Samsung Top Load Washer Not Spinning? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Have you ever gone to put your clothes in the dryer and found soaking wet clothes in the washer? Aggravating, isn’t it? That’s usually the first sign that your washer isn’t spinning properly.

Getting your washer to spin depends on what is causing it to stop. The most straightforward fix is to redistribute the clothes, so the load is balanced. If mechanical, a loose drum nut, faulty lid switch, motor or belt fault, or improper draining could be the problem.

The spin cycle extracts as much water as possible so the clothes can dry faster. If it malfunctions, that’s a lot of hand-wringing clothes out, and nobody wants to do that. But how do you fix it?

A reliable washing machine can handle washloads big and small. However, occasionally, there can be instances where the washload could interfere with the spin cycle.

Too many clothes or heavy items can throw the washload off-balance, causing the spin cycle to stop. The spin cycle can also stop if the wash drum doesn’t drain completely. Other causes could be a faulty lid switch, motor fault, or improper draining. There might even be a loose or worn part, such as the drum nut, drive belt, or suspension.

The most obvious sign that your washer has stopped spinning is hearing loud banging sounds coming from the machine. This is the first alert of an unbalanced load. Rearranging the clothes in the wash drum will correct the problem here.

If the machine stopping does not involve the clothes distribution, it could be another cause. When looking at the control panel, is your top-loading Samsung washing machine displaying a UE, UL, or dC error code? If yes, this means there may be a mechanical issue to troubleshoot, and a part may need repair.

The lid switch locks the machine lid so it can process the wash cycle. When the lid is closed, the switch lock sends information to the control board to run the machine.

If the lock isn’t working, the control board “reads” the lid as open and won’t spin the wash load. If the lid switch assembly fails, you’ll need to replace it. You’ll need a multimeter to test the lid switch–replace the switch if it doesn’t have continuity.

Replacing the switch is a simple but involved process. You will need a Phillips screwdriver, tack puller, small wooden plank, and the replacement switch.

With any repair, you should always unplug the washer and turn off the water supply first.

Remove the console cover assembly and lift the cover off the washer. Next, disconnect the lid switch wire from its harness, then remove the screws from the top panel. Lift the lid and prop it securely onto the wood plank.

Loosen the wiring and unscrew the old lid switch mechanism. Line up the new lid switch and screw in one side, ensuring its level before tightening. Insert the other screw and feed the wire into place under the lid and through the back of the console.

Remove the plank and reattach the lid console fully. Once you connect the lid switch wire and the harness securely, slide it into place. Finally, ensure the power cord is secure and reinstall the console cover assembly, and you should be all set!

You can find the drive belt at the bottom of the wash drum. When it is in good condition, it helps the wash drum spin the clothes.

Inspect the drive belt to make sure it isn’t broken or loose. If it breaks or wears over time, you will need to replace it. You’ll need a putty knife, a new belt, a zip tie, and possibly an install tool. Use the putty knife to remove the front panel of the washing machine. Reach under the wash drum and take off the worn drive belt.

Attach the new belt to the drum with the zip tie so you can stretch it onto the drum bottom. Once the belt is in place, remove the zip tie and put the front cover back on the washing machine.

If you’ve balanced the load and the drum still won’t spin, you may have a problem with the suspension. There are usually four suspension rods that stabilize the drum inside the washer housing.

The springs in the rod absorb excessive vibration. Worn suspension rods could cause the washer to stop spinning and may need adjustment or replacement.

To replace a suspension rod, you’ll need a putty knife, screwdriver, small wooden plank, and white lithium grease. Unscrew the back hinges and access panel, then loosen the front release tabs with the putty knife. Tape the lid down and lift the top onto the wood plank, like a car hood.

Maneuver the suspension rod out of its holding slots. Clean the top slot, grease it and each end of the suspension rod, and then work it into the slot. Replace the top, access panel, and hinge screws.

You can locate the debris filter in the lower back portion of the wash drum. The manufacturer recommends that users clean the filter a minimum of 3 times a year. Generally, your machine will display a 5E error code if there is a clogged filter.

It’s super easy to clean the top load washer filter. Unclip the filter from inside the drum and rinse it with a high-pressure nozzle. Once you clean the filter thoroughly, clip the filter back into the drum. Make sure you clean out the filter holder before you do it for maximum benefit.

A clogged or damaged hose requires more effort but is still pretty simple to fix. Disconnect the hose by unscrewing and unclamping from the machine. Check the hose for damage or blockage.

If the blockage isn’t too deep, you can clear a clogged hose with needle-nosed pliers. However, a blockage that’s deeper into the hose or a damaged hose will need replacing.

You will need a new hose, a Phillips screwdriver, and pliers to replace the washer hose. Unscrew the clamp at the top of the hose connected to the washer. Use pliers to move the metal clamp from the bottom of the hose and remove.

Transfer the metal clamp onto the new hose, then snap the bottom end of the hose onto the washer. Move the metal clamp down into place between the thread lines. Feed the hose into the top clamp and screw it back into the washer. Finally, attach the top end of the hose to the drain.

If the blockage has gone past the hose, you may need to check your water pump for debris. You’ll need a Phillips screwdriver and needle-nose pliers to inspect and repair your water pump. Make sure to disconnect the washer hose from the wall and drain it into a bucket before starting.

Remove the water intake hoses and back panel from the washer, then double-check the hoses for clogs. If the hoses are fine, disconnect them from the water pump and be prepared for any water leaks. Remove the clamp and pull the hoses from the pump.

Unscrew the water pump from inside the machine, remove the protective housing, and disconnect the electrical wire. Inspect for outer damage and check the valves for clogs. If the valves are clear, pry the electrical housing from the water pump and unscrew the motor housing.

Check the inside chamber for clogs, clear the gunk, and reassemble. If none of these troubleshooting tricks work, you’ll need a brand new part. To reinstall the working part, reattach the wires correctly and snap on the protective housing. Once you’re done, screw in the pump, then reattach all hoses and the back panel.

Running an empty cleaning cycle once a month will help keep the washer clean and properly functioning. Sometimes, debris and gunk may stick to the outer drum and the agitator plate underneath. This will require a more thorough cleaning that, while a simple fix, is a much more involved process.

An extra set of hands is extremely helpful for this process. It involves removing the drum and agitator from inside the washer housing and thoroughly scrubbing off the residue. It is essential to perform every step carefully to reinstall each part precisely.

Related Questions

What wash cycle should I use for my Samsung washing machine?

Your wash cycle will depend on the type of laundry washed and the size of your laundry load. Small loads and lightweight fabrics will use shorter wash times than larger loads and bulky items. The machine may adjust the washer cycle by water volume, adjusted water temperature, or an extra spin cycle where needed. It’s always a good idea to check the labels in your wash items to determine the most effective cycle.

How do I reset my Samsung top load washing machine?

To clear any error codes from your washer display panel, you’ll need to reset the machine. Just disconnect the washing machine by unplugging it from the wall outlet or turning off the washroom breaker. After 5 to 10 minutes, reconnect the power and run a test wash load to confirm the code has cleared.