Washing Machine Repair

Sometimes the washing just won’t start. This is a problem if you have a load of clothes ready to be washed, but it should be easy to fix without calling a technician.

Power

Be sure the washer is plugged into the electrical outlet in the wall. If it is, has it tripped a circuit breaker or blown a fuse? Check and reset the breaker (or replace the fuse) if necessary, then try to start the machine again. Also make sure that the door is properly closed.

Door Switch Strike (Front Load Washer)

The door switch is a safety feature on front loading washing machines. On front loaders, the door switch must be closed and the door must be locked. If this switch malfunctions, the washer won’t start. This switch is in the door frame of the washing machine where the door shuts. If the lights come on but the machine won’t start, this will probably be the cause. This could either be the wiring that runs to the door switch, or the door catch not activating the switch itself. In this instance, you will need to call in a technician to trace and repair the fault.

Lid Switch (Top Load Washer)

The main control for the washing machine is the switch activated when the lid is closed. It is located right underneath the top panel and is activated by a small lever extending through a special opening in the top panel when the lid is closed. If it is defective for some reason, your washer won’t start. It’s not especially difficult to troubleshoot this, however, you might have to open the top to access the lid switch. With the power on, depress the switch and listen for a click. If you don’t hear one, the switch has gone and will need to be replaced. If you do hear the click, investigate further by disconnecting one side of the switch and measuring across both switch terminals for continuity. This can be done with an ohmmeter or a multimeter set on Ohms (Ω).

If the lid switch works but the washing machine still won’t start, check to see if your washing machine has a special fuse inside the control panel for it. If the fuse is blown, replace it and try the washer to see if it works.

Start Switch and Timer (Top Load Washer)

The start switch timer on top load washers is part of the timer. This starting switch is turned on by pulling out the timer knob. If after pulling the timer knob the washer will not start, you can test it for continuity with a multimeter. Remove power from the washing machine and find the timer contacts. Some top loaders have a start switch that is a momentary contact type of switch. This switch will be located on the control panel. You can also test this switch for continuity with a multimeter while pushing the button in. Remove power from the washer before testing for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the start switch and or timer.

Timer Knobs

Sometimes the timer knob wears out and cannot properly engage the timer shaft. If this is the case, then the knob is at fault. The knob cannot grip the shaft therefore is unable to turn the machine on. A worn knob will cause it to slip. Turn off power to the washer and inspect the back of the timer. Make sure the timer shaft engages the knob when it is pulled in or pushed out. If the knob is worn, replace it with a new one.

Overheating

If you’ve run several loads, one after another, without any problem but suddenly find your washing machine refuses to start, overheating could be the cause. The simple way to discover whether this is the problem is to give the machine ample time to cool down, say for a couple of hours, and then try it again. If it works fine, overheating was the case and it should not reoccur as long as you don’t do too many loads in too short of a time.

It is not normal, however, for the washer to behave this way. There is a cause to the overheating problem and it is bound to keep getting worse. So it is best at this time to seek the opinion of a technician.

Main Electric Control Board

The control board controls every component in your washer. If the main control board does not properly control the motor, the filling valve, the drain motor, or the door lock, the washer will not start. The only way to determine if the control board is at fault is to visually inspect it. Check for burned areas or any component on the board that may look burned or damaged. If you find burned areas or components on the control board, remove and replace it.