When your washing machine won’t finish its cycle, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. Fortunately, there are some common reasons why this can happen, and many of them can be fixed with a little troubleshooting and repair. Some of the most common causes include issues with the lid switch, shifter assembly, door lock assembly, main control board, timer, drain pump, and water-level pressure switch. By understanding how to diagnose and fix these issues, you can save money on repairs and get your washing machine back up and running.
Replacing the Lid Switch to Ensure Proper Operation
One common issue that can cause a washing machine to stop in the middle of a cycle is a faulty lid switch. The lid switch is designed to prevent the machine from running when the lid is open, but it can sometimes malfunction and prevent the machine from running even when the lid is closed. To replace the lid switch on a top-load washer, you will need to unplug the machine and remove the control panel to access the switch. On a direct-drive top-load washer, you will need to remove the cabinet to access the lid switch. Once you have access to the switch, you can disconnect the wiring and remove the old switch before installing the new one.
How to replace the lid switch/lock assembly on a top-load washer:
Replacing the lid switch/lock assembly on a top-load washer can be done with the following steps:
- Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
- Locate the lid switch/lock assembly. This is typically found under the lid on the top of the washer.
- Remove any screws or clips holding the assembly in place.
- Disconnect the wiring harness from the old switch and remove it.
- Install the new switch in the same location and reattach the wiring harness.
- Secure the new assembly in place with any screws or clips that were removed.
- Test the new switch by closing the lid and starting a wash cycle.
How to replace the lid switch in a direct-drive top-load washer:
Replacing the lid switch in a direct-drive top-load washer is a bit different and involves the following steps:
- Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
- Locate the lid switch. This is typically found near the top of the washer under the control panel.
- Remove the screws holding the control panel in place and flip it back.
- Disconnect the wiring harness from the old switch and remove it.
- Install the new switch in the same location and reattach the wiring harness.
- Flip the control panel back in place and secure it with any screws that were removed.
- Test the new switch by closing the lid and starting a wash cycle.
Replace the washer shifter assembly
Another common issue with top-load washers is a faulty shifter assembly. The shifter assembly is responsible for shifting the washer between the agitate and spin cycles, and it can sometimes malfunction and prevent the machine from completing its cycle. To replace the shifter assembly, you will need to unplug the machine and remove the agitator to access the assembly. Once you have access to the assembly, you can remove the wiring and screws that hold it in place before installing the new one.
Replacing the shifter assembly in your top-load washer:
Replacing the shifter assembly in your top-load washer can help resolve issues with the machine not spinning, agitating, or completing cycles. To do so, first, unplug the washer from the power source. Locate the shifter assembly, which is typically located on the bottom of the washer under the tub. Disconnect the wire harness and any mounting screws or bolts that hold the assembly in place. Carefully remove the old shifter assembly and install the new one, securing it with the appropriate screws or bolts. Finally, reconnect the wire harness and plug the washer back in to test if the issue has been resolved. It is important to consult the user manual or seek professional help if you are unsure about any of these steps.
Replace the washer door lock assembly
Replacing the washer door lock assembly is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. First, unplug the washer from the power source. Next, locate the door lock assembly, which is typically found on the front of the washer behind the door. Remove the screws that hold the assembly in place and disconnect the wire harness. Install the new door lock assembly by connecting the wire harness and securing the screws back into place. Test the washer to ensure that the door is locking and unlocking properly.
How to replace the door lock assembly on a front-load washer
Replacing the door lock assembly in a front-load washer is a relatively simple process that can be done in just a few steps:
- Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply.
- Open the washer door and locate the door lock assembly.
- Remove the screws holding the door lock assembly in place.
- Carefully disconnect the wire harnesses from the door lock assembly.
- Install the new door lock assembly and reconnect the wire harnesses.
- Secure the new assembly in place with the screws.
- Turn on the water supply and plug in the washer.
- Test the washer to ensure the door locks and unlocks properly.
Replace the washer main control board
The main control board, also known as the electronic control board, is the brain of your washing machine. It controls all the functions and operations of the machine. If your washing machine is not finishing its cycle, it could be due to a faulty main control board.
How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer:
To replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer, start by unplugging the washer from the power source. Locate the control board, which is usually located on the top of the washer. Disconnect the wire harness and remove the screws that hold the board in place. Install the new control board by securing the screws and reconnecting the wire harness. Test the washer to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Here are the steps to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer:
- Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply.
- Locate the control board at the top of the washer.
- Remove the screws that secure the control board to the washer.
- Carefully disconnect the wire harnesses from the control board.
- Install the new control board by connecting the wire harnesses to the correct locations.
- Secure the control board with the screws.
- Restore power and water supply to the washer.
- Test the washer to ensure it is functioning properly.
How to replace the machine control board in a front-load washer:
Replacing the machine control board in a front-load washer is a bit more complex than replacing the control board in a top-load washer. Begin by unplugging the washer from the power source and removing the top panel. Locate the control board, which is typically found at the back of the washer. Disconnect the wire harnesses and remove the screws that hold the board in place. Install the new control board by securing the screws and reconnecting the wire harnesses. Replace the top panel and test the washer to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Replacing the machine control board in a front-load washer is a more complicated process compared to top-load washers. Here are the steps to follow:
- Unplug the washer: Safety first, make sure the washer is unplugged from the electrical outlet.
- Remove the top panel: On most front-load washers, you can remove the top panel by removing screws from the back of the unit.
- Locate the machine control board: The machine control board is usually located at the top of the washer, towards the back.
- Disconnect the wires: Carefully disconnect the wires connected to the control board. Be sure to note the location of each wire for reinstallation.
- Remove the control board: Remove the screws holding the control board in place and remove the board from the washer.
- Install the new control board: Place the new control board into the washer and secure it with screws.
- Reconnect the wires: Carefully reconnect the wires to the new control board in their correct locations.
- Reinstall the top panel: Reinstall the top panel of the washer and secure it with screws.
- Plug in the washer: Finally, plug in the washer and test it to ensure it is functioning properly.
Replace the washer timer
If you have determined that the timer is causing the issue with your washing machine not finishing its cycle, you may need to replace it.
How to replace the timer in a direct-drive top-load washer
Replacing the timer in a direct-drive top-load washer is a relatively simple process. Begin by unplugging the washer from the power source. Locate the timer, which is usually located on the top of the washer. Remove the screws that hold the timer in place and disconnect the wire harness. Install the new timer by connecting the wire harness and securing the screws back into place. Test the washer to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Here are the steps to replace the timer in a direct-drive top-load washer:
- Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply.
- Locate the control console on the top of the washer and remove any screws or clips securing it in place.
- Lift up the control console and rest it against the back of the washer.
- Locate the timer and remove any screws or clips securing it in place.
- Disconnect any wires connected to the timer by pulling them off gently.
- Install the new timer by connecting any wires and securing it in place with screws or clips.
- Reattach the control console and any screws or clips that were removed.
- Plug the washer back in and turn on the water supply.
- Test the washer to ensure that it is functioning properly.
It is important to note that the specific steps for replacing the timer may vary depending on the model and brand of your washer. Be sure to consult your washer’s manual or contact a professional if you are unsure of the proper steps.
Repair or replace the washer drain pump
Replacing the washer drain pump is an essential repair for a washing machine that won’t finish its cycle. In a top-load washer, the pump is usually located at the bottom of the machine, and in a front-load washer, it is located behind the front panel.
How to replace the drain pump in a top-load washer:
Replacing the drain pump in a top-load washer is a fairly simple process. First, unplug the washer and turn off the water supply. Next, remove the front or rear panel of the washer to access the pump. Disconnect the wiring harness and hoses from the pump, being sure to catch any water that may spill out. Remove the pump from the washer and install the new pump in its place. Reconnect the wiring and hoses, making sure they are secure. Replace the panel and plug the washer back in. Run a test cycle to ensure the new pump is working properly. If you are unsure about any of these steps or do not feel comfortable performing the repair, it is always best to consult a professional technician.
How to replace the drain pump on a front-load washer:
To replace the pump in a front-load washer, you’ll need to remove the front panel and locate the pump. Once you’ve disconnected the wire harness and removed the screws, you can replace the old pump with the new one and reconnect the wire harness.
Here are the steps to replace the drain pump on a front-load washer:
- Unplug the washer from the power source and turn off the water supply.
- Locate the drain pump, which is usually at the bottom of the washer. It may be behind a removable panel or accessible from the back of the machine.
- Place a shallow dish or towel underneath the pump to catch any water that may spill out when removing the hoses.
- Use pliers or a screwdriver to loosen the clamps holding the drain hoses in place and slide them off the pump. Be careful not to damage the hoses.
- Disconnect the electrical connectors from the pump. Note the location of each connector for reassembly.
- Remove any screws or bolts holding the pump in place and carefully lift it out of the washer.
- Install the new pump in the reverse order of the steps above. Make sure all hoses and electrical connectors are securely attached.
- Turn on the water supply and plug the washer back in.
- Test the washer to ensure the new pump is working properly.
Replace the washer motor control board
Replacing the motor control board is another possible solution if your washing machine won’t finish its cycle.
How to replace a motor control board on a front-load washer
To replace the motor control board on a front-load washer, first, unplug the machine from the power source. Remove the top panel of the washer and locate the control board. Disconnect the wire harnesses and remove the screws that hold the control board in place. Install the new control board by securing it with screws and reconnecting the wire harnesses.
Replacing a motor control board on a front-load washer can be done by following these steps:
- Unplug the washer: Before starting the repair, unplug the washer from the power source to avoid electrical hazards.
- Remove the top panel: Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the top panel in place. Lift the panel and set it aside.
- Disconnect the wiring harness: Locate the motor control board and unplug the wiring harness from it. Take note of the location of each wire to ensure they are reconnected correctly.
- Remove the motor control board: Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the motor control board in place. Take note of the location of each screw to ensure they are reinstalled in the correct location.
- Install the new motor control board: Place the new motor control board in the same position as the old one and secure it with the screws removed in the previous step. Reconnect the wiring harness to the new board in the correct location.
- Replace the top panel: Put the top panel back in place and secure it with the screws removed earlier.
- Test the washer: Plug the washer back into the power source and turn it on to test if the new motor control board is functioning properly.
Replace the washer water-level pressure switch
The water-level pressure switch is an essential component of a washing machine that ensures proper water levels during the wash cycle. Over time, the switch can become worn or malfunction, causing issues such as overflowing or underfilling. In such cases, replacing the water-level pressure switch can restore the proper functioning of the washing machine. The replacement process may differ based on the type of washer, but it generally involves removing the old switch and installing the new one. It is important to ensure that the new switch is compatible with the make and model of the washing machine before purchasing. A faulty water-level pressure switch can cause significant damage to the washing machine and may also result in water damage to the surrounding area. Therefore, it is essential to address any issues with the switch promptly to avoid further damage and ensure the longevity of the washing machine.
How to replace the water level pressure switch on a direct-drive top-load washer
If you need to replace the water level pressure switch on a direct-drive top-load washer, start by unplugging the machine and locating the switch, which is usually on the control panel. Disconnect the wire harness and remove the screws that hold the switch in place. Replace the old switch with the new one and secure it with screws. Finally, reconnect the wire harness and plug the machine back in.
To replace the water level pressure switch on a direct-drive top-load washer, follow these steps:
- Unplug the washer from the power source and turn off the water supply valves.
- Locate the water level pressure switch, which is usually located behind the control panel on the top of the washer.
- Remove the screws or fasteners holding the control panel in place and lift it up and back to access the switch.
- Disconnect the wire harness from the old pressure switch and remove any mounting screws or clips holding it in place.
- Install the new pressure switch by mounting it in place with any screws or clips and connecting the wire harness.
- Reattach the control panel and any screws or fasteners that were removed.
- Plug the washer back in and turn on the water supply valves.
- Test the washer to make sure it is functioning properly and the water levels are correct.
In the Gwinnett County Community Service Area, the following cities are among the most popular ones that our technicians serve:
Braselton, Suwanee, Norcross, Mountain Park, Rest Haven, Berkeley Lake, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Dacula, Centerville, Grayson, Peachtree Corners, Duluth, Buford, Snellville, Sugar Hill