ApplianceErrors.com

Washer Won't Spin: Causes and Fixes

A washer that fills and washes but won't spin usually has a drainage problem (it must drain before it spins), an unbalanced load it can't safely accelerate, a door/lid lock that isn't confirming, or a worn drive belt/motor. Check drainage and the lock first.

What to Check First

1
Confirm it drains fully first — washers won't spin with water in the tub (see drain troubleshooting).
2
Redistribute the load; an unbalanced drum aborts the spin ramp for safety.
3
Verify the lid/door lock engages and confirms — a failed lock blocks spin.
4
Listen for the motor trying: humming with no spin can be a seized bearing or failed capacitor; silence points to control or lock.
5
On belt-drive models, a worn or broken drive belt causes wash-but-no-spin.

Error Codes for This Problem, by Brand

If your washing machine is showing an error code along with this symptom, find your brand below — each code links to its full fix guide.

Samsung Washing Machine

Unbalanced load detected

✓ Low Severity

Drain failure — water not draining

⚠ High Severity

Motor locked — drum cannot rotate

⚠ High Severity

Door not properly closed or door lock failure

⚠ Medium Severity

Over-current motor protection — motor drawing excessive current

⚠ High Severity

Motor drive error — motor cannot reach commanded speed

⚠ High Severity

Door lock failure — cannot complete lock engagement

⚠ Medium Severity

Door cannot close — door detected open or unlatched during operation

⚠ Medium Severity

Unbalanced load — drum cannot reach spin speed safely

✓ Low Severity

Unbalance error variant — repeated failed redistribution attempts

✓ Low Severity

Drain error (older Samsung models) — water not draining in time

⚠ High Severity

Drain error — water not draining within the time limit

⚠ High Severity

Whirlpool Washing Machine

Drain failure — cycle paused, water not draining

⚠ High Severity

Door lock failure — latch cannot engage

⚠ Medium Severity

Motor speed error — motor not reaching target RPM

⚠ High Severity

Door switch failure — lid/door switch not actuating

⚠ Medium Severity

Door lock not engaging — lock timeout

⚠ Medium Severity

Shifter fault — the drive shifter cannot move between agitate and spin

⚠ High Severity

Motor fault — the drive motor is not responding correctly

⚠ High Severity

Motor unable to reach target speed

⚠ Medium Severity

LG Washing Machine

Drainage error — water not draining within expected time

⚠ High Severity

Unbalanced load — cannot complete spin cycle

✓ Low Severity

Motor locked — hall sensor or stator fault

⚠ High Severity

Door open or door lock failure

⚠ Medium Severity

Over-current error — motor drawing too much current

⚠ High Severity

Clutch motor error (top-load models)

⚠ High Severity

Overcurrent error — excessive current detected in the motor drive circuit

⚠ High Severity

Kenmore Washing Machine

Slow drain — pump is draining but too slowly

⚠ High Severity

Drain error (LG-platform Kenmore models)

⚠ High Severity

Motor locked (LG-platform Kenmore models)

⚠ High Severity

Unbalanced load (LG-platform Kenmore models)

✓ Low Severity

Haier Washing Machine

Drain error — water not draining

⚠ High Severity

Door not closed or door lock failure

⚠ Medium Severity

Motor error — drive motor fault

⚠ High Severity

Motor fault — drum motor not responding

⚠ High Severity

GE Appliances Washing Machine

Spin speed error — motor not reaching target RPM

⚠ Medium Severity

Drive motor failure

⚠ High Severity

Door lock failure

⚠ Medium Severity

Electrolux Washing Machine

Drain error — water not draining

⚠ High Severity

Door not closed or door lock failure

⚠ Medium Severity

⚠ High Severity

Miele Washing Machine

Pump fault — water not draining

⚠ High Severity

Drain time exceeded — slow or failed drain

⚠ High Severity

Motor fault — drive motor failure

⚠ High Severity

Speed Queen Washing Machine

Drain pump fault — drainage problem

⚠ High Severity

Motor feedback error — motor control fault

⚠ High Severity

Lid switch fault (top-load models)

⚠ Medium Severity

Fisher & Paykel Washing Machine

Drain pump fault — drainage problem

⚠ High Severity

Lid switch fault — lid not detected as closed (top-load models)

⚠ Medium Severity

Motor controller fault

⚠ High Severity

Bosch Washing Machine

Drain time exceeded — water not draining within expected time

⚠ High Severity

Door lock failure — cannot lock door for cycle

⚠ Medium Severity

KitchenAid Washing Machine

Drain failure — water not draining

⚠ High Severity

Door lock failure

⚠ Medium Severity

Frigidaire Washing Machine

Drain time exceeded — water not draining

⚠ High Severity

Door open — lid or door not properly closed

⚠ Medium Severity

Maytag Washing Machine

Drain failure — water not draining

⚠ High Severity

Amana Washing Machine

Drain failure — cycle cannot complete

⚠ High Severity

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my washer wash but not spin? +

The most common reason is that it isn't draining — washers must empty before they spin. Clear the drain filter and hose. If it drains fine, suspect the lid lock, an unbalanced load, or the drive belt/motor.

← All Symptoms All Washing Machine Error Codes →