, this allows the spin cycle to operate as expected.
If the door lock or strike is malfunctioning, an error code might be displayed and the washer will cease agitating and spinning. Contact an appliance repair professional to replace the door lock mechanism or assembly.
Washing Machine Lid Switch
A very similar setup to the door lock system that we mentioned just above, some older models of top-load washing machines use a lid switch which allows you to safely operate the spin cycle of the washing machine. The underside of the washing machine lid will be equipped with a pin that activates the switch mechanism when the lid is closed.
When the lid is closed, you can verify that the switch has been activated by making sure that the lid is very tightly closed and by listening out for the “click” sound which happens when it connects with the switch. If the activation is present but the motor still isn’t running, you might have a defective lid switch. You should contact a service technician for a replacement part. Our advice to you is to never bypass the lid switch as serious injuries can occur as a result of doing so.
Washing Machine Drive Belt
A washing machine drive belt that has been excessively worn can prevent your top-load or front-load washer basket drum from spinning. And while you’ll most likely want an expert to replace it, you can save some of your precious time by troubleshooting and listening for sounds of the belt slipping or whining that could indicate a worn belt issue.
The appliance repair professional will also need to confirm that the idler pulley or motor glide is providing the proper belt tension and allows it to move freely. While you may be tempted to replace the drive belt yourself, it’s a better idea to hire a licensed technician to do the job. You’ll be assured that the proper replacement belt is used for optimum performance and experience peace of mind knowing the parts and labour involved are covered under warranty.
It might be worse:
Washing Machine Direct Drive Motor Coupling
If the mere name of this part has you searching for your owner’s manual, it’s likely you shouldn’t tackle this repair yourself. The direct drive motor coupling is used on some top load and front-load machines instead of a belt drive. Its main purpose is to transfer power from the motor to the transmission. As it wears, the coupling will start to slip and eventually fail to engage the drive forks that allow the basket to agitate or spin.
This diagnosis and repair will require removing the cabinet to access the direct drive motor coupling, so contact your repairman soon.
Clutch Assembly
A clutch assembly is used on some top-load washers to lock the transmission to aid the spin cycle. Repeated friction can cause the clutch pads to wear and scrape; eventually slowing the spin cycle or stopping it altogether. You may notice other symptoms such as:
- Brake dust or shavings under the machine
A burning smell during the wash cycle
A loud noise during the spin cycle
This is another complicated mechanical repair that should be left to the professionals. To access the clutch, you’ll need to remove the cabinet, the drive motor and the transmission assembly. The washing machine technician will be able to accurately determine if the clutch is worn or damaged and if it should be replaced.
Other Reasons Why Washing Machines Stop Spinning
While these are the most common causes of spin failure on the front- and top-load washing machines, other issues can present problems. More serious problems such as a faulty water pump, motor or transmission can be determined by an appliance repair service.
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