Whether you wash your clothes daily or weekly, having a washer in your house is a necessary comfort. So, if your washing machine stopped functioning or have you realized it would not start, there are some simple things you should check.
While some of them may seem simple, it’s important to know the reasons why your washer won’t start before addressing your concerns.
What Are the Reasons Why Washer Won't Start?
Although these causes might vary, we’ll go through each one and suggest some easy fixes that may assist. If these recommendations do not work or you find an issue that you are not comfortable with, schedule a repair with Appliance Doctor Inc.
1. No Power Running
While this may seem obvious, you might be shocked at how many people are unaware that their washer is not getting electricity. Due to the fact that washing machines clean clothes, they sometimes manage to disconnect themselves. Therefore, if your washer would not turn on, ensure that it is plugged in. Ensure that you test the outlet with a different device. This will assist you in determining whether a fuse has blown or if there is a problem with the circuit breaker.
2. Overheated
If you’ve using your washer often, it may have overheated and needs to cool down. Wait or fa few hours and then try again.
3. Wrong Settings
When using the washer, people occasionally mistakenly hit the control lock or delay start button. Restart the washing machine by opening and closing the door and then try to run another cycle. If it does not work, you may choose to restart and reset the wash cycle altogether.
4. Door Switch Isn't Locking
Numerous washing machines will not operate until the lid is closed. Ensure that the door closes and locked properly.
If there is a problem with the lid switch, your washing machine may fail to come on, even though the lid is properly closed. If you have electrical expertise, you may test it with a multimeter. If the test is negative or the door switch is not engaging correctly, the switch should be replaced. Instructions and components vary by washer model; thus, consult your owner’s handbook or the manufacturer’s website for lid switch replacement instructions—or just contact a local washing machine repair technician.
5. Fuse is Blown/Broken
Washers often have a fuse that regulates electricity to the machine’s operating components. Before attempting to repair this component, it is recommended that you disconnect your washer. Then, remove the appropriate screws to get access to the fuse panel of the machine. Generally, you’ll be able to tell instantly if a fuse has blown/broken and you’ll need to replace it (it will be black). However, depending on the make and model of your washer, this may be a more difficult repair; thus, unless you have some electrical knowledge, it’s advisable to schedule a repair with a washing machine professional for assistance.
6. Control Knob Isn't Working Properly
Due to wear and tear, the washer’s control knobs may stop to work properly with the shaft, rendering you unable to set the time or perform other operations on your washer. If this is the case, you may check the rear of the control knob. It is also possible that the control knob is defective; you may physically inspect it and test it with a voltmeter. If your control knob is not functioning correctly, replace it.
7. Control Board is Malfunctioning
This component regulates the operation of your washing machine. If there is a problem with your control board, your appliance will most likely not start. Unplug your washing machine and inspect the rear of the control board for problems.
If you see any damaged or burnt components on the board, you must replace it. Due to the difficulty of replacing the control board, we suggest calling Appliance Doctor Inc., your appliance repair technician, for assistance.
8. Motor is Broken
If the motor is damaged, it is unlikely that your washer would not start at all; rather, the wash cycle will begin and then fail at some point throughout the cycle. A buzzing or whining sound coming from the machine is another indicator of a damaged motor. If you find that the motor is the problem, schedule an appliance repair with an Appliance Doctor Inc., since doing it your own is not a good idea.
9. Debris on the Drain
If your washer would not start and just makes a clicking sound, debris may be clogging the washer drain. Inspect the drain for any debris (especially big objects, such as coins) that may have been lodged within.
What Should I Do If My Washer Won't Start?
Common Solutions for the Following Brands:
Admiral, Amana, Crosley, Electrolux, Hotpoint, Kelvinator, Jenn Air, Kenmore, Magic Chef, Maytag, Roper, Tappan, White-Westinghouse, Whirlpool
- Timer – The timer is often overlooked; before replacing the timer, thoroughly inspect all of the more frequently problematic components. Consult your washer’s wiring diagram and verify the timer for continuity using a multimeter.
- Display Board and User Control – Try pushing the buttons on the control panel to check whether the user control and display board is malfunctioning. If certain buttons function well but not others, the control and display board may need to be changed. Furthermore, if the display is not functioning, ensure that the user control and display board are receiving power. If the user control and display board receives power but does not function, it should be replaced.
- Line Fuse – If the washer circuits are overloaded, the line fuse will break. The washer will not start if the line fuse blows. To detect whether the line fuse is faulty, do a continuity test using a multimeter. Replace the fuse if it does not have continuity. Additionally, you should examine and rectify the source of the fuse blowing. Conduct a visual inspection of any shorted components, such as wires, the motor, or the drain pump. If the underlying problem is not resolved, the replacement fuse will blow as well.
- Main Control Board – The primary control board might be damaged. However, this symptom is rarely caused by the main control board. Before replacing the main control board, thoroughly inspect all of the most often problematic components.
- Thermal Fuse – The thermal fuse will break if the washer overheats. The washer will not start if the line fuse blows. To detect whether the thermal fuse is faulty, do a continuity test using a multimeter. Replace the fuse if it does not have continuity. Additionally, you should evaluate and fix the source of the fuse blowing. If the underlying problem is not resolved, the replacement fuse will blow as well.
- Power Problem – It is possible that the electrical outlet is not receiving electricity. To test if the outlet is receiving electricity, plug something else into it. If the outlet is not receiving electricity, check the circuit breakers or fuses in your house.
- Door Lock – While running, the door lock locks the washing. After closing the washing door, the washer may begin working. The door switch will prohibit the washer from working if the door is not closed and locked. The washer will not spin or start if the door lock is malfunctioning. The door lock is susceptible to mechanical and electrical failure. Check for damage to the door lock. Replace the door lock if it is broken or does not latch correctly. To check whether the door lock has failed electrically, reference the wiring schematic for your washer and do a continuity test on each of the door lock switches using a multimeter.
- Power Cord – To begin, check that power is being supplied to the electrical outlet. If the washer receives electricity but will not start, the power cable may be faulty. This is, however, very unusual. To establish if the power cable is faulty, use a multimeter to conduct a voltage test on it. Replace the power cable if it is not receiving power.
Common Solution for Frigidaire
There is certainly a simple approach when it comes to restoring your Frigidaire Laundry Center to its proper operation. Whether your unit was recently installed or has been in use for some time, we recommend performing the following checks:
- Check whether the power wire fits snugly in the wall socket and that the washer receives electricity. Whether there is no electricity, check to see if a fuse in the home has blown or the circuit breaker has tripped.
- Make sure that your Frigidaire Laundry Center should be on a separate circuit breaker from other outlets or appliances.
- Verify that all water supply faucets are switched on.
- Make sure the unit is level.
- If everything seems to be in order, let’s attempt the following tips:
- Examine the lid – Ensure that the lid of the washer and/or the door of the dryer is closed – the laundry center will not start if the lid or door is open. Press the Start button. After making your options, don’t forget to hit the START/PAUSE button. Sensing of load.
- Due to the fact that the first two minutes of the cycle are spent detecting the amount of the load in the majority of Frigidaire Laundry Centers, you may not hear the water filling immediately. Once the sensory cycle is complete, water will begin to enter the tub. The cycle may be halted at any time. If the cycle began but looks to have come to a halt, your washer may just be at the pause stage. This is quite typical; a pause occurs between the Wash and Spin cycles, as well as during the Soak cycle.
Please contact Appliance Doctor Inc. if you are unable to resolve an issue.
Common Solution for Sears
- Activate the power button.
- Test the outlet.
- Reset outlet if necessary.
- Make sure the power cord is plugged in.
- Check if fuses are blown or the circuit breaker is thrown.
- See if Delay Start has been pushed.
- See if Control Lock has been activated.
- If the cycle is finished, open and close the door.
Most Trusted Washer and Dryer Repair Service Provider in Southwest Florida
Appliance Doctor Inc. understand under-performing washer and dryer parts create significant inconvenience and stress. Our washer repair technicians diagnose any complications and resolve washer repairs with expertise.
Got an appliance problem? No need to worry! Our Appliance Repair team provides top-of-the-line service and prompt same-day repair work.
Call us at 239-992-0505 (Estero/Bonita Springs), 239-936-0111 (Fort Myers), 239-540-9500 (Cape Coral), 239-434-7546 (Naples) 239-642-0505 (Marco Island), and 239-732-0111 (East Naples) or you can message us online.
