A washer that won’t start or turn on means dirty clothes can’t get washed. When you are without a washer, that can be a big problem. To get your washer to work properly and start, we have compiled a repair guide below to assist you to fix a washer that will not turn on, start, or run. The procedures below are for both front loaders and top loader washers.
Below you will find a list of the most common washer parts and components (from the most probable to the least probable) that can malfunction and cause your washing machine to not turn on or start. Use our comprehensive list to help you troubleshoot which part may need to be removed and replaced.
Main reasons a washer will not start (either front or top load):
1. Power breaker off, washer not plugged in.
2. Lid switch faulty, door switch faulty.
3. Start switch and or timer faulty.
4. Washer motor faulty.
5. Main control board faulty or shorted.
Power to Washer
Be sure the washer is plugged into the electrical outlet in the wall. Also be sure the breaker switch in the breaker box is turned on. If you live in an older home your box may be called a fuse box. If so, make sure the fuse is in good working condition.
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 you suspect the door switch is causing your washer to not start, carefully check the strike where it engages into the door lock assembly. Be sure the lock is working properly by keeping the door shut and locked shut. You can check the door switch for continuity with a multimeter. Be sure to disconnect the power to the washer when you check for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the door switch.
Lid Switch (Top Load Washer)
A lid switch is a safety device located under the lid on top load washers. This lid switch will not let the motor operate when the the lid is open. If the lid switch is faulty, then the washing machine will not start. It may fill with water but will not spin if the switch is faulty. Some lid switches on top loaders also control the water inlet valve. In some top load washers, if the lid switch is bad, the washer will not fill with water. The lid switch is under the lid. There is a pin or pusher attached to the lid. This pin or pusher (when lid is closed) will press the lid switch. If your washer will not start, be sure the switch is being pressed. If the lid switch is being pressed but no power is being supplied to the washers motor, then the switch is most likely bad. To test the switch, turn off power to washer and remove the wires from the lid switch. Check the switch for continuity with a multimeter. If there is no continuity, replace the lid switch.
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.
Drive Motor
Both top and front load washers use a motor that spins and agitates. (A top load washer uses a reversing motor) The motor spins in one direction to agitate and the other direction to spin. When the wash motor will not turn on it may be faulty. If the motor makes strange humming sounds then the motor may be at fault. To test the motor, remove the belts and try to start the motor. If it runs then you know something else in the washer is causing the issue. On newer direct drive washers, you will have to disconnect the pump and the coupling to the trans. If the direct drive motor turns on, then then you have a transmission issue or possibly the pump. If the direct drive motor won’t start then it should be replaced. On front load washers the motor drives the washing basket with a ribbed belt. Remove the belt and try to start the motor. If the motor runs, then be sure the basket turns and doesn’t have anything stuck or jammed between it and the outer tub basket.
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.
Front Loading Washing Machine Parts Location
Top Loading Washing Machine Parts Location
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Written by Keith Schneerer
Certified Appliance Tech · Founder, RemoveAndReplace.com
Keith has spent 30+ years repairing machines, starting as a military mechanic and later maintaining food processing equipment before moving into appliance repair. He founded RemoveAndReplace.com to share field-tested repair advice.
More about Keith →
Good Day. I have Whirpool Washing Machine model LSP880GP.. it was found not working today.. It cannot turn ON on the main panel.. no any indication of power. I already check the fuse and found OK.. I also check the main panel.. 220VAC supply was available..
Can i say that the main control board was already faulty and need to replace..
Thank you for your help in advance.
I have a washing machine that will not start, the door is locked and will not unlock and when I try to start it it will not start cycle or anything, it is a whirlpool duet tumblefresh 4.4
I have a Whirlpool top loading washer, WTW4816FW2. It’s not yet a year old. I used it last weekend for several loads. Today I load it and press “start” and NOTHING HAPPENS. No lights, no water, no sound. I have checked the breaker and the outlet and they are fine. What could have happened?
I have a Maytag top load washing machine started it, went to work came home and it was only 1/2 full and like no power, but the breaker is good, and the outlet is good.
Hi. We have a SAMSUNG WOBBLE TECHNOLOGY WASHER for 1year now. After I load the 1st batch of clothes, the electricity suddenly went out so when it comes back the washer does not work. It displays number but it does not start. Please help me fix this. Thank you
My Electrolux front loader washing machine turns on, you can select cycles, the door locks, the timer starts counting down as the cycle is apparently running, but there is no ‘action’ in the washing machine. No noise, does not fill with water, does not spin. It does not work on any cycle, whether a washing or spin cycle. Then it just shuts off. ATF 800FS1
Hi. I have a top loading GE washing machine. Model: GTWN4950L0WS Serial: RV134991G
I was using it to do laundry earlier today and finished four loads. (I washed two loads twice.) When I loaded it again for a fifth load, added detergent, and set the washer to run I encountered a problem. The washing machine currently will not start on any settings I have tried. After I set it to run, the fill light just blinks at me and the washer beeps about every 5~10 seconds with two beeps. The only thing I’ve tried is different settings to see if I can get it to run, cleaning the lid and ridge around the top thoroughly with a hot, damp washcloth, and unplugging it for a minute and replugging the machine back into the outlet. Any assistance or guidance would be extremely helpful as GE was no help at all on the phone or website. I do not have the proper tools to do the extra testing and repairs on the few websites that I have found that are similar to my issue, so if it gets into ohmmeter and wire splicing territory, I’ll have to schedule a local repairman, but I’d prefer to fix it myself if it’s a relatively easy fix. Many thanks in advance for any help you may provide.