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Why Won't My Washer Spin?

by the Berry team · Updated

A washer that will not spin is most often off balance, overloaded, or still full of water because it cannot drain, and all three can be fixed without tools. If the load and drain are fine, the usual culprits are a failed lid switch or door lock, a worn drive belt, or a broken motor coupler, which are typically $150-$400 repairs with a technician.

Likely causes and what they cost to fix

Ordered roughly from most to least common. Start with the free checks.

Unbalanced or overloaded loadThe washer tries to spin, thumps or shakes, then stops. Often a single heavy item like a towel bundle or comforter.DIY$0ProNo repair needed
Not drainingWater is still in the drum at the end of the cycle. Washers will not spin full of water.DIY$0 to clear a pump filter or hosePro$100-$350 depending on the cause
Lid switch or door lock failureThe washer fills and agitates but skips the spin, or a door lock light blinks.DIY$20-$80 for the partPro$150-$300
Worn or broken drive beltThe motor hums or runs, but the drum does not turn, sometimes with a burning rubber smell.DIY$15-$40 for a beltPro$150-$250
Broken motor couplerCommon on some direct-drive top loaders. Motor runs, drum does not, and the coupler is in pieces.DIY$10-$30 for the partPro$150-$250
Motor, control board, or clutchEverything above is fine, and the washer does nothing at spin time or shows an error code.DIYNot recommendedPro$250-$600
Transmission or bearingsLoud grinding or roaring during spin, or a drum that wobbles badly. Common on older machines.DIYNot recommendedPro$400-$800, often more than an older washer is worth

Ranges are typical US prices and vary with your region, your home, and the season. A pro quote for your exact job beats any range.

The free checks

  1. Rebalance the load. Open the washer, spread the clothes evenly around the drum, and run a spin or drain and spin cycle. Wash heavy items like bath mats and comforters with a couple of towels, not alone and not with a full load.
  2. Take some out. If the drum is packed, remove a third of the load and try again.
  3. Check for standing water. If there is water in the drum, the washer cannot drain, and it will not spin until it can. See why a washing machine is not draining.
  4. Close the lid or door firmly. Washers will not spin unless the lid switch or door lock confirms it is closed.
  5. Check the level. A washer that rocks on its feet can trip its out-of-balance sensor. Adjust the feet until it sits firmly.
  6. Reset it. Unplug the washer for a minute or two, then plug it back in. This clears some control glitches.

Testing the lid switch

On a top loader, the lid switch is a small plastic tab or striker that the lid presses when closed. Watch it as you close the lid. If the striker is bent or broken, or you do not hear a click, the switch may have failed. On front loaders, a door lock that does not engage stops the spin, and many will blink a door lock light. These are inexpensive parts and a reasonable DIY repair for many models.

Belts and couplers

If the motor runs but the drum does not turn, the connection between them has failed. Depending on the model, that is a drive belt or a motor coupler. Both are cheap. Look up the repair for your exact model number, which is usually on a label under the lid or inside the door frame, since the access steps vary a lot between washers.

When it is not worth fixing

Loud grinding during spin usually means drum bearings or the transmission, which are major repairs. On a washer near the end of its typical range, often around 10 to 14 years, those repairs usually cost more than the machine is worth. See how long appliances last and when to repair or replace.

When to call a pro

  • The washer makes loud grinding, roaring, or banging noises during spin.
  • You smell burning, or the washer trips a breaker or GFCI.
  • Water is leaking from under the washer.
  • The load is balanced, the washer drains, the lid locks, and it still will not spin.

What makes it worse if you wait

  • Clothes left soaking wet in a drum sour quickly, and mildew can set into the washer gasket.
  • Running a washer with a slipping belt or failing bearings causes more damage to the motor and tub.
  • Repeated out-of-balance spins can walk the washer across the floor and strain hoses and connections, which can lead to leaks.

Common questions

Why is my washer not spinning but draining?

If water drains but the drum does not spin, common causes are an unbalanced load, a failed lid switch or door lock, a worn drive belt, or a broken motor coupler. Rebalance the load first, then check the lid or door mechanism.

How much does it cost to fix a washer that will not spin?

Lid switches, door locks, belts, and couplers typically cost $150-$300 with a technician, or $10-$80 for the part if you do it yourself. Motor and control board repairs often run $250-$600, and transmission repairs more.

Can an unbalanced load stop a washer from spinning?

Yes. Most modern washers detect an off-balance load and stop or slow the spin to protect the machine. Spread the clothes evenly and wash heavy items with a few towels to balance them.

Is it worth fixing a washer that will not spin?

Often yes for cheap parts like lid switches, belts, and couplers. For transmission or bearing failures on an older washer, replacement is usually the better value.

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