Washer: Why won't my washing machine start?
If the washer is getting power but doesn't start, the switch that senses whether the lid or door is shut or locked might have failed. A failed timer, main electronic control board, user interface board or motor control board can also prevent the washer from starting.
Washers with an electronic control system often signal an error code on the display when the washer won't start. If your washer display signals a code, use our washer error code charts to determine the cause of the code and fix the problem.
Vertical modular top-load washers signal a component problem in a unique way. This type of top-load washer locks the lid during the cycle because it spins the basket at a high rate of speed in the spin mode. A vertical modular top-load washer flashes the Lid Lock light instead of a code when the washer won't start. This video shows how to troubleshoot flashing lid lock errors on a vertical modular washer.
A top-load, direct-drive washer uses an electro-mechanical timer to control washer functions, so it won't signal error codes. This type of washer doesn't lock the lid because it spins the basket at lower speeds than a vertical modular top-load washer. Instead, the direct-drive, top-load washer stops if you lift the lid. The wash cycle won't start if the direct-drive washer doesn't fill or the water-level pressure switch doesn't detect that the washer filled. This video shows how to troubleshoot a top-load, direct-drive washer that won't fill. As shown in the video, a failed water inlet valve assembly or bad water-level pressure switch can prevent a direct-drive, top-load washer from starting.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR WASHER PROBLEM
Replace the washer door lock assembly
The door lock assembly on a front-load washer includes a safety switch that detects whether the washer door is closed, a latch and a locking mechanism. If any of these components fails when the door is open, the door won't lock; if a component fails with the door is closed, the door won't open. Replace the entire assembly if any component fails.
Washer door lock assembly
How to replace the door lock assembly on a front-load washer
Does the door on your front-load washer door refuse to lock? The problem could be the door lock. This repair guide and video show how to replace the door lock assembly on a front-load washing machine in 6 steps.
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
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.
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.
Replace the washer lid switch
The lid switch on a top-load washer is a safety switch that detects whether the washer lid is closed. The lid must be closed when the basket spins; if the washer incorrectly senses that the lid is open, it won’t spin and drain after the wash cycle.
Some top-load models require that the washer lid be closed before the washer drive motor runs. An open lid prevents some top-load washers from filling.
If the lid switch isn't detecting whether the lid is closed, replace the switch.
Washer lid switch
How to replace the lid switch/lock assembly on a top-load washer
When a top-load washer won't start or won't spin, it could mean a broken lid switch/lock assembly. This DIY repair guide and video show how to easily replace the lid switch/lock assembly on a top-load washer.
How to replace the lid switch in a direct-drive top-load washer
If your top-load washer won't spin, the lid switch might be broken. This repair guide and video explain how to replace the lid switch in less than 30 minutes.
Replace the washer motor control board
The motor control board is a circuit-control board in a front-load washer that's usually in the bottom of the washer next to the drive motor. It monitors and controls the drive motor speed and direction for the tumble and spin actions during the cycle. If the motor doesn't run, the motor control board might need to be replaced.
Washer motor control board
How to replace a motor control board on a front-load washer
If your front-load washer doesn't spin or spins at the wrong speed, the problem could be the motor control board. This repair guide explains how to replace the motor control board in 30 minutes.
Replace the washer timer
The timer — also called a cycle selector — is the dial you use to set the cycle on a washing machine with mechanical controls. The timer makes the washer move through its cycles, from initial filling to final spin. Replace the timer if it doesn’t advance the washer through its cycles.
Washer timer
How to replace the timer in a direct-drive top-load washer
If your top load washer doesn't advance through the cycles or gets stuck in one cycle, it's likely the timer has failed. This DIY repair guide and video show how to replace the timer in less than 30 minutes.
Replace the washer user interface board
The user interface board holds the buttons you press to set up the wash cycle. Replace the user interface board if one or more of the buttons don't work.
Washer user interface board
How to replace the user interface board in a front-load washer
When a front-load washer's control panel won't light up or respond when you push the buttons, it could mean the user interface board has failed. This repair guide shows how to replace the user interface board on a washing machine in 30 minutes.
Replace the washer water inlet valve assembly
The water inlet valve assembly is a set of water valves that control the flow of water into the washer. Replace the water valve assembly if the washer won't fill and start because a valve doesn't open, or if the washer overfills because the valve doesn't close.
Washer water inlet valve assembly
How to replace a water inlet valve on a vertical modular top-load washer
When a top-load washer won't fill, or it fills with water even when unplugged, chances are the water inlet valve is to blame. This repair guide and video show how to replace the water inlet valve in 30 minutes.
How to replace the water inlet valve on a direct-drive top-load washer
Is your top-load washer not filling with water, or is it filling even when it's unplugged? Suspect the water inlet valve. This DIY repair guide and video explain how to replace the water inlet valve in less than 30 minutes.
How to replace a water inlet valve on a front-load washer
If your front-load washer won't fill with water, or if the washer fills with water even when it's unplugged, the problem could be the water inlet valve. This repair guide and video explain how to replace the washer water inlet valve in 30 minutes or less.
Replace the washer water-level pressure switch
The water-level pressure switch detects the water level in the wash tub. If the water-level pressure switch is defective, the washer won't fill properly. It could not fill at all or it could overfill even to the point of overflowing. If the pressure switch doesn't accurately detect and control the water level in the washer, replace it.
Washer water-level pressure switch
How to replace the water level pressure switch on a direct-drive top-load washer
When a top-load washer overfills with water, or when it won't fill at all, the water level pressure switch might have given out. This repair guide and video show how to replace the water level switch in 30 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: bad lid switch or door lock, bad timer or electronic control board, wiring failure, bad water inlet valve a…
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