There are several problems that could lead to your Samsung washer not spinning. Before you start thinking about calling a professional repair technician to fix your appliance, I advise that you do a bit of investigating and figure out what’s causing the problem. This could save you both time and money.
11 Reasons Your Samsung Washer Won’t Spin
There’s never a simple answer when your appliance misbehaves, it could be caused by one of many possibilities. It is important to rule them out one at a time, starting with the easiest problems to discount. It’s basic troubleshooting, rule out the easy options and work your way toward an accurate diagnosis.
1. Load Too Heavy or Uneven
The first thing that you should check is whether your machine is overstuffed. Although some modern premium washers feature sensors that notify you if the load is too heavy, most machines don’t. So you’ll need to check the load and if it looks crowded in your drum, then thin out the load.
Sometimes, your washing machine won’t start the spin if the load isn’t balanced properly. This usually happens when you want to wash a couple of heavy items. Make sure you spread the items to balance the load and try it again to see whether the machine will start spinning.
2. Faulty Lid Switch Assembly
Top-loading washers feature a lid switch assembly that prevents the machine from spinning unless the lid is closed. This is a built-in safety mechanism that is designed to prevent injuries. The lid switch assembly may become broken at any given time, in which case you’ll need to replace it with a new one.
Replacing a Lid Switch Assembly
The process of replacing a lid switch assembly is not complicated. It won’t take you more than an hour to replace this component even if you have no prior experience repairing appliances. Here’s what you’ll need to do.
- Start off by unplugging your Samsung washer.
- Grab a screwdriver and use it to remove the screws that secure the top lid. Remove the lid from the machine.
- You’ll now notice a small plastic box, which is the lid switch assembly. Remove it from the machine by unscrewing the screws that secure it and disconnecting it from the wires it’s connected to.
- Install the new lid switch assembly and reassemble your washer.
3. Front-Loading Door Latch Faulty
If you have a front-loading washer that won’t start spinning, there may be a problem with the door latch. In this case, there’s also a chance you’ll find it difficult to open the door on your machine.
Opening a Locked Washing Machine Door
Struggling with a locked washing machine door? Don’t worry, it happens to us all. Try unplugging the appliance and waiting five minutes before plugging it back into the power source; this should open up the latch for you. If not, try tapping on your washer’s handle gently with an open palm – that usually works!
If replacing your door lock assembly is necessary then go ahead and watch our helpful video below to gain insight on how to do so!
4. Failed Drive Motor
Like any other component in your washer, the drive motor can become defective over time. In some cases, you’ll notice a burning smell coming from the machine when the motor breaks down. To be sure that this component is preventing your washer from spinning, you should test it for electrical continuity.
How to Test a Washer Drive Motor
The first step in the process of testing the drive motor in your washer is to unplug the appliance. After you do that, make sure you follow these steps:
- Grab a screwdriver and use it to remove the screws that secure the rear panel on your washer.
- Remove the rear panel and you’ll notice the motor connected to two-wire leads.
- Disconnect the motor and remove it from the washing machine.
- Take your multimeter and set it to the lowest ohm setting.
- Connect the leads of your multimeter to the motor’s terminals.
- In case the motor is broken, you’ll get a reading of a very high number or infinity.
5. Broken Drive Belt
Washing machine drive belts are incredibly durable but can get damaged in some scenarios. For instance, if you overload the machine and start a cycle the belt will try turning the drum but it won’t be able to. In this case, the rubber the belt is made of may start melting. When this happens, you’re likely to notice a burning smell coming from your Samsung washer. The belt may also get stretched out. To identify whether the belt is causing your washing machine problems, you should inspect it.
How to Inspect a Washer Drive Belt
To determine whether the drive belt in your washing machine is worn, you can simply inspect it under a light. To remove it from the appliance, you’ll have to remove the back panel. You can do this by first unscrewing the screws that secure this panel with a screwdriver. Remove the belt and check whether there are any signs of burning, fraying, or cracking.
Check out the video below to find out how to replace a drive belt on your washer.
6. Worn Out Drive Pulley
When examining the drive belt, it is wise to also consider inspecting the pulley as they are both connected. To inspect for any signs of damage on the pulley, slowly glide your finger over its surface and observe if there are any areas where the texture has changed. If so, you need to replace this component immediately.
How to Replace a Worn-Out Drive Pulley
Accessing the drive pulley is the same as reaching the drive belt. In other words, you will need to start by removing the back panel on your washer. After you do that, you should remove the drive belt. Remove the bolts that secure the pulley and install a replacement.
7. Ceased Clutch
The washer clutch is a component that connects the motor to the agitator. It consists of an inner and outer ring. The component is easily recognizable due to its disc-shaped design. You can identify a problem with the clutch by listening to the machine during a wash cycle.
How to Diagnose a Faulty Clutch
Start a wash cycle and listen to the machine. You should be hearing a hum from the motor and water sloshing. These sounds represent the agitator moving. If you don’t hear them, it means that the clutch should be replaced.
8. Failed Rotor or Stator
The rotor and stator in your washing machine work together to create an electromagnetic field that rotates the tub in a certain direction. These components can get damaged over time. In this case, you’ll have to replace them.
Replacing the Rotor and Stator
If you’re looking for an easy step-by-step guide to replacing the rotor and stator on your Samsung washer, here it is! Firstly, you’ll need to take off the rear panel of your machine. Then remove bolts in order to pull out the rotor – don’t forget that wires connected with the stator must also be disconnected before taking this component away. Last but not least, just install new parts and put everything back together again!
Check out our video tutorial below for a visual demonstration of how it’s done.
Reasons Your Washer Won’t Spin or Drain
1. Blocked Drain Pump Filter or Hose
Both the drain hose and the pump filter can get blocked if you don’t clean them at least once a month. Debris buildup in these components can prevent them from draining the washer. You can clean the hose with a drain snake. Meanwhile, it’s best to clean the drain pump filter with a cloth. You can also soak it in soapy water to remove additional dirt and debris.
2. Program Failure
Washing programs are incredibly helpful because you just press a button to set the right temperature, length, and agitation of a cycle. People are used to using these programs regularly, so it might come as a surprise when they fail all of a sudden. Sometimes, the programs may stop displaying altogether. At other times, they may be displayed but nothing will happen when you press a button to activate them.
Resolving a Program Failure
Don’t think that you’ll have to disassemble your machine to get the programs working again. Instead, there are some simple solutions to this problem. The first thing you should try is to disconnect the washer from its power source and wait for five minutes before plugging it back in. If this doesn’t work, you can press the button to turn off the machine and wait half a minute before turning it on again. Another solution can be to launch the self-test of the washer.
3. Faulty Control Board
All of the electronic elements in your Samsung washing machine operate thanks to the control board. This component exchanges signals between all modules and sensors in the machine. Like every other component in your washer, there is a chance that the control board will break down at a certain point. In case you suspect that there are problems with the control board, you should test it for electrical continuity.
Testing a Faulty Control Board
You don’t need a lot of time or expertise to test the control board in your washer for continuity. To do this, you will only need a screwdriver and a multimeter.
- Start off by ensuring that your washing machine is not plugged in.
- After you do that, you can safely grab a screwdriver and use it to unscrew the screws that hold the control panel.
- Remove the control panel and you’ll instantly see the board right behind it.
- Take your multimeter, set it to the lowest ohm setting, and connect its leads to the board’s terminals.
- You should get a reading of 0 ohms or a number close to 0 in case the control board is in good condition. If you get any other reading, it means that you should replace the board.
Problems Specific To Top or Front Loading Machines
Nearly all of the components mentioned in this article are found in both front- and top-loading washing machines. Nevertheless, some components are exclusive to only one category of washers.
Take the lid switch assembly for example—it is only found in top-loading washing machines since they are the only models with a top lid. Similarly, door latches are exclusive to front-loaders. And if your washer isn’t spinning and you can’t determine which part it may be, try looking into rotor or stator failure as this repair applies solely to front-loading variants. But should yours be of the top loading variety then checking its shift actuator might help resolve any issues!
Verdict: Samsung Washer Not Spinning
As you’ve learned today, it doesn’t take a lot of time or effort to fix some of the common and simpler washing machine problems. If your Samsung washer is not spinning, simply follow the steps above to identify what’s causing the issue and replace the defective component.
FAQs Samsung Washer Spin Problems
Where To Find Solution To Samsung Error Codes?
Error codes are great because they give you an idea of which components to check when your washer starts malfunctioning. But what if you don’t know what the error codes mean? You won’t need to find your manual because you can easily find solutions to the error codes on the official Samsung website.
Samsung Washer Won’t Finish Spin Cycle
One of the most frustrating problems you can encounter is when the drum in your washing machine stops spinning during a cycle. In this case, you will need to stop the machine and drain the water from it before you attempt to use it again.
Samsung Washer Not Spinning Or Draining
If your washing machine is neither spinning nor draining, it’s likely due to one of three reasons. The first is a blocked drain pump filter caused by a debris build. The second reason could be due to a program failure. Finally, there might be some issues with the control board that you should check out.
Samsung Washer Won’t Turn On
If your Samsung washer won’t start at all, you should check whether it is plugged in. It’s also worth inspecting the power outlet. Another thing that may be causing this problem is a tripped circuit breaker. Finally, make sure that the thermal fuse inside the appliance hasn’t tripped.
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.
