Washing Machine Not Spinning? What to Check and in What Order

A washing machine not spinning may be unable to drain, or may be holding an uneven load. Samsung says a washer that cannot drain never reaches spin, so check draining first, then balance, the lid or door and leveling. If the tub stays still on a spin-only cycle, request service.

Before you start, give the machine a few minutes. GE says pauses of up to 3 minutes are normal on its full-size top-load washers, that pump-out can take another 3, and that you should not advance the timer. For other symptoms, go back to the washer troubleshooting guide.

Is the washer still trying to drain?

Draining comes before spinning, and Samsung puts this check first. “Before the washer spins, it tries to drain,” Samsung’s page says, and if it cannot, the washer never moves to the spin step. Water standing in the tub is your sign to start with washer won’t drain.

Too many suds can block both steps. Whirlpool says high detergent levels can create suds that stop pumping and spinning, and Samsung washers show this as SUd. Samsung also says drain hose issues can build up over time, so check the hose even if nobody has moved the washer lately.

Did the laundry bunch up on one side?

An uneven load can stop a spin on several brands. LG says laundry tangled on one side can stop the spin, and its fix is to pause, redistribute the items and resume. Whirlpool says an unbalanced or overloaded washer may stop spinning to avoid damage.

Several brands report this on the display:

GE also says a space-saving washer filled beyond the balance ring may shake, which can stop the spin.

Is the lid or door fully closed?

Lid and door faults are a quick check. Whirlpool lists a door or lid that is not closed among its first causes. GE says none of its top-load washers will spin with the lid up, and that a space-saving model showing dE or E2 has had its lid opened. GE’s fix for those codes is to close the lid and press Start/Pause.

Items in the drum can also interfere. LG asks you to check the drum and agitator for foreign objects.

Did the chosen cycle limit the spin?

Some wet loads are normal for the cycle you picked. Whirlpool says gentle cycles use slow spins and leave more water behind, and that Low or No Spin settings remove less. Drain & Spin takes out the extra.

GE names one more setting to look at on top-load models. An OPTIONS knob resting between two options, or pointing down, may stop the washer from spinning. Turn it to an option and listen for a beep at each one. If it does not beep, GE says the knob is not working and a service call is needed.

Is the washing machine sitting level?

Leveling appears on both the LG and Whirlpool pages about spin problems. LG says to confirm the washer is level, and Whirlpool says it must be. On space-saving top-load models, GE’s steps are to twist the leveling feet clockwise until they reach the ground, then turn the locking nuts counter-clockwise.

LG washer leveling legs

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These legs are for LG washers. Other brands’ feet differ, so match any part to your model number.

Does a spin-only test turn the drum?

A spin-only test separates a load problem from a machine problem, and each maker gives its own version. Samsung’s is calibration mode rather than a spin cycle, so use the steps listed for your brand.

Samsung’s button pair varies by model. If your manual does not list a calibration mode, Samsung says your model does not have it. A working calibration rotates the tub back and forth for 1 to 3 minutes, then shows En, End or 0 and turns off.

What if the drum still won’t turn?

Power is worth one last look. GE says a loss of power causes a failure to spin, so check the fuses, the breakers and the outlet with a small lamp or hair dryer. Whirlpool says a power failure during spin may also stop the washer reaching full speed.

GE clears a scrolling “CAnCELEd” by selecting Drain & Spin. If that fails, disconnect power for one minute, reconnect it and retry.

Motor codes point past home checks. LE on an LG washer is a motor fault in which the tub fails to spin, and Whirlpool’s F7 E1 is a motor speed sensing code on the Whirlpool code list. Samsung says a tub that will not move may need service for a motor issue, and LG calls mechanical failure rare.

Motors and the parts around them sit inside the cabinet, so they are a technician job unless you are experienced and the washer is unplugged. If you also find water on the floor, go to washer leaking.