Washer won’t spin or stops mid-cycle: causes and checks

When a washer stops spinning, you open it to a drum of soaked clothes and standing water. Or the cycle stops halfway and the panel just sits there. Both are common, and many causes are simple. The trick is to check in the right order.

When a washer stops spinning: decide which problem you have

• Stops mid-cycle, panel still lit or showing a code. Usually a drain, door, or balance issue.
• Fills and washes but never spins. Water is probably still in the drum, or the washer thinks the load is unbalanced or the door is open.
• Everything goes dead partway through. A power or control fault, or a safety cut-out.
• Motor hums or you can smell something hot, but the drum does not turn. Stop and read the last section.

Check 1: is there water left in the drum?

Most washers will not spin until the water has been pumped out. If the drum still has water, the washer stops spinning because of drainage, not a drive fault. Look at the drain hose for kinks, make sure it is not shoved too far down the standpipe, and on a front-loader clean the pump filter behind the small door at the lower front. Unplug the washer and have towels and a pan ready first. Our washer troubleshooting guide walks through draining in more detail.

Check 2: is the load unbalanced?

A washer stops spinning early when it senses too much vibration during spin. If the load is lopsided, the machine tries to rebalance, and if it fails it stops or goes back to wash and rinse. Bath mats, jeans, towels and a single bulky item are typical causes. Stop the cycle, wait until the drum is still and the door unlocks, spread the clothes evenly, and add a couple of towels if the load is only one heavy item. Overloading causes the same trouble. You should be able to fit a hand between the clothes and the top of the drum.

Check 3: is the machine level?

Push down on each front corner. If the washer rocks, adjust the feet until it sits firmly, then tighten the lock nuts. A washer on an uneven floor, or one still fitted with shipping bolts, will shake until the washer stops spinning.

Check 4: does it know the door is closed?

If the door latch or lid switch does not signal that the door is shut and locked, the washer stops spinning or never starts the spin. On a front-loader, listen for a click when you shut the door. On a top-loader, look at the lid switch, which is the small plastic plunger or slot under the lid rim. If the door has to be slammed or held shut, the latch is wearing out. That is a straightforward part replacement for a technician.

Check 5: the problem is mechanical

If the basics are fine and the washer stops spinning anyway, the cause is usually one of these.

• Drive belt (some models). A belt that is stretched or broken lets the motor run while the drum does not follow. Many modern washers use direct drive and have no belt.
• Motor coupling (top-loaders). A plastic coupler between motor and transmission is designed to wear out rather than damage the motor. The motor runs, but the agitator and basket do not turn.
• Lid switch or door lock. Covered above.
• Drain pump. A pump that is failing may not clear the water fast enough for the spin to start.
• Control board or motor control. Less common. A technician should confirm this before any board is replaced, because boards are an expensive part to guess at.

When the washer stops partway and the clothes are wet

Do not just restart it repeatedly. First clear the water: many washers have a drain-and-spin option, or you can use a dedicated drain cycle. If it will not drain, unplug the machine and bail out the water before reaching for the filter. If you pull the pump filter on a full drum, the water comes out all at once, so go slowly. Wring out or carry the wet laundry to a tub, and run a small balanced load to see if it spins.

Stop and call if

• The motor hums and gets hot, or there is a burning smell.
• You hear metal grinding or a loud bang during spin.
• The drum can be moved wildly from side to side when the washer is off, which points to worn bearings or suspension.
• The breaker trips.

Never override a door lock or lid switch to force a spin. A washer stops spinning when the door opens on purpose: those switches exist to stop the drum. For general laundry-room safety, the National Fire Protection Association publishes dryer and washing machine safety tips. Details on what we handle are on our washer repair page.

If you would rather have a technician look at it, book at /book/ or call (916) 582-7791 and ask for the next available window. The service call is $80, paid at your home or with PayPal or a credit card.

Common questions

Why does my washer fill and wash but not spin?

Usually the water has not drained, the load is unbalanced, or the washer does not detect the door as locked. If those are clear, a drain pump, belt or motor coupling may be at fault.

Why does my washer stop in the middle of a cycle?

Common reasons are an unbalanced load, a clogged drain, a door latch or lid switch fault, or a control fault. Check balance and drain first.

Can I spin clothes in the washer if the water will not drain?

No. Drain the water first, by cleaning the filter or hose or bailing it out, then run a spin.

Does a washer that will not spin need a new motor?

Often not. A worn motor coupling, belt, door switch or pump is more common than a failed motor, so confirm the cause before replacing anything.