Let me guess, your washer is not spinning and you’re worried that it would cost you a fortune (which you do not have) to fix it? Don’t be worried. You do not always need to call a repairman to get it fixed, it could be something you can fix yourself.
In this post, I am going to show you some of the possible things causing your washer not to spin and how you can fix it.
However a faulty motor coupler, faulty clutch, or water level switch could be the reason your washing machine is not spinning and might still require professional help.
So you might have to later resort to hiring a repairman but let’s try fixing it yourself first.
Frigidaire Washer Not Spinning: How to Find & Fix The Cause
Before trying to carry out any of the actions in this article, take this very seriously.
Unplug your washer from the power source and shut the water source off because some of the actions here may require you to do some internal component check.
Once you’ve done that, let’s get into it,
1. Check for unbalanced load in the washer
One of the most common causes of an inadequate spin cycle is an unbalanced load of laundry.
Having so much clothing on one side of the drum throws your machine off motion. This usually happens when you are washing large or heavy items like bedspreads or heavy coats.
Although some washers won’t stop spinning, they would only not spin at high speed which would leave your clothes dripping wet.
Solution
If you suspect that the clothing in your washer is not distributed evenly, arrange them, make sure they are spread throughout the washer, and run the spin cycle again.
2. Check the power source
It is possible that your washer is not spinning because of a cut in the power supply. Make sure you check your power source and if it is secure, make sure the power is supplied into the washer.
Note: Do not use an extension cord to power your washer.
Extension cords can’t conduct enough electricity to power the washer’s motor and this can overheat the motor and cause it to shut itself off. Instead of using an extension cord, plug your washer directly into an outlet.
3. Check if the washer is balanced
Sometimes your washer might have been shifted in a way that it is no longer balanced on its adjustable pedestal. If this happens, it won’t spin properly.
To detect whether this is the case, look out for other signs like excess noise and vibration during washing.
Solution
Adjust each leg higher or lower depending on which would make your washer completely level.
4. Watch out for blockage in the drainage system
Time for some internal checks.
There is a possibility that the drainage system is preventing the washer from spinning.
Small items like keys can fall out of pockets or buttons pulling off from clothing and get stuck in the hoses attached to the drain pump, subsequently blocking drainage and then stop spinning.
Solution
Access your washer’s drain pump mostly located in the back of the washer, near the floor. In some washers, the drain pump can be accessed without removing the back of the washer and others require you to detach the back.
Please refer to the owner’s manual for instructions on how to access the drain pump of your washer. Once found, look for possible blockage and remove them.
5. Check the lid switch
If the plastic tab on the lid is broken, it can stop the washer from spinning. Check if the switch is clicking, if it doesn’t click, it might be the problem.
Solution
Replace the switch if needed. You might need to call a professional repairman for this.
6. Check the drive belt
There is also a possibility that the drive belt of the washer is broken or maybe slipped off the pulley wheel. This can cause the washer to stop spinning but the motor might still be running.
To know whether this is the problem is quite easy, remove the back of the washer and check if the belt is properly fixed around the pulley. If not, it might be a broken or worn-out drive belt.
Solution
If the drive belt is not fixed properly around the pulley, fix it around the pulley. Otherwise, the drive belt might be broken, you will need to replace it.
You need to contact a repairman to replace it.
Please note
If spinning remains a problem even after trying to fix it yourself, you need to contact a repairman. There are other reasons that might cause your washer not to spin, a repairman would detect that.
It could be
- A faulty drain pump
- Faulty motor coupler
- Lid switch
It could be any other thing you cannot handle yourself, really.
