Why won't my washing machine spin? And how can I fix it?
For many of us, it's important that our washing machine works properly and completes the entire wash cycle without any issues. Yes, if it stops spinning but the other functions work, that's better than if it doesn't work at all. After all, you can spin the clothes by hand.
But on the other hand, not everyone wants to spend their time on this. And not everyone can spin laundry as efficiently as an automatic washing machine. And with a good spin, laundry will dry faster. Therefore, it makes more sense to repair our household appliances to enjoy their full functionality in the future.
I have some good news for some of our readers. If your washing machine isn't spinning, it doesn't mean it's broken. Chances are, you simply turned this feature off during your last wash and forgot to turn it back on. So, let's check this possibility first.
The spin function is disabled or the gentle wash is used.
Most modern washing machines have special programs, such as "gentle wash." When using this mode, the machine uses a special wash cycle. This means that spinning may be incomplete or absent altogether, leaving items wet. This mode is designed to preserve the integrity of even the most delicate fabrics. Therefore, check which mode you've set. And if you're using the gentle wash cycle, you can always consult your appliance's manual.
Some models do not have spin mode in this mode. Also, pay attention to the buttons that disable individual functions. If you don't have the gentle cycle selected and the spin stop button pressed, but the machine still produces laundry that's clearly wet, then there's something wrong. Now it's time to determine which one.
There are several types of malfunctions that can cause this problem. Let's look at them and discuss how to fix them without resorting to specialized repair services.
The washing machine does not drain water.
To diagnose this problem, simply look inside the washing machine through the transparent door. Don't open it; just bend over and take a look. If you see water that hasn't drained, the problem isn't with the spin cycle. In this case, the problem is with the drainage mechanism. One of the most common problems in this situation is a faulty drain pump. A clogged filter or drain hose can also be present.
If the water has not drained from the tank of our machine, then the spin program will not start. This is provided by the manufacturers. For a complete guide on how to fix this problem, please read the article: "What to do if the washing machine does not drain water" Here we will not go into detail about troubleshooting this problem, but move on to the next one.
The heating element is faulty
The heating element is the washing machine's heating element. It raises the temperature of the cold water entering the machine to the required level. A malfunction of this element can also cause the spin cycle to stop working. To learn how to replace it, watch the video:
The tachogenerator is not working
Despite the washing machine's manual specifying the maximum load capacity, many of us still manage to load more laundry than allowed. This isn't surprising, as not everyone agrees to weigh their laundry before washing. Unfortunately, this type of behavior can damage the tachometer.
The tacho sensor controls the required drum speed during all washing cycles. If the tacho sensor is damaged, it must be replaced. If the screw that secures it is loose, it must be tightened.
Washing machine motor malfunction
To access the washing machine's motor, you need to disassemble the appliance's body. Before removing the fasteners and wires, take a photo with your phone or camera. The photo will help you reconnect all the wires in the correct places when you reinstall the motor.
Once the motor is removed, you should check the commutator brushes. They can wear out during washing machine operation. To determine if the brushes are the problem, measure their length. If it's less than half a centimeter, it's time to replace them. In addition to this problem, you may also experience water leakage onto the motor. Once all possible issues have been resolved, you can reinstall the washing machine's motor and connect the wires using the photo as a guide. You can test the spin function without removing the washing machine body.
Replacing the washing machine motor brushes is shown here:
It's also possible for the control module to fail. This is a rare and rather unpleasant problem. We don't recommend replacing the washing machine module yourself unless you have experience with this. It's best to contact a professional for this problem.
Interesting:
39 reader comments
Headings
Washing machine repair
For buyers
For users
Dishwasher







Thank you so much for this video. Not for the replacement process itself, but for the comment about how even long brushes can be ineffective.
Help with my washing machine repair. The machine spins, but when I turn it on for washing, it fills with water, then the relay clicks. The machine hums, but the drum doesn't spin.
Hello) Did you solve the problem??? I have the same problem
It was like this: the mechanic replaced the relay, the labor cost 1500 rubles, the job took 10 minutes.
I turn on the washing mode, any one, and mine just spins the drum, I turn it off and the door opens.
In any mode, the drum only spins in one direction, what's wrong with it?
The module has failed.
I have this problem: I plug the washing machine in, and it turns on automatically. The pump runs smoothly and displays F11. What's wrong? Please help. I checked the module and it was found to be working.
Ardo washing machine, the centrifuge function does not turn on.
Hello!
My SIEMENS SIWAMAT XS 1063 washing machine won't spin or drain. It's not new, but it was assembled in Germany.
I checked all the drain hoses, cleaned the filter, even removed the hoses in the machine itself, everything is clean... when I turn on the spin or drain mode (without water), the drain pump impeller starts spinning, but the drum does not spin.
After my intervention, it started working again and lasted for about a month. And then it happened again: it washed everything and stopped with water on the rinse cycle.
Maybe you can suggest something?
Thank you.
The thin hose from the sensor to the tank may not be sealed (pressure switch sensor). Or it could just be the brushes.
Look at the belt
Could you please tell me there's a glitch in the program? The machine washed and then stopped, but I need to switch the spin cycle to manual. What could it be?
Could you please advise me about my ARDO AED 800X washing machine? When I turn on the spin cycle, the drum spins for about a minute, the pump runs, and then suddenly turns off. After 2-3 seconds, it turns on again, runs for about a minute, and then turns off again.
My LG washing machine runs during the wash cycle, but the drum doesn't spin during the spin cycle! As soon as it starts, the motor simply stops. The pump is running! It's a direct drive!
Hello! I have this problem.
We just bought an Indesit washing machine. A couple of washes turned out great, but on the third one the spin cycle stopped working.
What's the matter and what should I do in this case?
Thank you.
Try unplugging the machine. Press the buttons to cut off the current. Then plug it back in. That helped us.
Please help. My LG washing machine's quick spin doesn't work, but the slow spin does.
The machine isn't spinning. We checked all the hoses—they're clean. The brushes are working, too.
Tatyana, did you solve the spin problem? If so, how?
I need help! The spin indicator doesn't light up in any mode, but it doesn't work on all programs. The pump is working, and all the pipes are clean. What could be wrong?
Siemens iq500 washing machine. Sometimes it spins, sometimes it doesn't (the drum doesn't spin up). The hoses are clean, the pump drains, the brushes are working properly. What could be wrong?
I have the same problem.
Hello! I have an Indesit wil83. It spins as needed, but recently it has stopped spinning altogether, no matter the setting or RPM. The drain works fine. After turning it off, the lid opens, and I have to wring out the laundry by hand. Can you tell me what could be wrong? Thanks in advance!
Hello, my ARDO A1000 washing machine washes, rinses, and drains, but does not spin (it tries to accelerate and then both the spin and pump turn off at the same time), while the machine continues to operate.
I checked the brushes (there was 1 cm left, so I replaced them anyway). The pump drains water perfectly, even with high pressure. The filter is clean, the pressure switch is working properly, and the hose is not clogged. Airflow is good, and the tachometer is working properly. Everything on the module seems to be intact.
My Indesit 7 kg automatic washing machine washes and drains. It just hums during the spin cycle. Could you tell me what could be causing this?
Hello! Could you please tell me what could be wrong with my washing machine? It turns on, but when I select any wash cycle, the water fills and then drains immediately. It doesn't spin. Basically, the drum doesn't spin during either the wash or spin cycle. What could be wrong?
The drain hose is too low; raise it 150 centimeters and everything will work. Or the hose is clogged with dirt; clean it.
Hello everyone. I have a problem: the machine works fine and drains during the wash cycle. But when it comes to the spin cycle, it doesn't spin; it just stops and doesn't drain the remaining water. What could be the problem?
Hello! I need help with the following.
I have ARDO Anna 800.
The spin cycle has stopped working properly: it spins like a wash cycle, only the initial drum speed is higher. It spins and then stops.
What I did and my thoughts:
— the pump is pumping.
I don’t even know what could happen anymore…
Wash by hand.
I wash clothes, the water drains, but the second time it drains, it drains outside instead of down the drain. So I quickly unplug it and plug it back in a few minutes. Everything drains down the drain. Why is that? Could the pipe be clogged?
Why does water leak from the washing machine after washing?
Thanks for the advice. The washing machine is 14 years old and stopped spinning. After checking it, I decided to replace the heating element. An autopsy revealed that it was warping. Now the machine continues to function.
The water isn't draining, all the pipes are clean, including the filter. What's the problem?
Hello, my Samsung washing machine won't spin or speed up until I blow into the drain hose. What could be the problem?
Please help me with some advice. I have a Veko washing machine, and the plastic around the door mount is cracked. Where can I buy a new door?
Thank you. I fixed everything myself.
Good evening. I have a Candy washing machine. The spin cycle has stopped working recently. There are two odd things going on. In test mode, the spin cycle works and there are no errors. Without the belt, the motor spins during the spin cycle, but the timer doesn't work. Please help me find the answer.