January 10, 2024

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.

washer

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR WASHER PROBLEM

JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-door-lock-assembly

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

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Front-Load-Washer-Door-Lock-Assembly-Intro-Image
January 01, 2016

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.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 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
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-lid-switch

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

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Top-Load-Washer-Lid-Switch-Lock-Assembly-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

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.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

RG-WASH-Replace-Direct-Drive-Top-Load-Washer-Lid-Switch-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

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.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the washer-motor-control-board

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

Find the required part specific to your product.

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

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.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-timer

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

Find the required part specific to your product.

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

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.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-user-interface-board

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

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Front-Load-Washer-User-Interface-Board-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

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.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-water-inlet-valve-assembly

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

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Vertical-Modular-Top-Load-Water-Inlet-Valve-Intro-Image
January 01, 2016

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.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less

RG-WASH-Replace-Direct-Drive-Top-Load-Washer-Water-Inlet-Valve-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

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.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

RG-WASH-Replace-Front-Load-Washer-Water-Inlet-Valve-Intro-Image
January 01, 2016

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.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-water-level-pressure-switch

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

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Direct-Drive-Top-Load-Washer-Water-Level-Pressure-Switch-Intro-Image
January 01, 2016

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.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Most common symptoms to help you fix your washers

Choose a symptom to see related washer repairs.

Main causes: broken lid switch or lid lock, bad pressure switch, broken shifter assembly, faulty control system…

Main causes: lack of electrical power, wiring failure, bad power cord, electronic control board failure, bad user interf…

Main causes: leaky water inlet valve, faulty water-level pressure switch, bad electronic control board…

Main causes: water heater failure, bad water temperature switch, faulty control board, bad water valve, faulty water tem…

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…

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