There are many possible reasons why your washer won’t spin, and while some are easy to fix (like an unbalanced load), others require professional expertise. If you’re dealing with a lid lock failure, a broken drive belt, a faulty motor coupler, or a clogged drain system, it’s better to call a technician to avoid further damage. Read more about our washer repair:
Reasons Why the Washer Won’t Spin
- Unbalanced Load
- Faulty Lid Lock
- Broken or Slipped Drive Belt
- Broken Motor Coupler (For Top-Load Washers)
- Clogged or Faulty Drain System
Unbalanced Load – №1
This usually happens in the middle of the cycle when the washer struggles to balance the load.
Why does this happen?
- If you overload your washer with heavy items like blankets, rugs, or too many towels, it can throw the drum off balance
- On the flip side, if you don’t put enough items inside, they can bunch up on one side, causing imbalance again.
- If you loaded a normal amount of laundry but still have this issue, your washer’s suspension rods might be worn out and need replacement
Fix
- Try redistributing the clothes evenly
- If you overloaded the washer, remove some items. If it’s underloaded, add a few more to balance it out
- If balancing the load doesn’t help and the washer keeps going off-balance, call a technician—your suspension rods likely need replacing
- After replacing suspension rods, the technician will calibrate the washer to ensure smooth operation
Repair and replacement cost: from $250
Faulty Lid Lock – №2
This is a common problem, especially in top-load washers. The washer fills with water but won’t start spinning for safety reasons.
Why does this happen?
- The lid lock mechanism prevents the washer from spinning if the lid is open or if the lock is broken
- If the lock isn’t engaging properly, the washer won’t spin at all
Diagnosis
- Diagnosing a faulty lid lock requires special tools, so this isn’t something you can easily check yourself
Fix
If you suspect a broken lid lock, it’s best to call a technician for inspection and replacement.
Inspection and replacement cost: from $220
Broken or Slipped Drive Belt – №3
If your washer won’t spin but the motor still runs, the issue might be with the drive belt. Excessive vibration or worn-out plastic parts in the drive system can cause the belt to slip off or break.
Diagnosis
- Tilt the washer slightly or remove the back panel (depending on your washer model) to inspect the belt
- If the belt has slipped off, you can try placing it back on
Fix
- If the belt keeps slipping off even after you put it back, call a technician—there may be an underlying issue with the motor or pulley system
Repair cost: from $200
Broken Motor Coupler – №4
If you hear the motor running but the drum isn’t spinning, you might have a broken motor coupler.
Why does this happen?
- The motor coupler connects the motor to the transmission. Over time, it wears out, especially on brands like Whirlpool, Maytag, and Kenmore top-load washers
Fix
Unfortunately, replacing a motor coupler requires special tools and experience, so this is a job for a professional technician.
Diagnosis and repair cost: from $220
Clogged or Faulty Drain System – №5
If the washer isn’t draining properly, it won’t spin because it still “thinks” there’s water inside the drum.
Signs of a Drain Problem:
- The washer won’t enter the spin cycle
- The drain pump keeps running, even though there’s no water left in the drum
- The washer may get stuck mid-cycle
Possible Causes:
- A clogged drain hose
- A faulty pressure sensor
- A problem with the control board
Fix
- Check the drain hose for blockages. If it’s clogged, clear it out
- If the drain hose is fine but the problem persists, it could be a faulty pressure sensor or control board, which requires a technician’s help
Repair cost: from $250
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I’m an appliance repair technician based in Houston, Texas. Here, I share my hands-on experience and insights. Hope you find my articles helpful! Feel free to drop a comment or share your thoughts—I’d be happy to chat!
3 Comments
I have a Samsung washing machine, model WF50R8500AV, and I’m having an issue—it stops in the middle of the cycle. I tried redistributing the load, thinking it might be unbalanced, but that didn’t help. I’m ready to schedule a technician, but I’d really like to have it fixed on the first visit. Is that possible?
A malfunction like yours can be caused by several different issues, so a diagnostic needs to be performed first before making a decision. There are also some breakdowns that may not be worth repairing. For example, a broken drum spider—repairing it would cost as much as a new washing machine.
Place your order on our website, and we will come to you and perform a diagnostic. The diagnostic fee is $79, but you won’t have to pay it if you choose to proceed with the repair with us.
My washing machine used to work perfectly, but recently I noticed it refuses to start the spin cycle. Previously, there was a click when closing the door, but now there isn’t. The door is still securely closed. Can you tell me what the issue is — the door or the lock?