How to fix a washing machine that won't turn or spin

You'll most likely first notice this fault when you return to your washing machine to remove a load of washing and the clothes inside are soaking wet.  This will be because the washing machine has completed it's program without spinning the clothes at the end.  You may also notice the fault when you turn on your washing machine, it fills up with water, and just does nothing!

1. Check the washing machine load

First, you should check the size of the load that is in the washing machine.  Too little clothes in a washing machine can be just as problematic as too many.  There needs to be just the right amount of clothes so that when the washing machine spins, they are evenly distributed around the drum ensuring balance.  The control module will detect a drum that is out of balance, and the washing machine will stop to prevent any damage occurring. Just adjust the size of your load and select a spin cycle again.  If your washing machine spins without any problem, then it was 'out of balance' that caused the problem.

2. Washing machine not filling with water

If the washing machine isn't filling up with water then the cycle will not progress to the stage where the washing machine drum turns.  If you've confirmed that power is getting to the washing machine then check out our guide on:

Fixing a washing machine that isn't filling with water

3. Is the washing machine still full of water

When a washing machine moves to the spin cycle it will only spin if the pump has drained the water fully from the washing machine.  This is a safety mechanism to prevent damage that would be caused if the washing machine was to spin when it is full of water.  First, you will not be able to open the door until the washing machine is emptied, follow our guide on:

how to open your washing machine door when the washing machine is full of water

4. Check the washing machine belt

It is possible that the washing machine belt has worked its way off the motor/pully, or the belt has broken.  A simple check is to open the door and turn the drum with your hand.  If the drum rotates VERY freely without any resistance, then it is likely that the belt has become detached,or the belt has snapped.

By removing the lid on your washing machine you will be able to see if the belt is the fault, for more information on how to do this you can check out our video on:

how to replace your washing machine belt

5. Check the washing machine carbon brushes

The carbon brushes are an integral part of the washing machine motor. They transmit an electrical current to the armature of the motor which then turns the drum via the belt.  Over time washing machine carbon brushes will become worn and no longer transmit the electrical current that makes the motor turn.  Check out our article:

about washing machine carbon brushes including how to fit them

6. Washing Machine Motor or Motor Control Module

Finally, If the above checks have been completed, the load is ok, and the belt and carbon brushes both check out fine then the fault could lie with either the Motor or Motor control module.  In these circumstances we would advise to seek the services of a professional washing machine technician.

It's also very helpful to check out our guide on:

diagnosing faults on your washing machine