8 Reasons Why GE Washer Not Spinning

GE washers are well-known for their high quality and durability. However, with age and continuous use, even the best washers will need repair at some point in time. 

While this may be unnerving for some people, it is very easy to repair a GE washing machine with a little patience and know-how. With this GE washer repair guide, you can fix the GE washer not spinning issue and running in no time.

The spin cycle is the most important part of any washing machine. If done correctly, it will remove almost all the water from your clothes, leaving them fresh and dry without weighing you down with heavy material. If your washer doesn’t seem to be able to get the clothes clean at all, or if it’s making strange noises or vibrating a lot, then something will need repair.

You may be able to figure out what the problem is and fix it yourself. But if you can’t or if the machine is not working at all, you will probably need to call a technician. We are here to help you troubleshoot and find out why your washing machine isn’t working properly.

What Causes GE Washer Not Spinning? Troubleshooting and Diagnosis

It’s easy to forget that washers and dryers can be as complex as any other appliance. They have a network of moving parts, a motor, a pump, and so on — just like your refrigerator or oven. If anything is wrong with it, chances are you won’t be able to fix it at home.

If your washing machine stops spinning, there are a few non-mechanical things you can check right away to alleviate the problem.

Reason	Causes	Fixes
Load Imbalance	Unevenly distributed clothes	Ensure proper distribution of clothes in the drum
Level the Washer	Unleveled washer	Adjust the legs to level the washer
Overstuffed/Understuffed machine	Underloading or overloading the washer	Load the recommended amount of clothes
Master Reset	Temporary malfunction	Reload or drain the machine, perform a master reset
Clogged Drain Trap	Clogged drain trap or filter	Clean or replace the drain trap/filter
Check the Lid Switch	Faulty lid switch	Inspect and replace the lid switch
Check Water Level Control	Malfunctioning water level control	Replace the water level control
Check Water Pump	Clogged or damaged water pump	Clean or replace the water pump
Broken Drive Belt	Worn or damaged drive belt	Replace the drive belt

Load Imbalance

If one side of your washer seems to be more heavily weighted than the other, a load imbalance can occur which will stop the LG washer from spinning.

When you have a load of laundry that needs washing, it’s vital to make sure that your clothes are distributed evenly throughout the drum — or it won’t spin properly! If imbalance load occurs when users try to clean delicate clothing on a fast cycle with bulky towels or clothes on the opposite side — resulting in clothes being tossed about and pounded against the inner tub, accompanied by loud thumping sounds while the machine is in use.

This causes the machine to shut down and alert you to the problem — preventing mechanical damage. Close the lid, then open it up and spread your clothes out even before you start again.

Level the Washer

If left unleveled, your washing machine won’t operate at full capacity and efficiency. If you suspect an unevenly balanced washer, check for other warning signs: excess noise and vibration during the wash cycle.

To check the level of your washer, place a carpenter’s level on top of it and look for five points that rest on the same level. If you see an incomplete line or one endpoint is higher than the other, your machine needs to be leveled. 

The process consists of adjusting each individual leg at the front and back until the machine is completely balanced.

Overstuffed/Understuffed machine

If your washer is underloaded with clothes, it could throw the machine off balance and cause it to spin improperly. An overloaded machine will likely have the same effect. Obviously, an improperly loaded washer may also cause additional noise.

Overloading your washing machine can cause it to perform poorly and prematurely break down. This results in expensive, unnecessary repairs — which is why you should only wash the recommended amount of clothes at any one time.

Remember to check the weight capacity of your machine before loading up — with this information, and you’ll be able to fill it comfortably while keeping an eye on how much laundry you’re really doing.

Master Reset

If the machine doesn’t spin, you have two options: you can reload the machine and run another cycle, or you can drain the machine and perform a master reset.

To drain the machine, unplug it and open the door. Once it has drained enough, close the door and plug it back in. To perform a master reset, unplug the washer and open and close the door six times in 12 seconds. Every washer will have a different reset mechanism.

If the fixes listed above don’t solve your problem, it’s time to let a professional handle the situation.

Clogged Drain Trap

Front-load washers are known for their ability to clean a large amount of laundry without wasting water. Unfortunately, they also collect more lint during the washing process than top-load machines do.

If you see the drain trap overflowing or notice that your machine is turning slower than normal, it may have become clogged over time and stop spinning altogether.

Sometimes no matter how hard you try, the drain filter system will still get clogged with food particles or other debris. If the drain filter system itself becomes too clogged to function properly, your washer will shut down and alert you that you need to clean the drain filter system.

Unplug the machine, empty the water, remove any lint or debris from the drain, and then back the drain pump. If you don’t, the water could overflow and cause damage to your home. 

Once you’re sure that everything is clear, turn on the power again and let it resume its spin cycle, and check to see if the GE washer not spinning problem is still occurring or not.

Check the Lid Switch

The lid switch on top-loading washing machines is located under the main lid. The lid switch is used as a safety device that prevents the machine from operating when the main lid is open. When the lid is open, the machine stops. 

If this safety device fails, you won’t be able to wash clothes or operate your washing machine. If you are facing GE washer not spinning problem, first try closing and opening the lid — if that doesn’t work, check to see if the lid switch itself is broken.

If your GE washer won’t spin, check to make sure the lid switch is being activated mechanically. If it is, then you’ll need to inspect the washer to see if any of the levers are sticking or if any of the actuators are damaged. A defective switch will cause the motor to be unresponsive even though it is being activated mechanically by the lid. If these checks turn up nothing, you’ll need to replace the lid switch.

Check Water Level Control

First, unplug the washer and unplug the wires connected to the control. Then, using an ohmmeter, check continuity in these areas.

1. With no water in the tub: there should be continuity from terminal 7 to 15
2. With a full tub: there should be continuity from terminal 7 to 16

If you don’t get any of these readings, the control is bad and will need to be replaced.

Check Water Pump

If your washing machine won’t spin but will still agitate, there’s probably a good chance that the water pump is a problem. The pump is responsible for pushing the water out of the drum so your clothes can spin and redistributing the water throughout the wash.

The washing machine will never start spinning until all of the water has been expelled from the drum.

Pumps get clogged from time to time and are also quite common for problems to arise when they age.

If your washing machine is making a strange noise or seems to be draining slowly, the problem could be in the pump. Unplug it and check for any obstructions, like lint or fabric softener sheets. If there are no visible signs of damage or clogging, then you’ll need to replace the pump.

Broken Drive Belt

Front-load and top-load washer baskets won’t spin if their drive belts are worn out. These belts are responsible for moving the agitator and spinning basket in your washing machine. 

They control the motion of the agitator and wash load and contribute to the overall rotation of the drum itself.

An excessively worn belt may cause your washer to skip a cycle and may even prevent the machine from starting at all. A qualified repair person can easily exchange the belt, but you should also take note of any sounds that indicate a problem with the belt itself; squeaking or other noises could be an indication that the belt is stretched, loose, or damaged. 

If the washer is making too much noise, then it’s time to replace your belt to solve the GE washer not spinning issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why is my GE washer not spinning?

There could be several reasons why your GE washer is not spinning. This could include a load imbalance, an unlevelled machine, an overstuffed or understuffed machine, a clogged drain trap, a faulty lid switch, a faulty water level control, a faulty water pump, or a broken drive belt.

Q2: How can I fix a load imbalance in my GE washer?

If one side of your washer seems to be more heavily weighted than the other, you can fix this by ensuring that your clothes are distributed evenly throughout the drum before starting the wash cycle.

Q3: What should I do if my GE washer is unlevelled?

If your washer is unlevelled, it won’t operate at full capacity and efficiency. You can check the level of your washer by placing a carpenter’s level on top of it. If the machine needs to be levelled, you’ll need to adjust each individual leg at the front and back until the machine is completely balanced.

Q4: How can I unclog the drain trap of my GE washer?

If your GE washer’s drain trap is clogged, unplug the machine, empty the water, remove any lint or debris from the drain, and then back the drain pump. Once you’re sure that everything is clear, turn on the power again, let the machine resume its spin cycle, and check to see if the problem persists.

Q5: How can I fix a faulty lid switch on my GE washer?

If the lid switch on your GE washer is faulty, check to make sure the switch is being activated mechanically. If it is, inspect the washer to see if any of the levers are sticking or if any of the actuators are damaged. If these checks turn up nothing, you’ll need to replace the lid switch.

Q6: How can I fix a broken drive belt in my GE washer?

If the drive belt in your GE washer is broken, it needs to be replaced. You might notice that the washer is making excessive noise, which could indicate a problem with the belt. A qualified repair person can easily exchange the belt for you.

Q7: When should I contact a professional to fix my GE washer?

If you’ve tried the above troubleshooting steps and your GE washer is still not spinning, it’s time to contact a professional. An experienced technician will be able to diagnose the problem accurately and carry out the necessary repairs. It’s always best to get professional help to avoid causing further damage to the appliance.

Q8: How can I prevent future issues with my GE washer not spinning?

The best way to prevent future issues with your GE washer not spinning is to use your washing machine correctly. This includes not overloading or underloading the machine, regularly checking and cleaning the drain trap, and making sure the machine is level. Furthermore, if you notice any unusual noises or behavior from your washing machine, it’s best to address the problem immediately instead of ignoring it. This can prevent small issues from becoming bigger, more expensive problems down the line.