Washing machine not spinning
If the drum is not revolving on any part of the cycle – not just during the fast spin – this is a different fault. See: washing machine drum not turning. This guide is for machines where the drum turns normally on wash and rinse, but does not do the fast spin at the end.
If the washing machine completes the wash and rinse cycles but refuses to spin at the end, there are several possible causes. Work through them in order – most can be confirmed or ruled out without any tools.
1. Has It Pumped Out the Water?
A washing machine will not enter fast spin if it has not pumped the water out – either completely, or within the time allowed. This is the first thing to check.
Open the door and check the drum. Water remaining after laundry has not been spun will appear as wet, heavy laundry – this is normal. A significant amount of free standing water in the drum, or water visible through the door glass, suggests a drain fault rather than a spin fault.
Try running a spin-only cycle and listen carefully. The pump should be audible – a steady humming or whirring sound separate from the drum motor. Water should be heard draining into the standpipe or sink. If there is no pump sound or no water draining, see: washing machine won’t drain water.
2. Is the Load Out of Balance?
Modern washing machines have built-in out-of-balance detection and will refuse to spin a load that is unevenly distributed, to prevent damage to the machine. This is not a fault – it is a safety feature.
The most common triggers are single heavy items washed alone, very small loads, or a single heavy item amongst a small load. To check whether this is the cause, try running a spin-only cycle with an empty drum, or with a larger, more evenly distributed load. If the machine spins normally, the issue is with load distribution rather than a mechanical fault.
See the full guide: washing machine won’t spin just one item or very small loads.
3. Pressure System Fault
Even if the water has drained correctly, the machine may refuse to spin because it is not receiving the signal that the water has gone. A washing machine uses a pressure switch to detect when the drum is empty. If the pressure switch is faulty, or – more commonly – if the pressure chamber bottle connected to it is blocked with gunge, the “water has gone” signal is never sent. The machine will pump out the water and carry out the slow distribution phase, then stop after a few minutes without entering fast spin.
See the full explanation and DIY repair links: how washing machines control water levels | clearing a blocked pressure system.
4. Motor or Carbon Brush Fault
A worn motor or – more commonly – worn carbon brushes can cause the motor to struggle to reach the high speed required for a fast spin, while still managing to turn the drum at lower speeds during wash and rinse. If there is a motor issue, there may also be signs on the wash and rinse cycles – unusual noise, slower than normal drum rotation, or intermittent operation.
To help identify whether carbon brushes or a brushless motor is fitted: open the door and spin the drum by hand with the machine unplugged. If the drum is virtually silent, it is likely a brushless motor. If it produces a whiny or ratchety sound, the brushes may be running over the armature segments and may be worn.
If the motor makes a grating, crackling, or intermittent sound when it attempts to spin – or if sparking is visible – this is consistent with worn carbon brushes. See: how to tell if carbon brushes need replacing.
If there is no sparking but the motor is clearly struggling, the fault may lie in the PCB or a connection. In this case an engineer is needed – do not attempt to diagnose or replace a PCB speculatively.
5. Worn or Slipping Drive Belt
A worn drive belt can slip under the increased load of a fast spin, even if it manages to drive the drum at lower wash speeds. This is less common on modern machines but is straightforward to check with the back panel removed – a slipping belt is usually visible and audible. A worn belt will sometimes show cracking, glazing, or fraying.
When to Call an Engineer
If the water is pumping out correctly, the load is balanced, and none of the above checks identify the cause, further diagnosis requires a continuity test meter and knowledge of washing machine electrics. At this stage, the remaining possibilities are faults on the main PCB, connection faults, or more complex motor issues. Buying parts speculatively without proper diagnosis can prove expensive – a qualified engineer should be called.
Related guides
Do not work on electrical appliances unless trained and competent to do so. Even experienced engineers have been seriously injured. Always disconnect from the mains before accessing internal components.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my washing machine not spinning at the end of the cycle?
The most common causes are: water has not been fully pumped out; the load is out of balance and the machine’s protection system has aborted the spin; a blocked pressure system is preventing the “water has gone” signal from being sent; worn carbon brushes are causing the motor to struggle at spin speed; or a worn drive belt is slipping. Work through these in order before concluding there is a more serious fault.
The machine drains the water but still won’t spin – what should I check?
If draining is confirmed but spinning is not happening, the next most likely causes are an out-of-balance load, a pressure system fault preventing the machine from receiving the “water gone” signal despite the drum being empty, or a motor or carbon brush issue. See: clearing a blocked pressure system.
My washing machine spins with an empty drum but not with a load – is it broken?
Not necessarily. Modern machines have out-of-balance detection and will refuse to spin if the load is unevenly distributed. Single items washed alone, or very small loads with one heavy item, are the most common triggers. Try adding more evenly distributed laundry and retry the spin. See the full guide: washing machine won’t spin just one item or very small loads.
How do I know if I have a pressure system fault rather than a drain fault?
With a drain fault, there will be a significant amount of free water remaining in the drum. With a pressure system fault, the water drains normally but the machine does not receive the signal that it has gone, so it aborts the spin. The drum will feel empty but the machine stops after the distribution phase without entering fast spin. See: how washing machines control water levels.
Could carbon brushes cause a no-spin fault?
Yes. Worn carbon brushes can cause the motor to manage wash and rinse speeds but fail to reach fast spin speed. Symptoms include a grinding, crackling, or sparking motor during the spin attempt. Spinning the drum by hand may produce a whiny ratchety sound if brushes are worn. See: how to tell if carbon brushes need replacing.
38 Comments
Grouped into 21 comment threads.
5 replies Karen: Your symptom is described in my section, "Not spinning due to pressure system fault" above.
3 replies It could be a faulty connection somewhere.
It could be a faulty connection somewhere.
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Hi Andy
I have a six year old Miele W 3260 washing machine, that has behaved brilliantly up to now. Of late, however, this excellent machine has started to give a little trouble in that it is leaving the clothes wet at the end of the spin cycle. For example, they are no longer in a dry enough state that makes them ready for immediate transfer into the tumble dryer. I have cleaned the filter but the fault continues, even though no fault code is displayed. My wife washed about 5 large towels 4 times and every time they came out soaking wet. Would this be the machine being out of balance? Although it does happen with items of clothing, albeit not all the time,It is happening more frequently.
We have a 10 year warranty with this machine, but I am not sure if Miele would make some sort of charge for sending their engineer out. Are you aware of anything that I could do to remedy this before I call out an engineer?
Thanks for your help
Likely replying to Dennis
Hello Dennis. check out my article washing machine won’t spin some loads to get a full understanding of how the out of balance system works. Also check the handbook to see if the washing machine should indicate in some way if it hasn’t spun because it couldn’t balance the load well enough. I would hope a Miele would be sophisticated enough to have some indication for users if it hasn’t spun properly due to uneven load.
Sometimes an uneven load may result in a spin but at reduced spin speed. If it should indicate a problem with balanciing the load but it isn’t doing so then maybe the issue isn’t related to uneven loads.
Likely replying to Dennis
Hello Dennis. check out my article washing machine won’t spin some loads to get a full understanding of how the out of balance system works. Also check the handbook to see if the washing machine should indicate in some way if it hasn’t spun because it couldn’t balance the load well enough. I would hope a Miele would be sophisticated enough to have some indication for users if it hasn’t spun properly due to uneven load.
Sometimes an uneven load may result in a spin but at reduced spin speed. If it should indicate a problem with balancing the load but it isn’t doing so then maybe the issue isn’t related to uneven loads.
1 reply Hi i have a hoover front loading machine it will go through a full cycle without clothes even a spin but with clothes in it and it wont spin u can hear it working just the drum not going round when clothes are in it please help?.. many thanks
Hi
i have a hoover front loading machine it will go through a full cycle without clothes even a spin but with clothes in it and it wont spin u can hear it working just the drum not going round when clothes are in it
please help?..
many thanks
Likely replying to charlie
Hello Charlie. If the drum will spin round without load in, but not when laundry is inside the possibilities are either the drive belt is loose and the motor pulley is slipping inside the belt with a load to turn, or the motor isn’t receiving full power and cannot cope with the extra power required to turn the drum with washing inside.
The latter could be caused by worn carbon brushes (which should create a sparking sound that is often described as a grating or crackling sound). Another more rare possibility is a fault on the main control board not supplying enough power to the motor. Some of these faults are described in detail on the sister article to this one here washing machine drum not turning
1 reply I have a John Lewis washing machine that's just stopped spinning. The drum turns ok during the wash cycle but when it comes to spin the motor appears to be turning as you can hear it but the drum doesn't move. It appears to be draining OK. I have tried the spin only at both max and min speeds and again the motor appears to be working but drum movement at all. Any ideas please thanks John
I have a John Lewis washing machine that’s just stopped spinning. The drum turns ok during the wash cycle but when it comes to spin the motor appears to be turning as you can hear it but the drum doesn’t move. It appears to be draining OK. I have tried the spin only at both max and min speeds and again the motor appears to be working but drum movement at all.
Any ideas please thanks
John
1 reply Thought I knew it all . . Didn't know about the out of balance protection ! Had my machine in bits . .Won't be throwing my eider down in again . Thanks Great Site
1 reply Hello We have a Bosch excel Wvd245s3gb,washing machine which has worked very good for over the seven years, we usually use the easy care or mix load programe 40 degree 50 minutes Recently it wash for 49 minute. The timer count down to 1 minute then countinuly wash the timer still remaining for 1 minute it won't stop and goes on Rinse, Spain ect to 0.00 so I should pause then change the programe to the rinse to complete the washing, I tried different program but it's a same problem, Also I check the filter, pump, pipe but there is not any blockage or ect . Do you have any idea what is the problem. Thanks
Hello
We have a Bosch excel Wvd245s3gb,washing machine which has worked very good for over the seven years, we usually use the easy care or mix load programe 40 degree 50 minutes
Recently it wash for 49 minute. The timer count down to 1 minute then countinuly wash the timer still remaining for 1 minute it won’t stop and goes on Rinse, Spain ect to 0.00 so I should pause then change the programe to the rinse to complete the washing, I tried different program but it’s a same problem,
Also I check the filter, pump, pipe but there is not any blockage or ect . Do you have any idea what is the problem.
Thanks
Likely replying to Korous
Hello Korous. Sorry I didn’t reply before, you’ve probably found the answer by now but you may be to confirm so that others can learn from your experience. It could be the heating element but not necessarily. I mention sticking on the last minute on my article here Washing machine stops mid cycle
Ruben, it could be possible that a motor would not spin fully without a load as I’ve seen systems in place to monitor loading which can stop it spinning because it would spin too fast without any load.
1 reply hi there I have a Hotpoint 1400 WMT03 , the machine turns and washes but doesn't do the spin fast or slow . Water is draining away ok . I removed the lid and when the machine is on spin ..... The drum doesn't turn , the belt is turning but just slipping . Any ideas ? Dave
hi there
I have a Hotpoint 1400 WMT03 , the machine turns and washes but doesn’t do the spin fast or slow . Water is draining away ok .
I removed the lid and when the machine is on spin ….. The drum doesn’t turn , the belt is turning but just slipping .
Any ideas ?
Dave
Likely replying to Dave
Hello Dave, I’m assuming from your description that the motor is spinning and the belt is slipping so not spinning the drum at proper speed. If the belt is slipping it must be too loose, check this article Belt Keeps Coming Off Washing Machine – How tight should the drive belt be on a washing machine?
The only other thing that causes a belt to slip is if something like water was getting onto it but that’s unlikely these days. If there’s no way to adjust the motor a new belt is needed.
1 reply Hi I have an LG WM1480FHD, which refuses to count down the last few minutes of some spin cycles (either in a wash programme or spin alone). For example it will sit at 7 minutes left on a fast spin cycle setting, stopped and trying, it seems, to drain but never ends. If I set a low (400) spin setting it runs through to the end ok. I think it is draining ok as it happily goes through the wash and rinse cycles perfectly well. I have checked the pressure switch as much as I can but it appears to be a no-contact type, ie the diaphragm lifts a magnet in a tube rather than presses good old switch contacts. There are 3 wires on it but it doesn't appear to operate as a NO/NC type switch when tested with a continuity tester. Any guidance on how to test and eliminate this switch or point at something else would be appreciated.
Hi
I have an LG WM1480FHD, which refuses to count down the last few minutes of some spin cycles (either in a wash programme or spin alone). For example it will sit at 7 minutes left on a fast spin cycle setting, stopped and trying, it seems, to drain but never ends. If I set a low (400) spin setting it runs through to the end ok. I think it is draining ok as it happily goes through the wash and rinse cycles perfectly well. I have checked the pressure switch as much as I can but it appears to be a no-contact type, ie the diaphragm lifts a magnet in a tube rather than presses good old switch contacts. There are 3 wires on it but it doesn’t appear to operate as a NO/NC type switch when tested with a continuity tester. Any guidance on how to test and eliminate this switch or point at something else would be appreciated.
Likely replying to Trev
Hello Trev. There’s no reason why it should spin okay on 400 RPM but not on any other spin apart from balancing issues unless by any chance you meant that it just doesn’t stick on the 400 rpm but doesn’t going to spin either. If it spins okay on 400 but not on any other spin then out of balance faults are the first thing that spring to mind.
Many modern washing machines will stick for a long time trying to balance the load before going into a fast spin, they may have quite long timeouts although they should eventually give up and abort. It’s worth just double checking that it isn’t struggling to balance the load after checking this article Washing machine won’t spin just one item or very small load
See if it spins okay on a wash cycle with the fast spin selected but no laundry inside. That should at least discount any out of balance loads. If it isn’t an out of balance load (which of course should only be the odd load not every load) and maybe there is a fault on the out of balance system but that’s just a maybe.
1 reply Hello, I have a similar problem to Theo where the machine (Whirlpool 6th Sense 2006) will not spin after some cycles. a light comes on to clean pump but pump has no blockage. I have managed to get around this once by resetting the program, setting to drain and then just spin. I think it may be the pump is on its way out or as with Theo the Pressure System switch is suspect. Any though would be gratefully received. Thanks.
Hello,
I have a similar problem to Theo where the machine (Whirlpool 6th Sense 2006) will not spin after some cycles. a light comes on to clean pump but pump has no blockage. I have managed to get around this once by resetting the program, setting to drain and then just spin. I think it may be the pump is on its way out or as with Theo the Pressure System switch is suspect. Any though would be gratefully received. Thanks.
Likely replying to Barrie
Hi Barrie, if there is no actual blockage but the clean pump light comes on it implies the machine thinks it’s not emptied the water when it has and isn’t getting the signal from the pressure system that the water has drained out successfully. A blockage in the pressure system is more likely than a fault the pressure switch but could be either (or neither). Read the section above at, “Not spinning due to pressure system fault” and follow the link explaining how the pressure system works. I don;t do complete technical guides only explain how things work so if you can’t work it out I’d get an engineer in.
1 reply Hi, I have a Bosch washing machine that does not spin at the end of a washing program. However, if I choose the spin only program, this works fine. Do you know what the issue could be? Many thanks, Theo
Hi,
I have a Bosch washing machine that does not spin at the end of a washing program. However, if I choose the spin only program, this works fine. Do you know what the issue could be?
Many thanks,
Theo
Likely replying to Theo
Hello Theo. It could be a fault with the pressure system, or depending on how much water gets pumped away a problem with the pump. The pressure system informs the washing machine when the water has drained away so if it is faulty or blocked the washing machine will not spin after draining because it thinks the water is still in the drum. Alternatively if the pump is faulty or blocked then once water has gone into the machine it will not be able to pump it out and will refuse to spin. However if the problem was with the pump I would expect you to report that at the end of a washing cycle it won’t spin and the water will not pump out. So if it does pump the water out, or at least most of it, but does not kick into a fast spin I would suspect the pressure system if it spins perfectly okay without any water in.
1 reply Think there is crap in filter its a beko washer just not taking all the water out of the items very little water comiing from the little pump next to the filter just can't open filter please help
Think there is crap in filter its a beko washer just not taking all the water out of the items very little water comiing from the little pump next to the filter just can’t open filter please help
0 replies I have a Bosch washing machine. It sometimes functions normally, but sometimes it doesn't spin at the end of the cycle. If I hit it quite hard on the bottom of the right hand side at the front, near where the pump is, it usually starts up and does the spin (after I reset to a spin program). What might cause the pump to malfunction intermittently like this?
I have a Bosch washing machine. It sometimes functions normally, but sometimes it doesn’t spin at the end of the cycle. If I hit it quite hard on the bottom of the right hand side at the front, near where the pump is, it usually starts up and does the spin (after I reset to a spin program). What might cause the pump to malfunction intermittently like this?
0 replies It initially sounded like a poor connection somewhere, so if you've found damaged wiring then that could explain it - but I don't know if those particular wires would cause those symptoms, or if they were damaged enough to cause either the fusing or the intermittent supply to the motor. The only thing to do really is if you think the damaged wires are causing the fault to reconnect them safely with proper electrical 13 amp connectors and ensure they don't come under any stress that could compromise the repair. If the wires have shorted either against each other or touched something metal in the machine they would account for the blowing of the fuses, but if you can see that this is not the case then something else must have caused it and you need an insulation test meter to trace a fusing fault (Fusing or tripping the electrics)
It initially sounded like a poor connection somewhere, so if you’ve found damaged wiring then that could explain it – but I don’t know if those particular wires would cause those symptoms, or if they were damaged enough to cause either the fusing or the intermittent supply to the motor.
The only thing to do really is if you think the damaged wires are causing the fault to reconnect them safely with proper electrical 13 amp connectors and ensure they don’t come under any stress that could compromise the repair.
If the wires have shorted either against each other or touched something metal in the machine they would account for the blowing of the fuses, but if you can see that this is not the case then something else must have caused it and you need an insulation test meter to trace a fusing fault (Fusing or tripping the electrics)
0 replies Hi, I have a Samsung Big wash it's been slugish on the wash and rinse lately and the drum was not engaging on the final spin, and then it gave a big jolt an started spinning.I tried it again today and it done the same thing but it tripped the swich and blew the plug fuse. I've just took the top off to have a look inside and the belt is frayed and loose, also the wiring that comes in from the mains supply inside the washer looks dammaged, that wiring consists of 2blue 2white 1black and 1red. Any advice will be much appreciated.
Hi, I have a Samsung Big wash it’s been slugish on the wash and rinse lately and the drum was not
engaging on the final spin, and then it gave a big jolt an started spinning.I tried it again today and it done
the same thing but it tripped the swich and blew the plug fuse. I’ve just took the top off to have a look
inside and the belt is frayed and loose, also the wiring that comes in from the mains supply inside the
washer looks dammaged, that wiring consists of 2blue 2white 1black and 1red.
Any advice will be much appreciated.
0 replies Alice: It could be worn carbon brushes, I've added a new section to the article above called, "Not spinning because motor is faulty or belt slipping".
Alice: It could be worn carbon brushes, I’ve added a new section to the article above called, “Not spinning because motor is faulty or belt slipping”.
0 replies Hi I have a servis-WP1249F2W. Water is draining away but it's just not spinning properly at all. It's like it struggling with small/medium/large loads. The filter is clean but clothes are still coming out soaking. Arrrgh HELP !! Thanks Alice
Hi I have a servis-WP1249F2W.
Water is draining away but it’s just not spinning properly at all. It’s like it struggling with small/medium/large loads.
The filter is clean but clothes are still coming out soaking.
Arrrgh HELP !!
Thanks
Alice
0 replies My Bosch excel is starting the final spin but not completing the fast spin. It goes round slowly for 3 minutes then the timer switches from 8 to 1 and stops. Its draining just not properly spinning so clothing very wet. Any advice greatly appreciated
My Bosch excel is starting the final spin but not completing the fast spin. It goes round slowly for 3 minutes then the timer switches from 8 to 1 and stops. Its draining just not properly spinning so clothing very wet. Any advice greatly appreciated
0 replies Thank you so much, problem sorted in less than 5 minutes! Machine wasn't getting up to full spin, could hear water pump doing its thing... decided to check the u-bend before it goes into the house waste pipe for blockages first (as I hate cleaning the lower filter, plus the machine usually tells me when this is required), small bit of debris slightly blocking the outlet... removed this and the scummy build up in the u-bend, replaced, switched on machine to do a spin and warp speed factor 1200 we have lift off! Cheers Andy you're a Saint to make this knowledge available!
Thank you so much, problem sorted in less than 5 minutes! Machine wasn’t getting up to full spin, could hear water pump doing its thing… decided to check the u-bend before it goes into the house waste pipe for blockages first (as I hate cleaning the lower filter, plus the machine usually tells me when this is required), small bit of debris slightly blocking the outlet… removed this and the scummy build up in the u-bend, replaced, switched on machine to do a spin and warp speed factor 1200 we have lift off! Cheers Andy you’re a Saint to make this knowledge available!
0 replies Thank you so much! I cleaned the filter out as instructed and saved myself a hundred but for a service guy Yale the Internet and you guys!!!
Thank you so much!
I cleaned the filter out as instructed and saved myself a hundred but for a service guy
Yale the Internet and you guys!!!
0 replies Thanks so much for this article - my Hoover wasn't fast spinning. I checked the filter at the bottom which was blocked by plastic sticker or something - anyway clearing that out fixed it instantly - cheers
Thanks so much for this article – my Hoover wasn’t fast spinning. I checked the filter at the bottom which was blocked by plastic sticker or something – anyway clearing that out fixed it instantly – cheers
0 replies Hi i have a hotpoint with a g.e motor the motor that i had was flashing non stop so i ordered a used motor cause my washer machine was not spinning the cycle and the timer work fine it fills up with water it drains fine just does not spin at all i havent put the belt on it i jus tested it without putting it on motor i dont know if i have to have the belt on for order it to spin so if u could help me out thanks
Hi i have a hotpoint with a g.e motor the motor that i had was flashing non stop so i ordered a used motor cause my washer machine was not spinning the cycle and the timer work fine it fills up with water it drains fine just does not spin at all i havent put the belt on it i jus tested it without putting it on motor i dont know if i have to have the belt on for order it to spin so if u could help me out thanks
Karen: Your symptom is described in my section, “Not spinning due to pressure system fault” above.
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Hi Andy
My query, though probably not unique, is not on the previous thread or FAQ’s. I have a Miele W3260, (an excellent machine), which does not carry out the final spin, resulting in wet clothing. This does not happen 100% of the time, but when it does, it is on a 60 degree wash. It will not happen on a 90 degree or other wash programme. It can be quite annoying, as my wife would use the 60 degree wash most of all.
The machine itself is only about 4 year old and still under warranty, so I could get the Miele engineer out, but I am not sure if they would levy some sort of charge, for what might be a simple solution.
Would appreciate your thoughts on this.
Many thanks
Dennis
Likely replying to Dennis
Hello Dennis. It’s unusual for a washing machine to not spin on one cycle but spin fine on another. All of the things that prevent the fast spin should prevent it on any cycle. Make sure the wash cycle hasn’t been accidentally customised with a no spin option. Make sure when you select the 60 degree cycle that it is set to do a fast spin. Other than that, make sure the load being washed is not an out of balanced load as described in the second paragraph of my article.
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Hello Andy,
I have a Bosch WAK28261GB, and it has suddenly stopped spinning properly. I thought it was a problem with draining first (as clothes were wet), or the wet load preventing the spinning cycle from getting up to the higher RPMs., but I can see the pump working when I take the filter out, and the spinning still fails when there are no clothes in the drum (and there’s no sign of any water).
When the spinning starts to speed up and it sounds like it is about to high the high RPMs, it cuts out and continues with the low RPMs. The high RPMs never start in a spin/drain cycle.
When the drum spins, there is a quite-high-pitched whining noise, which seems unusual. When I slowly manually spin move the drum, it sounds like it is rubbing against something, and it is this noise which devlops into the whining noise when the machine spins up in the cycle. What can this be, and where should I start looking?
Likely replying to Richard
Hello Richard, I’m afraid everything I can advise upon is in my article. You can discount the first possibility mentioned, (Not spinning because it can’t drain the water properly) because the water seems to be pumping out ok but the other possibilities left are discussed in the article including the possibility that it needs an experienced engineer to sort out. The causes that can be investigated by a competent diy person are all listed in the article. Check the section, “Not spinning due to pressure system fault”, if it doesn’t help there’s not much else you can do except get an engineer.
Hello Andy,
Thank you for your reply. It turns out that I did have to call an engineer. The motor had gone bad, and was replaced. This machine was about 3 weeks old. It is working fine now with the new motor.