April 19, 2023

Front-Load Washer: Why doesn't the Clean Washer cycle work on my washing machine?

If the Clean Washer cycle won't run, see if you left any clothing left in the washer. If the washer is empty, the most likely cause is problem with the spin basket or the outer tub bearing that's causing excessive friction in the drive system. A faulty drive motor or failed electronic control board can also prevent the Clean Washer cycle from working.

front-load washer

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR FRONT-LOAD WASHER PROBLEM

JC-WASH-Repair-or-replace-the-washer-spin-basket

Repair or replace the washer spin basket

The spin basket is the perforated container that holds laundry during the wash cycle. The spin basket is inside the stationary outer tub. If the spanner nut becomes so loose that the spin basket doesn't rotate properly, tightening the spanner nut can often fix the problem. If the spin basket was damaged while the spanner nut was loose, replace the spin basket. Also replace the spin basket if it's scratched or damaged by an object left in a laundered garment.

Repair or replace the washer spin basket

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-how-to-replace-top-load-washer-spin-basket-intro
July 01, 2013

How to replace the spin basket in a top-load washer

A rusted washer spin basket could leave marks on your garments. This DIY repair guide and video show how to easily replace a rusted or damaged spin basket.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-outer-wash-tub

Replace the washer outer wash tub

The outer washer tub houses the inner metal spin basket. The other tub is stationary and usually made of plastic. The outer tub can leak if it's damaged. Replace the outer tub if an inspection reveals a crack or hole in the tub.

Washer outer wash tub

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-drive-motor

Replace the washer drive motor

The washer's drive motor provides the force to rotate the spin basket. It also drives the shaft of the gearcase to move the agitator in a top-load washer. It's either attached to a drive pulley with a belt or is directly attached to the drive shaft. If the motor windings fail or the bearings on the motor lock up, the motor won't run. Replace the drive motor if it's defective.

Washer drive motor

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Top-Load-Washer-Drive-Motor-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

How to replace the drive motor in a top-load washer

Top-load washer won't spin or agitate? Might be the drive motor. This washer repair guide and video explain how to replace the drive motor in top-load washing machine.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

RG-WASH-Replace-Front-Load-Washer-Direct-Drive-Motor-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

How to replace the direct-drive motor on a front-load washer

When a direct-drive front-load washer won't spin and displays an error code, it could mean the drive motor has failed. This DIY repair guide shows how to replace the direct-drive motor on a front-load washing machine.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-main-electronic-control-board

Replace the washer main control board

The main electronic control board, also called the mother board, governs the timing and execution of the washer component functions. It controls the fill valves, the drive motor and the drain pump.

Washer main control board

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Top-Load-Washer-Electronic-Control-Board-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer

A failed top-load washer electronic control board can cause multiple problems, from no display lights to the washer not filling, spinning or draining. If you or a service technician determine that the electronic control is faulty, this repair guide and video show how to replace it.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

RG-WASH-Replace-Front-Load-Washer-Machine-Control-Board-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

How to replace the machine control board in a front-load washer

A failed front-load washing machine control board has several symptoms, including the washer not starting, filling, spinning or draining. If you or a service technician determine that the machine control board has failed, this repair guide shows how to replace it.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

Most common symptoms to help you fix your washers

Choose a symptom to see related washer repairs.

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Main causes: no water supply, bad water valves, water-level pressure switch failure, control system failure, bad door lo…

Main causes: worn agitator dogs, bad clutch, broken motor coupler, shifter assembly failure, broken door lock, suspensio…

Main causes: unbalanced load, loose spanner nut, worn drive block, broken shock absorber or suspension spring, debris in…

Main causes: clogged drain hose, house drain clogged, bad drain pump, water-level pressure switch failure, bad control b…

Main causes: bad lid switch or door lock, bad timer or electronic control board, wiring failure, bad water inlet valve a…

Repair guides for front-load washers

How to replace a water inlet valve on a front-load washer

How to replace a water inlet valve on a front-load washer

The water valve assembly is the gatekeeper for water entering your front-load washer. You can replace it yourself, follo…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a motor control board on a front-load washer

How to replace a motor control board on a front-load washer

The motor control board makes sure the motor spins in the right direction and at the right speed. You can install a new …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace the user interface board in a front-load washer

How to replace the user interface board in a front-load washer

Follow these steps to replace the user interface board in your front-load washer if the buttons or lights are broken.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your washers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your washer.

How to use your washing machine efficiently

How to use your washing machine efficiently

Find tips for using your washing machine efficiently to save energy and help reduce utility bills.…

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

Learn how to repair broken, frayed or damaged wires in your appliances.…