How to Repair a Washing Machine That Won't Finish Its Cycle

If your washing machine stops mid-cycle or won’t finish its cycle at all, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. However, there are several common reasons for this issue, and many of them can be fixed without calling a professional. In this article, we will discuss the potential causes of a washing machine not finishing its cycle and provide step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting and repairing the problem.

Why Won’t Your Washing Machine Finish Its Cycle? Troubleshooting Tips and Repair Solutions

When your washing machine won’t finish its cycle, it can be a frustrating experience. There could be several reasons why this is happening, depending on the type of washer you have. For example, a top-load washer may have a broken lid switch, timer, or water-level pressure switch that is preventing it from advancing to the drain and spin cycle. A vertical modular (VMW) top-load washer could have a bad shifter assembly, failed drain pump, or excess suds that are stopping it mid-cycle.

If you’re struggling with a top-load washer that won’t drain or spin, you can watch a helpful troubleshooting video for repair tips. Meanwhile, front-load washers may have a broken door lock assembly, failed electronic control board, or faulty motor control board that is preventing them from finishing a cycle. In these cases, the washer will often display a digital error code to indicate the issue.

To get your washing machine back up and running, it’s essential to diagnose the problem correctly and follow the appropriate troubleshooting steps. By understanding the potential causes and solutions for a washer that won’t finish its cycle, you can save time, money, and frustration in the long run.

You may be able to solve your washing machine problem by attempting the following repairs.

Replacing the Lid Switch to Ensure Proper Operation

If your top-load washer isn’t spinning or draining after a wash cycle, the culprit could be a faulty lid switch. This safety switch is designed to detect whether the washer lid is closed before the basket spins. If the switch isn’t detecting a closed lid, the washer won’t advance to the spin and drain cycles.

In some top-load washer models, the lid must be closed before the drive motor runs. If the lid is open, the washer won’t fill with water at all. This is why it’s crucial to ensure that the lid switch is functioning correctly.

To replace a broken lid switch, you’ll need to open the washer cabinet and locate the switch assembly. Once you’ve removed the old switch, you can install a new one and test the washer to ensure that it’s working correctly. This is a relatively simple repair that can make a significant difference in your washer’s performance.

By taking the time to troubleshoot and fix common washer issues like a faulty lid switch, you can save money on costly repairs and prevent frustrating laundry room breakdowns.

How to replace the lid switch/lock assembly on a top-load washer:

Replacing a faulty lid switch/lock assembly is a simple and straightforward process. Here are the steps you can follow to replace the assembly in a top-load washer:

Unplug the washer from the electrical outlet to prevent any electrical shock during the repair process.
Open the washer lid and locate the screws that hold the top panel in place. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws and lift off the top panel.
Look for the lid switch assembly, which is usually located near the back of the washer. Disconnect the wires from the assembly and remove any mounting screws that hold the assembly in place.
Take out the old lid switch assembly and install the new one in its place. Secure the assembly with mounting screws and connect the wires to the new switch.
Reattach the top panel by inserting the screws and tightening them with a screwdriver.
Plug in the washer and test the new lid switch to ensure that it’s working correctly.

How to replace the lid switch in a direct-drive top-load washer:

A direct-drive top-load washer has a different design than other top-load washers, so the lid switch replacement process may vary slightly. Here’s how you can replace the lid switch in a direct-drive top-load washer:

Unplug the washer and remove the screws that hold the control panel in place. The control panel is usually located on the top of the washer and can be accessed by opening the lid.
Tilt the control panel back and locate the lid switch assembly. Disconnect the wires from the assembly and remove any mounting screws that hold the assembly in place.
Take out the old lid switch assembly and install the new one in its place. Secure the assembly with mounting screws and connect the wires to the new switch.
Reattach the control panel by inserting the screws and tightening them with a screwdriver.
Plug in the washer and test the new lid switch to ensure that it’s working correctly.

By following these simple steps, you can replace a faulty lid switch in your top-load washer and get it back up and running in no time.

Replace the washer shifter assembly

Top-load washers have a shifter assembly, also known as an actuator, that is located at the bottom of the gearcase. This component is responsible for shifting the drive system between agitation mode and spin mode. It also features a sensor that monitors the drive system’s position during the wash cycle. When the motor, sensor, or mechanical parts of the shifter assembly fail, it can cause the washer to stop and display an error code. In such a case, the shifter assembly needs to be replaced to resolve the issue.

Replacing the shifter assembly in your top-load washer:

If your top-load washer is not functioning properly, it may be due to a faulty shifter assembly. Here are the steps to replace the shifter assembly in your top-load washer:

Unplug the washer from the electrical outlet to avoid any electrical shock while performing the repair.
Locate the shifter assembly, which is mounted on the bottom of the gearcase.
Disconnect the wire harness from the assembly.
Remove the screws that hold the assembly in place and take out the old shifter assembly.
Install the new shifter assembly in the same position and secure it with the screws.
Reconnect the wire harness to the new shifter assembly.
Plug in the washer and test it to ensure that the new shifter assembly is working correctly.

By following these simple steps, you can replace the shifter assembly in your top-load washer and get it back to functioning properly. Remember to always unplug the washer before performing any repairs and to seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any step.

Replace the washer door lock assembly

In a front-load washer, the door lock assembly serves as a crucial safety feature that comprises a switch, a latch, and a locking mechanism. The switch detects whether the washer door is closed, and the latch and locking mechanism secure the door during the wash cycle. However, if any of these components fail, it can cause problems. For instance, if a component fails with the door closed, the door may not open. Similarly, if it fails with the door open, the door may not lock. In either case, the entire assembly needs to be replaced if any component fails to ensure proper functioning of the washer.

How to replace the door lock assembly on a front-load washer

Replacing the door lock assembly on a front-load washer is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed with a few basic tools. Here are the steps to follow:

Unplug the washer from the power source to avoid electrical shock.
Open the washer door and locate the retaining ring that holds the door boot seal in place.
Use a pair of pliers to remove the retaining ring and pull the door boot seal away from the front of the washer. Set the seal aside.
Remove the screws that secure the door lock assembly to the washer frame.
Carefully disconnect the wires that connect the door lock assembly to the washer’s control board.
Install the new door lock assembly in place of the old one and reattach the wires to the control board.
Secure the assembly to the washer frame using the screws that were removed earlier.
Replace the door boot seal and reattach the retaining ring.
Plug the washer back in and test the new door lock assembly by running a wash cycle.

By following these steps, you should be able to replace the door lock assembly on your front-load washer and restore proper functioning to your machine. If you are unsure about any part of the process, it is best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek the help of a professional technician.

Replace the washer main control board

The electronic control board, commonly referred to as the main or mother board, is responsible for managing and coordinating the various functions of the washing machine. These include controlling the water inlet valves, the drive motor that powers the machine’s movements, and the drain pump that removes the water from the drum.

How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer:

Unplug the washer from the power source.
Locate the control panel at the top of the washer and remove it by unscrewing any screws or releasing any clips holding it in place.
Look for the electronic control board, which should be located at the rear of the control panel.
Disconnect the wires and connectors from the old control board, taking note of their location.
Remove the screws securing the control board to the panel.
Install the new control board in the same position as the old one and screw it in place.
Reconnect all the wires and connectors in the same location as before.
Replace the control panel and secure it in place with screws or clips.
Plug the washer back in and test it to ensure it is functioning properly.

How to replace the machine control board in a front-load washer:

Unplug the washer from the power source.
Open the door and remove any screws securing the front panel.
Release any clips holding the panel in place and remove it.
Locate the machine control board, which should be located at the top of the washer, behind the control panel.
Disconnect the wires and connectors from the old control board, taking note of their location.
Remove the screws securing the control board to the washer.
Install the new control board in the same position as the old one and screw it in place.
Reconnect all the wires and connectors in the same location as before.
Replace the front panel and secure it in place with screws or clips.
Plug the washer back in and test it to ensure it is functioning properly.

Replace the washer timer

In a washing machine with mechanical controls, the timer (or cycle selector) is responsible for setting the wash cycle. It is the dial used to select the wash cycle, and it moves the washer through its various cycles, including initial filling to final spin. If the timer fails to advance the washer through its cycles, it needs to be replaced.

How to replace the timer in a direct-drive top-load washer

Here are the steps to replace the timer in a direct-drive top-load washer:

Unplug the washing machine from the electrical outlet.
Remove the control console from the top of the washer. This may involve removing screws or snapping off plastic covers.
Locate the timer on the console, and disconnect the wiring harness from the back of the timer. Take a picture or make a note of which wire goes where.
Remove the mounting screws that hold the timer in place on the console.
Install the new timer and secure it in place with the mounting screws.
Reconnect the wiring harness to the back of the timer, making sure each wire goes into the correct slot.
Reattach the control console to the top of the washer.
Plug the washing machine back into the electrical outlet.

It is important to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific details on replacing the timer in your particular model of direct-drive top-load washer.

Repair or replace the washer drain pump

The primary function of the drain pump is to remove water from the washing machine at specific intervals during the washing cycle. However, issues such as a seized bearing, a failed seal, or broken impeller blades can arise, causing the pump to malfunction. In the case of belt-driven pumps, the belt can snap, and the pulley can shear off. A common sign of a failing pump is a humming noise when the washer is full of water. If the pump issues are minor, clearing debris, repairing wiring failures, or replacing a seal may solve the problem. However, if the pump cannot be fixed or rebuilt, it must be replaced.

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

Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply valves.
Locate the drain pump at the bottom of the washer, usually near the front or back.
Disconnect the hoses and wires connected to the pump. Take a picture of the connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
Remove the mounting screws or clips holding the pump in place.
Carefully remove the old pump and discard it.
Install the new pump and secure it in place with the mounting screws or clips.
Reconnect the hoses and wires to the new pump in the same way they were connected to the old pump.
Turn on the water supply valves and plug in the washer.
Test the washer to make sure the new pump is working properly.

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

Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply valves.
Remove the front lower access panel of the washer by removing the screws holding it in place.
Locate the drain pump at the bottom of the washer.
Disconnect the hoses and wires connected to the pump. Take a picture of the connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
Remove the mounting screws or clips holding the pump in place.
Carefully remove the old pump and discard it.
Install the new pump and secure it in place with the mounting screws or clips.
Reconnect the hoses and wires to the new pump in the same way they were connected to the old pump.
Replace the front lower access panel of the washer and secure it with the screws.
Turn on the water supply valves and plug in the washer.
Test the washer to make sure the new pump is working properly.

Replace the washer motor control board

The motor control board is an electronic circuit board located near the drive motor in a front-load washer. It’s responsible for regulating and monitoring the speed and direction of the drive motor during the wash cycle, controlling the tumble and spin actions. If the drive motor fails to run, it may be due to a faulty motor control board that requires replacement.

How to replace a motor control board on a front-load washer

Here’s a guide on how to replace a motor control board on a front-load washer:

Unplug the washer from the electrical outlet.
Remove the top panel of the washer by unscrewing the screws at the back of the panel and sliding it back and lifting it off.
Locate the motor control board, which is usually located near the bottom of the washer next to the drive motor.
Unplug the wire harnesses connected to the control board by pulling them out gently.
Remove the screws securing the control board to the washer frame using a screwdriver.
Lift the old control board off the frame and set it aside.
Place the new control board in the same position as the old one and secure it to the washer frame with the screws.
Reconnect the wire harnesses to the new control board by pushing them in gently.
Replace the top panel of the washer by lowering it into place and tightening the screws at the back of the panel.
Plug the washer back into the electrical outlet.

Make sure to test the washer to ensure that the new control board is working correctly.

Replace the washer water-level pressure switch

In a washing machine, the water-level pressure switch identifies the level of water in the wash tub. If it fails to operate correctly, the washer will not fill adequately or might overfill, even to the point of overflowing. It is important to replace the pressure switch if it doesn’t precisely detect and manage the water level in the washer.

How to replace the water level pressure switch on a direct-drive top-load washer

Here are the general steps to replace the water level pressure switch on a direct-drive top-load washer:

Unplug the washer from the power outlet and turn off the water supply.
Locate the water level pressure switch, which is usually mounted near the top of the washer’s cabinet and connected to the control panel by a hose.
Remove the control panel by removing the screws at the back of the panel or releasing the spring clips that hold it in place.
Carefully disconnect the hose from the water level pressure switch and remove any clips or mounting brackets that hold the switch in place.
Install the new water level pressure switch by connecting the hose and securing any mounting brackets or clips.
Reinstall the control panel and secure it in place with screws or clips.
Turn on the water supply and plug in the washer.
Test the washer to make sure it fills with the correct amount of water for each cycle.

It’s important to consult the washer’s user manual or manufacturer’s instructions for specific details and safety precautions before attempting any repairs.

Here is a list of Cities We Service in Fulton County:

Dunwoody, Milton, Atlanta, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Roswell, Brookhaven