Washing machine does not spin laundry: problems and solutions

Automatic washing machines have almost completely replaced older generations of washing devices from household use: semi-automatic machines and units with manual wringing. It has become the norm that labor costs for washing are reduced to loading the laundry and unloading it for drying or ironing. It is extremely annoying when the washing machine does not work. For example, when it refuses to wring out the washed laundry.

Why do breakdowns occur and how to deal with them? We will tell you about this in detail.

Common causes of the problem

The failure of the washing machine to perform the "spin" command is not always associated with a breakdown of the unit. Often the cause of the problem is the user's inattention, improper operation or untimely maintenance. Let's analyze the reasons why the washing machine does not spin the laundry, which do not require the intervention of specialists and can be eliminated by the owner of the unit himself as they arise.

Imbalance

Most automatic washing machines are equipped with sensors for axial runout of the drum shaft during washing and spinning. This is done to reduce the load on the shaft and bearings, prevent their premature wear and destruction. Before spinning, a "smart" machine tries to independently distribute the laundry so that it does not bunch up to one edge and the rotation occurs without vibration. If the laundry load is small or, conversely, there is one large item in the drum, the system displays an error and stops the spinning program.

The solution to this problem is simple: simply remove the item from the washing machine and wring it out by hand or add laundry to the wash so that it is distributed more evenly.

Blockage in the siphon or filter

The consequence of an object or thing getting into the filter, preventing water from draining during spinning. It is enough to unscrew the plug at the bottom, not forgetting to put a tray underneath, and clean the filter grid or manually remove the stuck laundry. If the blockage has formed in the siphon, remove the plug with a wire loop with a hook. It is more difficult to remove a blockage in the pump. You will have to call a technician, remove the pump, disassemble it and clean it from a foreign object.

Overload

Each washing machine is designed to wash and spin a certain amount of laundry, measured in kilograms of dry weight. However, different types of fabric absorb different amounts of water. When the drum of the washing machine is loaded to the maximum with items, the laundry may exceed the permissible weight after getting wet. In this case, the display will display an error message and stop the program, in particular, spinning. You can fix the problem by reducing the amount of laundry in the washing machine.

The interference filter is out of order

The electrical circuit of the automatic washing machine includes a noise filter. It performs a dual function: it protects the unit from power surges in the network and prevents the spread of noise from the running electric motor to nearby electronic objects. The main component of the filter is the capacitors, which can fail (breakdown) during long-term operation. The washing machine displays an error message and stops washing and spinning.

Main faults

In addition to the reasons why the washing machine does not spin the laundry, caused by the user's carelessness or failure to follow the instructions, there are often malfunctions caused by wear of parts. Their independent elimination is possible only if the user has the skills to repair complex household appliances.

The drive belt is damaged or has come off

The vast majority of older washing machines have a stand-alone motor that is connected to the drum by a rubber drive belt. This is a fairly reliable design, and a rupture occurs only after several years of use or due to a manufacturing defect.

If the belt has jumped out of the pulley groove, you can fix it yourself. To do this, you will have to remove the rear cover and, having loosened the engine mount, return it to the grooves. After that, tighten the belt and secure the engine in its previous position.

Don't forget to check how the machine washes and spins after each independent intervention.

The control module burned out

A malfunction requiring radical intervention. It is difficult to fix the malfunction on your own, since most control units are not repairable and require complete replacement. If the electronic elements of the module are not damaged, reflashing helps - reloading the program using a specialized program.

Engine failure

A complex problem, the cause of which can only be identified and eliminated in a workshop. Independent engine repair at home is impossible.

The tachometer sensor is out of order

The tachometer is a device that reads the number of revolutions of the engine and drum during the execution of programs. If the control module receives incorrect information, the machine does not understand what commands to give, and in order to avoid critical consequences, it decides to do nothing - an error is displayed, and the wash stops. The tachometer is replaced entirely in a workshop.

Drain pump failure

The pump is an important element of the washing machine. Its malfunction leads to the fact that the water that enters the drum during washing is not removed from the tank. This prevents the rotation process at high speeds, which occurs when the washing machine spins things. The motor is overloaded, which can burn out. The reasons may be:

• Material fatigue (the pump is made of plastic),
• Foreign objects entering the pump,
• Wear of the pump drive belt.

The pump can be either disassemblable - consisting of two halves - repairable, or non-disassemblable. In the latter case, it is replaced entirely in a workshop.

The bearing is faulty

The bearing on which the drum shaft rotates experiences enormous loads, especially during the spin cycle, when the number of revolutions approaches 1000/min. The first signs of bearing failure are a sharp whistling sound when rotating. If, in addition to the unpleasant sound, a knock or cracking sound appears, this indicates that the bearing is destroyed. The washing machine, if the emergency stop has not worked and it is still spinning things, must be turned off immediately.

The bearing replacement is performed in a workshop or at home by a qualified washing machine repair technician.

Other breakdowns

Considering that an automatic washing machine consists of hundreds of units and parts, a malfunction can occur in any of them. Some problems are critical and lead to complete inoperability, others hinder the operation of the washing machine, but do not prevent the performance of some functions. Sometimes the washing machine simply does not spin things, but copes with washing. However, it is better to immediately eliminate the defects than to wait for the complete failure of the entire unit.

Pressure switch malfunction

The pressure switch is a sensor that measures the water level. Each washing mode assumes a certain level of liquid in the tank. When spinning, there should be no water at all, as it greatly complicates the rotation of the drum at high speeds.

If the pressure switch fails, the control unit stops monitoring the water level. There is no drain, and the washing machine automatically switches off to avoid more serious consequences. This unit can only be replaced completely in a workshop or by using the services of a master at home.

Malfunction of the hatch lock

The door latch not only performs the mechanical function of holding the lid during washing and spinning. It is connected to a sensor contact that blocks the door from accidentally opening during the programs and also blocks switching on when the door is not tightly closed or for some time after the program has been completed.

Locks often break due to rough handling - closing the door with force, with a foot or with excessive pressure when there is too much laundry in the drum. The part is plastic and cannot be repaired. Requires complete replacement. If necessary, the sensor-contact is replaced.

Heating element failure

The heating element is a water heating element that heats water to the required temperature. The main problem with all heating elements is the deposition of calcium salts of hardness contained in tap water. Means for softening water have long been invented, but not all owners of washing machines use them. The consequence of the interaction of the metal of the heating element and calcium salts is corrosion, which can completely destroy the wall of the heater and cause a short circuit. If the device is not damaged, it can be cleaned with solutions of organic acids: acetic, citric, oxalic or their composition. If the heating element is “broken”, it must be replaced with a new one in a workshop.

Drum interference

The most common reason for unstable operation of the device, poor spin quality, knocking in the drum or its jamming is foreign objects that have gotten into the gap between it and the sealing cuff. Usually these are thin metal objects that can catch on holes and unevenness of the tank. Removing them can be difficult. For this, probes, endoscopic equipment, and complete disassembly of the tank are used. It is very difficult to solve such a problem on your own.

How to protect your washing machine from spin problems

Spinning is just one of the operations. The performance of the device depends on following the instructions and timely maintenance. It is not recommended to overload the washing machine to avoid excessive load. Likewise, it should be remembered that 1-2 items that cannot be distributed in the drum cause strong beating during the spinning process due to decentering. When trying to spin shoes, dense heavy items - always place them in the mass of other laundry so that the machine can evenly distribute the items before spinning and maintain the centering of the drum during spinning.