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Washing Machine Not Spinning: Causes, Solution and What Replacement Part You Need
If your washing machine isn't spinning, your clothes are coming out soaking wet, and the problem could have up to eight different causes: from something as simple as an uneven load to a real fault in the motor or electronic control board. In this guide, we'll go over the causes, from the most common to the rarest, to help you identify what's wrong with your washing machine and what replacement part you need if it requires repair.
How the spin cycle works (and why it gets stuck)
During the spin cycle, the drum rotates at high speed to expel water from the clothes using centrifugal force. For this to happen, the washing machine needs three things: that the water has drained completely, that the load is balanced, and that the door is properly closed. If any of these three points are not met, the electronics will stop the spin cycle for safety reasons, even though the rest of the program will continue to function normally.
Cause 1: Unbalanced or excessive load
This is by far the number one cause. If you put in just one blanket, a duvet, or heavy jeans along with a few other clothes, the drum becomes unbalanced, and the vibration sensor cancels the spin cycle to avoid damaging the bearings. The same thing happens if you overload the washing machine beyond its capacity.
- Open the door and redistribute the clothes evenly
- Add a small item if you've only washed one large item
- Check the maximum recommended weight for the program you are using
Cause 2: Blocked drain filter or pump
If water remains in the drum after the wash cycle, the washing machine will not spin for safety reasons. The most common cause is a clogged pump filter made of coins, buttons, hairpins, or lint. Locate the access panel at the bottom front of the machine, place a container and towels around it, and unscrew the filter to clean it.
If the filter is clean and the problem persists, the drain pump may be damaged or blocked internally. In that case, you will need to replace it; in our store, we have drain pumps compatible with most brands
Even if the filter is clean, a kinked or crushed drain hose, or one with accumulated dirt inside, can prevent the water from draining properly. The washing machine interprets this as an incomplete drain and blocks the spin cycle as a safety measure. Carefully disconnect the hose, check for kinks, and rinse it with hot water if you see any debris inside.
Cause 4: Door not properly closed or faulty safety lock
Modern washing machines won't spin if the system doesn't detect that the door is properly closed. Sometimes it's clothes caught in the rubber seal, other times it's the safety lock itself that's misaligned or broken. Open and close the door firmly, checking that nothing is caught on the rubber seal; if you don't hear the usual click, the lock is probably faulty and needs replacing.
Cause 5: Pressure switch (water level sensor) malfunction
The pressure switch is the sensor that tells the electronic control board how much water is in the drum. If it malfunctions, the washing machine may think there is still water in the drum even though it's empty, and therefore won't start the spin cycle. This fault is less frequent than the previous ones, but typical in washing machines that are several years old.
Cause 6: Worn motor brushes
If the motor loses power, the drum may start washing normally but won't reach the necessary revolutions for the spin cycle. You'll usually notice a progressively weaker spin before it stops working altogether. This is a normal wear and tear after several years of use, and replacing it is usually affordable.
Cause 7: Loose or broken drive belt
In washing machines with belt-driven motors, if the belt loosens or breaks, the motor spins but doesn't transmit power to the drum. This is easy to identify: when the spin cycle starts, you can hear the motor running, but the drum barely moves or doesn't spin at all. The belt is an inexpensive part and relatively easy to replace.
Cause 8: Damaged electronic board
This is the least common cause and the last thing you should suspect. If you've checked everything else and the problem persists, the circuit board that controls the programs might be faulty. In this case, unless you have prior experience, it's advisable to have a technician diagnose the problem before buying the part, as it's one of the most expensive components of the appliance.
Related spare parts
If you have already identified the faulty part, at Electro Cholo we have replacement parts compatible with most brands:
