If your washing machine has problems during the spin cycle, several issues might be at play. Broken suspensions or absorbers can cause excessive shaking due to an unbalanced drum. Motor problems, like a worn belt, can prevent the drum from turning. A faulty door lock can stop the machine from spinning for safety reasons. An unreliable speed sensor might skip balance checks, leading to an uneven spin. Lastly, a malfunctioning drain pump can prevent the spin cycle from starting if it doesn’t remove all the water. A technician can diagnose and fix these issues by replacing parts, cleaning systems, and recalibrating the machine. Learn more about our washer repair services.
$25 OFF
with Online Application
Main Issues When Washer Won’t Spin
Description and Troubleshooting of Problems
Suspension or Absorbers Broken
If the drum in your washing machine is unbalanced and shakes excessively during the spin cycle, the issue likely lies with the drum’s balance. This problem often occurs after overloading the washer, and it can be caused by a single instance of overloading. In top-loading washing machines, the balance is maintained by suspensions—springs located in most models at the corners of the drum. If even one of these suspensions is not functioning correctly, the drum will shake at high speeds, and you may hear banging sounds as the drum hits the sides of the machine. For side-loading washing machines, a similar issue occurs, but instead of suspensions, springs and absorbers are used to maintain the drum’s balance. If the technician determines that the suspensions or absorbers are damaged and not working correctly, they need to be replaced. We recommend replacing all suspensions or absorbers, as replacing just one faulty component may not fully resolve the issue. This problem can occur in both new and older washing machines, depending on how frequently the machine is overloaded. After replacement, the technician will recalibrate the drum, and your washing machine should function like new.
Motor Is Not Working
In most cases, motors are quite durable, but if your motor isn’t starting, there could be an issue with it. A common problem is a worn-out belt; if the belt slips off, it may get tangled around the motor and block it or partially restrict its movement. Another frequent issue is when the belt slips off, and you can hear the motor running, but the drum doesn’t turn. If the problem is with the belt, replacing it should resolve the issue and restore normal function. Even if the belt has wrapped around the motor, it’s often possible to clean the motor and simply replace the belt. However, if the motor itself is faulty, it will need to be replaced.
Door Lock Is Not Working
When the washing machine enters the spin cycle, it must engage the door lock to ensure safety. During the spin cycle, the drum rotates at high speeds, and the machine only starts draining water and spinning once it confirms that the door lock is secure. If the door lock fails to engage, the machine will stop and wait for the lock to close. A common issue is when the door lock makes a clicking sound, indicating it’s trying to close but can’t. This problem frequently occurs with washing machines from brands like Whirlpool, Roper, Amana, Kenmore, Frigidaire, Maytag, and GE. If the door lock is faulty, it needs to be replaced. Another issue might be if the door doesn’t close completely, preventing the lock from securing the door. This could be due to door deformation. Depending on the severity of the defect, a technician will determine if the door or its components need repair or replacement.
Faulty Speed Sensor
The speed sensor plays a crucial role in the operation of a washing machine. During the spin cycle, the motor starts at low speeds to evenly distribute the load inside the drum, preventing an uneven distribution of clothes. If the speed sensor malfunctions, the machine might skip the initial low-speed phase and immediately accelerate, leading to an unbalanced drum. If the speed sensor is faulty, it needs to be replaced. Additionally, after replacing the sensor, it’s essential to calibrate the spin cycle to ensure the washing machine operates correctly and maintains optimal performance.
Faulty Drain Pump
The drain pump plays a critical role in the spin cycle of a washing machine. The spin cycle cannot start if there is still water in the drum, as the level sensor must detect an empty drum to initiate the spin. If the drain pump is clogged or malfunctioning and fails to expel the water, the machine will stop and wait until all the water is removed. If the drain pump is clogged, it can usually be cleaned, or in some models, a filter can be cleared to restore functionality. We recommend cleaning these filters every 4-6 months to significantly extend the life of the drain pump. If the pump itself does not start or the impeller is damaged, it needs to be replaced. When our technicians replace a drain pump, they also clean the entire drainage system, including the hoses, to ensure optimal performance.
Repair Cost
| Replacing the suspension and absorbers | $260 – $380 |
| Belt or motor replacing | $230 – $370 |
| Door repairing or replacing | $240 – $350 |
| Speed sensor replacing | $220 – $340 |
| Drain pump cleaning or replacing | $280 – $360 |
The expense of fixing a washer can vary depending on the brand, model, and the complexity of the issue.
Contact Us For Any Washer Repair Service
We’re here to handle all your washer concerns, whether it’s cycle issues or total failures. If you’d rather not call, simply fill out the brief form below to get in touch with us. Book your washer repair appointment with one of our experts today!
Call us today: (863) 594-1784
or fill out the form and we will contact you ourselves.
Teodor Appliance Repair delivers exceptional appliance repair services across Florida. Renowned for our dependability and dedication to excellence, we handle a broad spectrum of appliance maintenance. Our technicians are adept at diagnosing and fixing problems with refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, ovens, and more. For convenient location access, check us out on Google Maps using these links:
For some time now, I’ve been a content manager at TEODOR APPLIANCE REPAIR. I enjoy optimizing content and visualizing it on the website’s pages. My role is mostly unnoticed by most clients, but it’s appreciated by my management, which motivates me to create high-quality content!
2 Comments
Hi! How do I know if the suspensions or absorbers are broken in my washing machine?
These two parts are totally connected and show the same signs when something’s off with your washing machine. Without taking it apart, there’s no way to tell for sure whether it’s the suspension or the shocks that’s gone bad. You’ve got to open up the machine and check it out visually to pinpoint what’s causing the problem.