Washing Machine Not Spinning [Problems & Solutions]

Is your washing machine not spinning? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This detailed guide will explain the causes of this problem and give you easy-to-follow steps on how to fix them. So, without further ado, let’s get right to it…

Washing Machine Not Spinning Burning Smell — Solved

If your washing machine isn’t spinning and is giving off a burning smell, here are the things that could be at fault…

1. Faulty Drive Motor

Do the following to replace a damaged drive motor in your top loader washing machine…

Step 1. Always ensure that you turn off your washing machine’s water and power supply before attempting any repairs in order to avoid any chances of electrocution and water damage.

Step 2. Insert a putty knife under the main top panel of your washing machine to release the two clips holding the front section in place.

Step 3. Detach the panel from the washing machine and set it aside.

Step 4. Disconnect the mode shifter and motor wires connected to the motor board (make sure to take note of the positioning of the wires).

Step 5. To release the wires from the motor frame, use a pair of pliers to squeeze the end of the motor wire retainer.

Step 6. Slide the drive belt off the drive motor pulley.

Step 7. Use a socket wrench to take out the mounting nuts at the bottom of the drive motor (to take out the mounting nuts completely, you’ll need to tilt the drive motor forwards a little bit).

Step 8. Lift the drive motor off the mounting bracket and out of your washing machine.

Step 9. Take your new drive motor assembly out of its packaging.

Step 10. Set the new drive motor on the mounting bracket and secure it by applying the mounting nuts (In order to be able to properly apply the rear mounting nuts, you’ll need to tilt the new drive motor assembly forwards a bit).

Step 11. Loop the drive belt onto the motor shaft and drive pulley.

Step 12. Snap the wire retainer into the motor base.

Step 13. Connect each wire to its appropriate terminal on the new drive motor assembly.

Step 14. Snap the main front panel of your washing machine back in place.

Step 15. Turn on your washing machine’s water supply and plug the power cord back in, then make sure everything is working properly by trying to run a wash cycle.

Note: The procedure above can only be applied to top loader washing machines.

2. Damaged Washing Machine Drive Belt

Here’s what you’ll need to do in order to replace a damaged drive belt in your top loader washing machine…

Step 1. In order to avoid any chances of electrocution and water leakage, make sure to turn off your washing machine’s water supply and unplug the power cord before attempting any repairs.

Step 2. Insert a putty knife under the main top panel of your washing machine to release the clips holding the main front panel.

Step 3. Pull the main front panel off the washing machine and set it aside.

Step 4. Pull the drive belt from drive pulley and motor shaft and set it aside.

Step 5. Take your new washing machine drive belt out of its packaging.

Step 6. Zip-tie the drive belt to the right side of the drive pulley (ensure that you turn the flat side of the drive belt so it faces upwards).

Step 7. Loop the new drive belt around the motor shaft.

Step 8. Rotate the drive pulley clockwise to help fully align the new drive belt.

Step 9. Cut the zip-tie on the new drive belt.

Step 10. Snap the main front panel of your washing machine back in place.

Step 11. Plug your washing machine’s power cord back in and turn on the water supply, then run a wash cycle to make sure everything is working properly.

Note: Please note that the procedures above can be applied only on top loader washing machines.

3. Start Capacitor Failed

To replace a damaged start capacitor in your top loader washing machine, here are the steps you’ll need to take…

Step 1. Prevent any chances of water leakage and electrocution by turning off your washing machine’s water supply and unplug the power cord before attempting any repairs.

Step 2. Insert a putty knife under the main top panel of your washing machine to release the clips holding the front panel of your washing machine.

Step 3. Detach the main front panel from your washing machine and set it aside.

Step 4. The start capacitor is mounted on the side of the washer’s cabinet. Disconnect the two electrical connectors from the capacitor.

Step 5. Cut the zip ties holding the capacitor to the cabinet frame and set the old start capacitor aside.

Step 6. Take your new start capacitor out of its packaging.

Step 7. Mount the new start capacitor on the cabinet frame and secure by passing zip ties through the two holes on the cabinet.

Step 8. Tape the capacitor wires to the new start capacitor and connect the two electrical connectors to the capacitor.

Step 9. Snap your washing machine’s main front panel back in place.

Step 10. Plug your washing machine’s power cord back in and turn on the water supply, then make sure everything is working properly by running a wash cycle.

Washing Machine Not Spinning Or Draining — Solved

If your washing machine doesn’t drain, it won’t go into the spin cycle. Here are the things that can prevent your washing machine from spinning or draining…

1. Clogged Drain Pump Filter (Only Front Loader Washing Machines)

Here’s what you’ll need to do in order to clean the drain pump filter in your front loader washing machine…

Step 1. In order to avoid any chances of electrocution and water leakage, make sure to turn off your washing machine’s water supply and unplug the power cord before attempting any repairs.

Step 2. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry out the little panel at the lower front section of your washing machine. Pull out the drain channel under the panel.

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Step 3. Place a container under the drain channel to catch any water that is stuck in the washing machine.

Step 4. To control the quantity of water being released, turn the knob inside the drain channel counterclockwise slowly and pull it out (this is the drain pump filter).

Step 5. Once all the water has been drained out of your washing machine’s tub, take the drain pump filter to a sink and clean out any lint or dirt that may have accumulated in it.

Step 6. Once you’ve cleaned the filter properly, put it back in place and turn it clockwise to secure.

Step 7. Flip the drain channel up and push the access panel back in place.

Step 8. Plug your washing machine back to its power outlet and turn on the water supply, then make sure everything is working as it should by running a wash cycle.

2. Damaged Drain Pump

To replace the drain pump assembly in your washing machine, here are the steps you’ll need to take…

Replacing Front Loader Washing Machine Drain Pump

To replace the drain pump assembly in your front loader washing machine, here are the steps you’ll need to take…

Step 1. Always make sure to turn off your washing machine’s water and power supply before attempting any repairs in order to avoid water leakage or electrocution.

Step 2. Use a Philips screwdriver to take out the screws holding the lower front panel of your washing machine.

Step 3. Pull the panel off the washing machine and set it aside.

Step 4. Place a towel under the hoses connected to the drain pump assembly in order to catch any water that may leak out.

Step 5. Use a pair of pliers to press the clamps holding the two hoses to the drain pump assembly and slide them out of place.

Step 6. Detach the tub-to-pump hose and the outlet hose from the drain pump assembly.

Step 7. Reach inside the washing machine and disconnect the two electrical connectors attached to the drain pump assembly.

Step 8. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out the screws holding the drain pump assembly to the washing machine.

Step 9. Lift the old drain pump assembly out of your washing machine and set it aside.

Step 10. Take your new washing machine drain pump assembly out of its packaging.

Step 11. Install the new drain pump assembly inside your washing machine and secure it to the base by applying the two screws with your Philips screwdriver.

Step 12. Connect the two electrical connectors to their appropriate terminals on the new drain pump assembly.

Step 13. Connect the tub-to-pump and outlet hoses to their appropriate ports on the new drain pump assembly. Secure the hoses by sliding the retaining clamps in place.

Step 14. Put the lower front panel of your washing machine back on and apply three screws at the bottom to secure it.

Step 15. Turn on your washing machine’s water supply and plug the power cord back in, then run a wash cycle to make sure everything is working as it should.

Click here to learn how your washing machine drain pump works.

Replacing Top Loader Washing Machine Drain Pump

Here are the steps you’ll need to take in order to replace the drain pump assembly in your top loader washing machine…

Step 1. Make sure to unplug your washing machine’s power cord and turn off the water supply before attempting any repairs in order to avoid any chances of water leakage or electrocution.

Step 2. Insert a putty knife under the main top panel of your washing machine to release the two clips holding the main front section of your washing machine.

Step 3. Detach the panel from the washing machine and set it aside.

Step 4. Disconnect the electrical connector from the drain pump assembly.

Step 5. Use a pair of pliers to press the clamps on the tub-to-pump and outlet hose and slide the clamps out of place.

Step 6. Disconnect the two hoses from the drain pump assembly.

Step 7. Take out the mounting nut holding the drain pump assembly to the base of your washing machine.

Step 8. Pull the drain pump assembly out of the washing machine’s cabinet and set it aside.

Step 9. Take your new washing machine drain pump assembly out of its packaging.

Step 10. Install the drain pump assembly in your washing machine and secure it to the base of the washer by applying the mounting nuts.

Step 11. Connect the tub-to-pump and outlet hoses to their appropriate port on the new drain pump assembly and secure them by sliding the retaining clamps in place.

Step 12. Connect the electrical connector to the new drain pump assembly.

Step 13. Snap the main front panel of your washing machine back in place.

Step 14. Plug your washing machine back to its power outlet and turn on the water supply, then make sure everything is working properly by running a wash cycle.

Important: Please note that the process of replacing a drain pump may be a bit different depending on what brand of washing machine you have.

Check out these other articles…

Washing Machine Draining [Problems Solved]

Washing Machine Not Rinsing [Problem Solved]

Washing Machine Turning Off [Issues & Solutions]

Washing Machine Valve [How To, Problems & Solutions]

GE Washing Machine Smells…[Solutions]

GE Washing Machine Timer/Time [Issues & Solutions]

Washing Machine Noise [Issues & Solutions]

3. Worn-Out Tub Bearing

To replace a damaged tub bearing in your top loader washing machine, here are the steps you’ll need to take…

Step 1. In order to avoid ant chances of electrocution and water damaged, make sure to turn off your washing machine’s water supply and unplug the power cord from before attempting any repairs.

Step 2. Disconnect the water inlet hoses from the inlet ports at the back of your washing machine (make sure to keep a rag nearby in case water spills out of the hoses.

Step 3. Using a screwdriver, take out the screws at the back of your washing machine holding the control panel.

Step 4. Slide the control panel sideways a bit to detach it from the main top of the washer.

Step 5. Detach the wires from the control panel and set it aside.

Step 6. Insert a putty knife under the main top panel of your washing machine to release the clips holding the front section of your washing machine.

Step 7. Pull the front panel off your washing machine and set it aside.

Step 8. Take out the two screws at the front of your washing machine holding the main top panel with a screwdriver.

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Step 9. Slide the panel forward a bit and lift it up slightly.

Step 10. Reach under the top panel and use a pair of pliers to release the lid switch wire retainer from the cabinet.

Step 11. Open the lid of your washing machine.

Step 12. Reach under the tab and squeeze the tab on the lid switch to release it.

Step 13. Push the lid switch through the opening at the top. Turn the lid switch sideways and push it back through the opening.

Step 14. Take the main top panel off the washing machine completely.

Step 15. Use your screwdriver to take out the screws on the control panel bracket, trim, and rear panel.

Step 16. Use a pair of pliers to release the air pressure tube from the water pressure switch.

Step 17. Set the control panel bracket aside.

Step 18. Use your screwdriver to take out the screws holding the shock dampening straps to the tub cover and pull the straps off.

Step 19. Release the tabs at the bottom of the tub cover and pull the cover off the tub.

Step 20. Pull up the dispenser cap and rotate the cup counter-clockwise to take it out of the washer’s tub.

Step 22. Take out the agitator bolt using a 7/16 inch socket wrench (turn clockwise to take it out).

Step 23. Pull the agitator out of the washing machine.

Step 24. Pull the drive block and washer off the agitator shaft.

Step 25. Take out the tub nut using a 1-11/16 inch tub nut wrench (turn clockwise).

Step 26. Lift the inner tub off the drive shaft and set it aside.

Step 27. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, pry the split ring off the drive shaft and lift the washer nut out.

Step 28. Disconnect the mode shifter and motor wires from the drive motor (take note of the positioning of each wire).

Step 29. Take out the drive motor grounding wire with a screwdriver.

Step 30. Use a pair of pliers to release the wires from the drive motor mounting bracket.

Step 31. Untwist the wires from the suspension rod.

Step 32. Use your screwdriver to release the screw holding the drain hose to the tub of your washing machine.

Step 33. Pull the hose off the tub (expect some water to leak out.

Step 34. Use a pair of pliers to disconnect the air pressure tub from the side of the tub and detach it from the retainer.

Step 35. Lift the tub up slightly and release the four suspension rods from the base frame.

Step 36. Tilt the tub and motor assembly forward a bit and pull it out of the cabinet.

Step 37. Lay the tub on the ground and turn it upside down.

Step 38. Release the drive belt from the bottom of the tub.

Step 39. Take out the nut holding the drive pulley with a 3/4 socket wrench.

Step 40. Lift the pulley off and take out the hex bolts underneath.

Step 41. Use your socket wrench to take out the bolts holding the base frame to the outer tub.

Step 42. Cut the zip-tie holding the overflow tube to the base frame.

Step 43. Lift the base frame assembly off the outer tub.

Step 44. Pull the mode shifter and shaft assembly out of the tub.

Step 45. Pull the nylon washer off and use a screwdriver to take out the screw holding the tub bearing.

Step 46. Pry the bearing out of the tub and set it aside.

Step 47. Take your new washing machine tub bearing out of its packaging.

Step 48. Push the new tub bearing into the opening at the bottom of the tub.

Step 49. Apply the screw to secure the new tub bearing to the outer tub.

Step 50. Put the nylon washer on the new tub bearing.

Step 51. Insert the shaft and mode shifter assembly through the opening at the bottom of the tub.

Step 52. Align the base frame with the mode shifter and outer tub.

Step 53. Use your socket wrench to reapply the base frame bolts.

Step 54. Use a zip-tie to secure the overflow tube to the base frame.

Step 55. Secure the mode shifter by applying the hex bolts.

Step 56. Put the drive pulley back on and reapply the nut with a socket wrench to secure it.

Step 57. Loop the drive belt back around the motor shaft and drive pulley.

Step 58. Put the tub and motor assembly back inside the cabinet (ensure that the motor is facing forward.

Step 59. Lift the outer tub up a bit and snap the four suspension rods back in place on the base frame.

Step 60. Reconnect the air pressure tube to the side of the tub and secure the tube to the suspension rod with the retaining wire.

Step 61. Connect the drain hose back to the bottom of the tub and reapply the screw to secure it.

Step 62. Wind the motor wires around the suspension rod and snap all the retainers in place.

Step 63. Reapply the screw to secure the grounding wire.

Step 64. Connect the mode shifter and motor wires to the drive motor.

Step 65. Put the washer nut and split ring back on the drive shaft.

Step 66. Put the inner tub back in place by aligning it on the drive shaft.

Step 67. Put the tub nut back in place and thread it counter-clockwise to secure it.

Step 68. Put the washer and drive block back in place on the agitator shaft.

Step 69. Put the agitator back in place and apply the bolt to secure it.

Step 70. Put the soap dispenser cup back in place and turn it clockwise to secure it.

Step 71. Snap the tub cover back in place.

Step 72. Connect the shock dampening straps back to the tub cover and secure them by applying the screws.

Step 73. Put the control panel bracket back in place and apply the screws to secure it.

Step 74. Reconnect the air pressure tube to the water pressure switch.

Step 75. Put the control panel trim and rear panel back in place. Apply the screws to secure.

Step 76. Insert the lid switch through the hole in the main top panel and snap the switch in place.

Step 77. Snap the wire retainer into the frame.

Step 78. Push the main top panel back in position and apply the screws at the front to secure it.

Step 79. Snap the main front panel of your washing machine back in place.

Step 80. Reconnect the electrical connectors to the control board and push the board back in place. Apply the screws at the back of your washing machine to secure it.

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Step 81. Connect the water inlet hoses back to the ports at the back of your washing machine (make sure to secure the connections properly in order to avoid water leakage)

Step 82. Plug your washing machine back to its power outlet and turn on the water supply, then make sure everything is working properly by trying to run a wash cycle.

Note: Please note that the procedure above will not work on all brands of washing machine.

Washing Machine Not Spinning During Rinse Cycle — Solved

If your washing machine isn’t spinning during a rinse cycle, it indicates that your washing machine hasn’t filled with water. Here are the things that could cause this issue…

1. Water Supply Isn’t Turned On

Always ensure to fully open your washing machine’s water supply before starting a cycle. Failure to do so will result in the stopping of the cycle.

2. Water Inlet Filters Are Blocked

Here are the steps you’ll need to take in order to clean the water inlet filters in your washing machine…

Step 1. In order to prevent electrocution and water leakage, ensure that you do not attempt any repairs on your washing machine without turning off the water supply and unplugging the power cord first.

Step 2. Disconnect the water inlet hoses from the water inlet ports at the back of your washing machine.

Step 3. You will find little mesh filters inside the water inlet ports at the back of your washing machine. Using a pair of pliers, pull the filters out of your washing machine.

Step 4. Take the mesh filters to a sink and scrub out any dirt and debris that may have accumulated in it.

Step 5. Push the filters back into the water inlet ports at the back of your washing machine once you’ve cleaned them properly.

Step 6. Reconnect the water inlet hoses to the inlet ports at the back of your washing machine (in order to avoid any water leaks, make sure to properly secure the connections).

Step 7. Plug your washing machine back to its power outlet and turn on the water supply, then run a wash cycle to see if the issue has been resolved.

3. Defective Water Inlet Valve

If cleaning the water inlet filters didn’t fix the issue, your only other option is to replace the water inlet valves. Here’s how to do this…

Replacing A Front Loader Washing Machine Water Inlet Valve

Here are the steps you’ll need to take in order to replace the water inlet valve in your front loader washing machine…

Step 1. In order to avoid any chances of water leakage and electrocution, make sure to turn off your washing machine’s water supply and unplug the power cord before attempting any repairs.

Step 2. Disconnect the water inlet hoses from the inlet ports at the back of your washing machine (make sure to keep a rag nearby in case water spills out of the hoses).

Step 3. Use a Philips screwdriver to take out the screws at the back of your washing machine holding the top panel.

Step 4. Slide the top panel back a few inches and lift it off your washing machine.

Step 5. Disconnect the solenoid wires connected to the water inlet valve inside the washing machine’s cabinet (ensure that you take note of the positioning of each wire connector).

Step 6. Use a pair of pliers to press the clamp holding the hose to the water inlet valve and slide the clamp out of place.

Step 7. Disconnect the hose from the water inlet valve assembly.

Step 8. Use your Philips screwdriver to take out the two mounting screws at the back of your washing machine holding the water inlet valve.

Step 9. Pull the water inlet valve assembly out of the washing machine and set it aside.

Step 10. Take your new water inlet valve assembly out of its packaging.

Step 11. Install the new water inlet valve assembly in your washing machine and apply the two screws at the back of your washing machine with a Philips screwdriver to secure it.

Step 12. Connect the hose to the new water inlet valve assembly and secure the connection by pressing and sliding the retaining clamp in place.

Step 13. Connect each solenoid wire connector to its appropriate terminal on the new water inlet valve assembly.

Step 14. Connect the water inlet hoses to their appropriate ports on the new water inlet valve assembly (in order to avoid any water leaks, make sure to properly secure the connections).

Step 15. Slide the top panel of your washing machine back on and apply the Philips screws at the back to secure it.

Step 16. Plug your washing machine back to its power outlet and turn on the water supply, then ensure everything is working properly by trying to run a wash cycle.

Replacing A Top Loader Washing Machine Water Inlet Valve

Take the following steps to replace a damaged water inlet valve in your top loader washing machine…

Step 1. Ensure that your washing machine’s water supply is off and the power cord is unplugged before attempting any repairs. This will prevent any chances of electrocution and water leakage.

Step 2. Disconnect the water inlet hoses from the ports at the back of your washing machine (make sure to have a rag nearby in case water spills out of the hoses).

Step 3. Use a Philips screwdriver to remove the screws at the back of your washing machine holding the control panel.

Step 4. Slide the control panel sideways and detach it from your washing machine.

Step 5. The water inlet valve will be mounted on the control panel bracket. Disconnect the solenoid wire connectors from the water inlet valve assembly.

Step 6. Use a pair of pliers to press the clamp on the hose connected to the water inlet valve and slide the hose out of place.

Step 7. Use your screwdriver to take out the mounting screws holding the water inlet valve assembly to your washing machine.

Step 8. Pull the old water inlet valve assembly out of your washing machine and set it aside.

Step 9. Take your new washing machine water inlet valve assembly out of its packaging.

Step 10. Install the new water inlet valve assembly in your washing machine and apply the three mounting screws to secure it.

Step 11. Connect the hose to the new water inlet valve assembly, then press and slide the retaining clamp in place to secure the connection.

Step 12. Connect the each solenoid wire connector to its appropriate terminal on the new water inlet valve assembly.

Step 13. Put the control panel back on and apply the screws at the back of your washing machine to secure it.

Step 14. Connect the water inlet hoses to the ports at the back of your washing machine (make sure you secure the connections properly in order to avoid water leakage).

Step 15. Plug your washing machine back to its power outlet and turn on the water supply, then run a wash cycle to make sure everything is working properly.

Note: Please keep in mind that the procedures above may vary depending on the brand of your washing machine.