April 20, 2023

Washer: Why your washing machine won't finish its cycle

The reason a washer won't move to the next cycle depends on the kind of washer you have:

  • A top-load washer won't advance to the drain and spin cycle if a broken lid switch is making the timer think the washer lid is open. A washing machine that won't finish the cycle could also have a broken timer or failed water-level pressure switch.

  • On a vertical modular (VMW) top-load washer, a bad shifter assembly or a failed drain pump can stop the washer mid-cycle. Excessive suds can also cause this type of washer to stop before the cycle finishes. Watch our video on how to troubleshoot a top-load washer that won't drain or spin for repair tips when your washing machine won't finish the cycle. That video provides more tips to help you get a top-load washer going when it stops mid-cycle.

  • For a front-load washer, a broken washer door lock assembly, failed main electronic control board or faulty motor control board can prevent the washer from finishing a cycle. This type of washer often signals a digital error code when the washer control detects a problem and stops the cycle. If you see a code flashing on the display, look it up on our washer error code charts and follow the troubleshooting advice to get your washer running again.

washer

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR WASHER PROBLEM

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-shifter-assembly

Replace the washer shifter assembly

The shifter assembly-also called the actuator-in a top-load washer is mounted on the bottom of the gearcase. The shifter assembly's motor shifts the drive system between the agitation mode and the spin mode. A sensor on the shifter monitors the position of the drive system during the wash cycle. If the motor, sensor or mechanical parts of the shifter assembly fail, the washer stops and signal an error code. Replace the shifter assembly if it malfunctions.

Washer shifter assembly

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Top-Load-Washer-Shifter-Assembly-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

How to replace the shifter assembly in a top-load washer

If your top-load washer won't agitate and displays an error code, it's possible the shifter assembly has failed. This DIY repair guide and video explain how to replace the shifter assembly on a top-load washer.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
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-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-Repair-or-replace-the-washer-drain-pump

Repair or replace the washer drain pump

The drain pump removes water from the washer at the appropriate times during the wash cycle. The pump's bearing can seize, the seal can fail or the impeller blades can break. The belt on a belt-driven pumps can break, and the pulley can shear off. A humming noise when the washer is full of water is a common symptom of a failing pump. In some cases, you can repair the pump by clearing it of debris, fixing wiring failures or replacing a seal. If the pump can't be repaired or rebuilt, replace it.

Repair or replace the washer drain pump

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-WASH-Replace-Top-Load-Washer-Drain-Pump-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

How to replace the drain pump in a top-load washer

Is your top-load washer not draining? A faulty drain pump could be to blame. This repair guide and video show how to easily replace the drain pump in a top-load washing machine.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less

RG-WASH-Replace-Front-Load-Washer-Drain-Pump-Intro-Image
July 01, 2013

How to replace the drain pump on a front-load washer

Is your front-load washer not draining? The drain pump might be the problem. This DIY repair guide and video explain how to easily replace the drain pump in a front-load washer.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 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-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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