If you have a GE top-load or front-load washer that is not spinning, it can be a frustrating problem. The spin cycle is essential to wringing out water from clothes and finishing the wash properly. When the washer won’t spin, clothes end up sitting saturated in water at the end of the wash cycle.
Fortunately, with some basic troubleshooting and DIY repair you can likely get your GE washer spinning again. This article will walk through the common causes of a GE washer not spinning and provide step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting and fixing the issue.
Common Causes of a GE Washer Not Spinning
There are several possible causes for a GE washer refusing to spin. Here are some of the most common:
- Faulty Lid Switch: The lid switch is a safety mechanism that prevents the washer from spinning when the lid is open. If the switch malfunctions, it will prevent the spin even with the lid closed. This is easy to test and replace if needed.
- Unbalanced Load: An unbalanced load can trigger the off-balance sensor and stop the spin cycle. Ensure clothes are distributed evenly and the washer is properly level.
- Drive Belt/Motor Coupling: If either the drive belt or motor coupling is worn out or broken the motor won’t be able to engage the drum for spinning. Replacing these is relatively simple.
- Bad Motor Control Board: The motor control board controls the drum rotations. If it is defective, the motor will not start. The control board may need professional replacement.
- Obstructed Drain Pump: If the drain pump cannot empty the wash basin, a safety mechanism will prevent spinning. Check the pump filter and drain hose for obstructions.
- Defective Door/Motor Control Unit: GE’s electronic control units can malfunction and prevent the motor from operating. Replacing the control unit may be required.
Testing and Replacing the Lid Switch
If your GE washer won’t spin with the lid closed, the first thing to check is the lid switch. This is easy to test with a multimeter. Follow these steps:
- Unplug the washer – For safety, always unplug before testing or repair.
- Check for continuity – Set your multimeter to test for continuity. With the lid open, touch the probes to the two middle contacts of the lid switch. You should get a closed circuit.
- Close lid and re-test – With the lid closed, the circuit should be open. If you are still getting continuity, the switch is defective.
- Remove switch – Take off the control panel to access the lid switch mounting screws. Remove the wires and switch.
- Install new switch – Install a replacement lid switch, reconnect wires, and remount the control panel.
- Test operation – Plug in the washer and verify normal operation by starting a test spin cycle.
Replacing the lid switch is a relatively quick and simple repair. The switch costs around $15-20. With the new switch installed, your GE washer should be able to spin properly again.
Leveling the Washer and Balancing the Load
If your GE washer stops mid-cycle when trying to spin, the problem is likely an unbalanced load. When the washer detects too much imbalance it will stop spinning as a safety precaution.
Make sure to follow these tips for balanced loads:
- Level the washer – All four feet should be solidly on the floor. Check with a bubble level and adjust feet as needed.
- Small loads – Fill the drum at least 1/3 full for good balance. Add a few towels if needed.
- Distribute clothes evenly – Mix large and small items. Don’t wash single heavy items.
- Check loading – Make sure clothes are not bunched on one side. The load should be evenly distributed in the tub.
- Use lower spin speed – For very large loads, set the spin cycle to lowest speed until the load balances.
- Clean the drum – Check for any debris stuck on the drum that may throw off balance.
Balancing the load properly will allow the spin cycle to complete without the washer rocking excessively or stopping prematurely.
Replacing the Drive Belt
If the drum will not spin at all when you start a cycle, the issue may be a broken or loose drive belt. Follow these steps to replace the belt:
- Unplug washer – Unplug power cord for safety before maintenance.
- Remove back panel – The drive belt is accessed by removing the back panel of the washer.
- Loosen motor mount – Loosen the bolts holding the motor to the frame to put slack on the belt.
- Roll belt off pulleys – Roll the drive belt off the motor and drum pulleys. Inspect for breaks or excessive wear.
- Install new belt – Roll the new drive belt onto the pulleys in a diagonal pattern. Ensure it is properly seated in the pulley grooves.
- Tighten motor mount – Tighten the motor mounting bolts to tension the new belt. Rotate pulleys by hand to check tension.
- Replace back panel – Secure the back panel. Plug in washer and test spin a load.
The drive belt is an inexpensive part, usually costing less than $20. Replacing it yourself can save the cost of a service call. With the new belt installed, the washer drum should spin normally.
Replacing a Worn Motor Coupling
Another commonly replaced part related to the spin problem is the motor coupling. The coupling connects the motor shaft to the drive pulley. Follow these instructions to replace a worn GE washer motor coupling:
- Unplug power cord – Always disconnect power first for safety.
- Remove back panel – The motor is accessed by removing the rear panel.
- Disconnect hoses – Unhook drain and inlet hoses from the back.
- Move washer – Carefully pull washer out from wall for access.
- Disconnect belt – Loosen motor mount and roll belt off pulleys.
- Remove coupling – Remove old rubber coupling from the motor and drive shafts. Inspect shafts for rust or damage.
- Install new coupling – Slide new rubber coupling onto the shafts aligned with the mounting holes.
- Reinstall belt – Roll the drive belt back on the pulleys and tighten motor mount.
- Replace hoses/panel – Reconnect hoses, slide washer into place and replace back panel.
- Test spin – Plug in washer and check for normal spin function.
The motor coupling usually costs $15-25. While accessing the coupling can take some work, the job is doable for a DIYer. With the new coupling installed, the motor should be able to turn the drum for spinning again.
Checking the Motor Control Board
The motor control board is the electronic “brain” that controls the motor. If this component is defective, it can prevent the motor from operating normally. Here’s how to test the motor control:
- Unplug washer – For safety always unplug the power cord before testing.
- Remove control panel – Access the control board by removing the top panel.
- Check connections – Ensure all plugs and wiring harness connections are secure on the control board.
- Test voltage – With a multimeter, check the power supply terminals for 120-240V AC. If voltage is incorrect, there is an external power problem.
- Inspect board – Examine the control board for any burnt components or physical damage. Damaged spots indicate a bad control board.
- Test with new board – For confirmation, replacing the control board with a known good board will verify a bad control unit.
If the motor control board is determined to be faulty, replacement boards can cost $200-300. Hiring a technician is advisable for this repair. Once the main control board is replaced, normal spin operation should be restored.
Unclogging the Drain Pump Filter
The GE washer pump filter catches debris and lint to prevent clogs in the drain hose. If the filter gets clogged, it can trip an overflow switch that prevents the washer from spinning. Here’s how to clean the drain pump filter:
- Place towel under pump – The pump is located at bottom front. Placing a towel will catch water released.
- Detach pump filter cover – Turn the filter cover counterclockwise and pull off. Inspect for debris buildup.
- Clean filter – Remove lint and other debris from the filter screen. Flush with water to clean completely.
- Check impeller – Spin the drain pump impeller to ensure it turns freely. Remove any debris jamming the impeller.
- Replace cover – Reattach the filter cover by twisting clockwise until tight. Make sure the rubber gasket is properly seated.
- Test operation – Run a drain/spin cycle to verify normal operation with no leaks.
Cleaning the drain pump periodically helps prevent problems. If clogged, clearing debris from the pump will allow it to drain properly so the washer can spin.
Replacing Door and Motor Control Units
On some GE front-load washer models, the electronic control units are integrated into the door assembly. If you encounter spin problems related to control errors, replacement of the door may be required. This is a complex repair and generally requires a professional:
- Diagnose that the door control unit is the issue by ruling out other causes like motor and belt problems. Error code checks can help isolate the issue.
- Order the matching door assembly from GE. Provide the model and serial number. Match the correct color as well.
- Installation involves removing the door, transferring components to the new door, installing the door, and programming the control unit.
- A professional appliance repair technician will have experience replacing the door control unit. Expect labor costs of $200 or more.
While not an easy or inexpensive fix, replacing the door assembly can resolve electronic control problems that prevent normal spin operation in some GE front-load washers. This repair restores function when the control unit itself is defective.
When to Call a Professional for Repair
Some washer repairs like replacing the control board or door assembly unit can be complicated. If you try to replace these parts and the washer is still not spinning properly, it is advisable to call in a professional appliance repair technician.
The pros have specialized tools, programming devices, and the skills to troubleshoot and properly diagnose complex problems. They can also safely disassemble washers to access internal components.
Be prepared to pay service fees of $80-150 or more for a home visit. Providing the make and model information can help the technician arrive prepared with replacement parts to fix your GE washer on the first visit.
Calling a professional right away is recommended if you experience any of the following:
- You smell burning smells from the washer
- There are any signs of smoke or charring
- You observe leaking water or flooding
- There are loud or unusual noises from the washer tub
- There are any errors codes displayed you don’t understand
- You determine electrical or motor control repairs are needed
While DIY repairs can be cost-effective for issues like belts, pumps or switches, extensive repairs are best left to qualified appliance technicians. Their expertise can diagnose the issue accurately and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
GE Washer Not Spinning Recap
If your GE washer stops mid-cycle or won’t spin, start by testing the lid switch, inspecting the drive belt, and checking for clogged pumps or hoses. These are repairs a handy homeowner can tackle.
For complex issues like defective control boards or integrated door circuits,calling an appliance repair professional is your best bet. The right technician has the skillset to get any GE top-load or front-load washer spinning smoothly again.
With some targeted troubleshooting and these repair tips, you can get your washer draining fully and spinning properly to finish washing loads. Just be cautious with electrical repairs and call for backup if needed. With persistence and the right replacement parts, your GE washer will be churning out clean laundry again.