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
Looking for WASHING MACHINE ERROR CODES?
Here are fault codes for Bosch, Frigidaire, GE, Kenmore, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool washers.
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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 →
Songre,
Possibly the lid lock switch is the problem.
Does the lid lock at all?
You will need to test your lid lock switch to be sure if that is the issue.
If not…
A faulty main control board can cause of the issue on your Whirlpool washer also.
When the Red Door Switch Light comes on and it stops filling, this is a communication error and the board MAY need replaced or repaired.
Check to be sure all wire harnesses are secure before purchasing any replacement parts.
-RR
I have a Whirlpool 1CWTW4740YQ0 that is not working properly, please advised when I turn on the start/stop switch the green fill light comes on and it starts to fill for about 5 seconds then the red door switch light comes on and it stop filling and will not do anything else and I just keep hearing a relay clicked on the control board clicks every minute or so….can you please tell me what part is faulty?
I have a whirlpool cabrio mod Whirlpool WTW6300SW2. Today I unplugged to move the washer and when I plugged it in the interface was flashing in random arrangements but very dim. I also noticed a ticking sound. The noise is coming from the control board. I am weary of plugging in to inspect it without the cover on it. Think it’s a relay.
Jonathan steeves,
First replace the dispenser or tub hose that has a hole in it. Once you replace the leaking part, the washer may work.
If your Kenmore Elite Front Load washer stops mid cycle after replacing the faulty parts, do you get an error code?
What exactly is happening when the washer stops mid cycle, blinking lights? Noises? Beeping?
What is the model number of your Kenmore Washer?
-RR
I have a Kenmore elite front load washer. It has had a leak which i just discovered is the dispenser to tub hose which has a hole in it. The problem is before i discovered where the leak was comming from i noticed that the washer would shut off mid cycle. My question is would the leak cause the washer to shut off or do i have another issue to deal with?
Judy Robinson,
Your Samsung dishwasher may have a main board issue or the display itself is faulty.
-RR
The display lights on my Samsung washer wf42h50000aw1a2 are so dim I cannot see them. How can I fix his problem?