Are you finding that your LG washer isn’t spinning? We’re here to help! Usually, the issue behind a washing machine’s inactive spin cycle is one of many potential problems—most of which can be resolved within an hour. Keep reading for our helpful guide on recognizing and resolving why your appliance won’t spin.
10 Reasons Your LG Washer Isn’t Spinning
1. Faulty Lid Switch Assemblydrain
For top-loading washing machines, the lid must be securely closed for it to start spinning, which is a safety measure designed to protect users. This shielding feature relies on a component known as the lid switch assembly – should this part become damaged, your machine will not spin even with an appropriately shut top. Bearing this in mind and keeping the assembly intact are essential steps when using these types of washers!
Replace the Lid Switch Assembly
If you are trying to revive your washer after the lid switch malfunctions, a new assembly needs to be put in place. To begin this process, delicately lift up the top lid off of the machine and locate the small plastic box – that is what we call an ‘assembly’.
Once it has been taken out from its pocket inside the appliance, attach a new lid switch instead. If you need more direction on how to substitute the existing part with a fresh one while maintaining safety guidelines, watch this video demonstration!
2. Faulty Door Latch
The door latch on your LG washer may be preventing it from spinning. If you can’t open the door on the machine, it’s likely due to a faulty door latch.
Bypassing a Faulty Door Latch
The best way to bypass a faulty door latch is to strike the door handle with an open hand. Do this until you manage to loosen the latch. Another method you can try is to disconnect the washer from its power source and let it sit for five or more minutes before plugging it back in.
3. Faulty Clutch
The clutch is an important component in your LG washer, as it connects the motor to the agitator. It is located near the bottom of your washing machine and looks like a disc-shaped component.
Diagnosing a Faulty Clutch in an LG Washer
You won’t have to disassemble your washing machine to diagnose a problem with the clutch. Instead, you should listen to the machine during a cycle. In case you don’t hear water sloshing or the motor humming when you start a cycle, you will have to replace the clutch.
4. Failed Drive Motor
The drive motor ensures that the whole washer is running. When it breaks down, you won’t be able to get your washing machine to start spinning. When you turn on the washer while the drive motor is broken, you might notice a burning smell coming from the machine. To be sure that this component is not working, you should test it for continuity.
How to Test an LG Washer Drive Motor
Equip yourself with insulated work gloves and a screwdriver, then start unscrewing the screws holding the back panel in place. Take out that entire piece to reveal the drive motor; unhook it from its current location and move on over to your multimeter. Set this up at its lowest ohm setting before connecting both of its leads to opposite ends of your motor’s terminals. If you get an infinite figure or any high numbers when testing – you’ll need to switch it out for a new one!
You can find out more information on how to test the drive motor in the video below.
5. Damaged Drive Belt
The drive belt in your LG washing machine is connected to the drive motor. It plays an important part in turning the drum. After a while, the belt may become stretched out or suffer other types of damage.
How to Diagnose a Faulty Drive Belt
You will have to remove the back panel on your washer to access the drive belt. Once you remove the back panel, disconnect the belt from the motor and pull it out of the appliance. Check for signs of cracking or burning to determine whether the component should be replaced.
6. Worn Drive Pulley
As time progresses, your drive pulley may experience deformations that can hinder the performance of your washer. These deformed parts will often interfere with the belt and create common issues. To determine if this component is damaged, carefully run a finger over it – any rough patches signal that you should replace the drive pulley as soon as possible!
How to Replace the Drive Pulley
Replacing the drive pulley is relatively easy. Here’s what you’ll need to do.
- Start by making sure the washing machine is not plugged into a power source.
- Take a screwdriver and remove the screws that hold the back panel. Remove the back panel.
- Disconnect the drive belt from the pulley.
- Remove the bolts that secure the pulley. Now remove the entire component.
- Install a new drive pulley and reassemble the washer.
7. Wash Load Could Be Too Heavy
In case there isn’t a problem with any of the aforementioned components, there might be a very simple reason why your washer isn’t spinning. Perhaps the load is too heavy. When this happens, your washing machine will fill with water but won’t start spinning. All you’ll have to do is remove some of the clothes for the machine to start spinning again.
LG Washer Won’t Spin or Drain
8. Blocked Drain Pump Filter or Obstructed Hose
Are there any obstructions in your washer’s drain hose? If you spot some, consider replacing it right away. Another common cause of a washing machine not spinning or draining is when the drain pump filter is blocked. The best way to fix this issue quickly and prevent future debris buildup is by wiping the filter monthly with a cloth as part of regular maintenance tasks.
9. Faulty Control Board
When the components and modules of your washing machine stop responding, it might be time to replace the control board. Warning signs that you may need a new one include not just lack of spin, but also random blinking lights on its display. To make sure that’s where the problem lies, you can use a multimeter for testing purposes.
Testing a Faulty Control Board
To access the control board, first, use a screwdriver to detach the control panel. Afterward, unplug any cables attached to it. Subsequently, adjust your multimeter to its lowest ohm setting and measure resistance between any two wires on the board; if you get an exceptionally high number or infinity displayed on your meter’s display then that indicates you must change out the entire control board.
Check out the video below for more information on how to test a faulty control board.
10. Program Failure
Washing machine programs can save you a lot of time. They can also lead to a lot of frustration when they stop working. In the event of a program failure, there’s a chance your washing machine won’t spin. You may also not see any programs displayed on the machine. If this starts happening, you should take a few easy steps to fix the problem.
Solving Program Failure
Solving program failure on your LG washing machine doesn’t require you to disassemble it. Instead, you will have to press the button to power off the appliance and wait half a minute before pressing the button again to turn it on. Another solution is to disconnect the machine from its power source. After you do this, wait for at least five minutes before you plug it back in.
Verdict: LG Washer Not Spinning
If your LG washer isn’t spinning, don’t seek out an expensive and time-consuming professional repair just yet. As opposed to what you may think, fixing the appliance yourself can be a surprisingly simple process that will help you save money! Plus, it’s incredibly rewarding when you get to experience the satisfaction of having solved the problem with no outside assistance.
FAQs LG Washer Problems Spinning
LG Washer Won’t Finish Spin Cycle
If your LG washing machine fails to finish a cycle, don’t fear! You can manually release the water. It all depends on the model of washer you own — either draining it through the drain hose or via its drain pump filter should do the trick.
LG Washer Not Spinning Or Draining
There aren’t too many issues that will prevent your washer from both spinning and draining. In most cases, the problem is caused by a blocked drain pump filter. This is likely to happen if you don’t clean the filter every once in a while. The problem may also occur as a result of program failure or a faulty control board.
LG Washer Won’t Spin Clothes Dry
If your LG washer won’t spin and you have dry clothes, it could be that the appliance isn’t even receiving any power. To ensure this is not the issue, first make sure the machine is plugged in properly. Then check if a circuit breaker has tripped or if there’s an issue with its thermal fuse inside. By taking these simple steps, you’ll be able to diagnose the problem and get back to clean laundry!
Reference
LG – Customer Support
Andy has over 8 years of experience working on residential household appliances, performing diagnostics, and repairs across most major brands. He graduated from the Denver Institute of Technology, is NASTeC certified, and has worked for Mr. Appliance. Andy has contributed to features on major publications including Better Home & Gardens, Family Handyman, and Yahoo.com.
