How to Repair a Washing Machine That Won’t Finish Its Cycle: Troubleshooting Tips and Repair Solutions

Washing machines are essential household appliances that make our lives easier. But what happens when your washing machine doesn’t complete its cycle and leaves you with wet, unwashed clothes? It can be frustrating, to say the least. However, there are several reasons why your washing machine may not finish its cycle. In this article, we’ll explore common troubleshooting tips and repair solutions to help you fix the problem.

Why Won’t Your Washing Machine Finish Its Cycle?

There are several reasons why your washing machine may not finish its cycle. It could be due to a faulty lid switch, malfunctioning shifter assembly, defective door lock assembly, a broken timer, or a faulty motor control board, to name a few. Before you start any repairs, it’s important to diagnose the root cause of the problem.

Troubleshooting Tips and Repair Solutions

If your washing machine won’t finish its cycle, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. However, there are many troubleshooting tips and repair solutions you can try before calling a professional or purchasing a new machine. From replacing the lid switch to repairing or replacing the drain pump, each solution may solve a specific problem that prevents your washer from finishing its cycle. It’s important to understand the common causes of washer malfunctions and have a basic knowledge of how to diagnose and repair them. By following these tips and solutions, you can save time and money, and have your washing machine up and running again in no time.

Replacing the Lid Switch to Ensure Proper Operation

The lid switch is an essential component in your washing machine that ensures proper operation. If it’s faulty, the machine won’t start or finish its cycle. To replace the lid switch/lock assembly on a top-load washer, you’ll need to first disconnect the power supply, remove the control panel, and then remove the old switch/lock assembly. After that, you can install the new switch/lock assembly and reassemble the washer.

If your washer won’t finish its cycle, it could be due to a faulty lid switch. Here are the steps to replace the lid switch:

1. Unplug the washer from the power source.
2. Open the lid and locate the lid switch assembly.
3. Remove the screws that hold the switch assembly in place.
4. Disconnect the wire harness from the old switch.
5. Install the new lid switch by connecting the wire harness and securing the switch assembly with screws.
6. Close the lid and plug in the washer to test the new switch.

Replacing the Shifter Assembly in Your Top-Load Washer

The shifter assembly, also known as the actuator, is responsible for shifting the drive system between agitation and spin mode. A malfunctioning shifter assembly can cause the washer to stop in the middle of a cycle. To replace the shifter assembly, you’ll need to first remove the drive motor and then the old assembly. After that, you can install the new shifter assembly and reassemble the washer.

If your top-load washer won’t finish its cycle, it could be due to a faulty shifter assembly. Here are the steps to replace the shifter assembly:

1. Unplug the washer from the power source.
2. Remove the screws that hold the control console in place.
3. Flip the console over and locate the shifter assembly.
4. Remove the wire harness and screws that hold the old shifter assembly in place.
5. Install the new shifter assembly by securing it with screws and connecting the wire harness.
6. Reattach the control console and plug in the washer to test the new shifter assembly.

Replacing the Washer Door Lock Assembly

The door lock assembly is another critical component in your washing machine that ensures safe and proper operation. A defective door lock assembly can prevent the washer from starting or finishing its cycle. To replace the door lock assembly on a front-load washer, you’ll need to first remove the front panel and then the old assembly. After that, you can install the new assembly and reassemble the washer.

If your front-load washer won’t finish its cycle, it could be due to a faulty door lock assembly. Here are the steps to replace the door lock assembly:

1. Unplug the washer from the power source.
2. Open the door and locate the door lock assembly.
3. Remove the screws that hold the assembly in place.
4. Disconnect the wire harness and remove the old assembly.
5. Install the new door lock assembly by connecting the wire harness and securing it with screws.
6. Close the door and plug in the washer to test the new assembly.

Replacing the Washer Main Control Board

The main control board, also known as the electronic control board, is responsible for governing the timing and execution of the washer component functions. A faulty main control board can cause the washer to stop in the middle of a cycle. To replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer, you’ll need to first disconnect the power supply and then remove the control panel. After that, you can remove the old control board and install the new one.

If your washer won’t finish its cycle, it could be due to a faulty main control board. Here are the steps to replace the control board:

1. Unplug the washer from the power source.
2. Remove the screws that hold the control console in place.
3. Disconnect the wire harnesses from the old control board.
4. Remove the old control board and install the new one.
5. Reconnect the wire harnesses and reattach the control console.
6. Plug in the washer to test the new control board.

Replacing the Washer Timer

The timer, also known as the cycle selector, is responsible for moving the washer through its cycles from filling to final spin. If the timer is faulty, the washer won’t advance through its cycles. To replace the timer in a direct-drive top-load washer, you’ll need to first remove the control panel and then the old timer. After that, you can install the new timer and reassemble the washer.

If your direct-drive top-load washer won’t finish its cycle, it could be due to a faulty timer. Here are the steps to replace the timer:

1. Unplug the washer from the power source.
2. Remove the knob from the timer.
3. Remove the screws that hold the timer in place.
4. Disconnect the wire harnesses and remove the old timer.
5. Install the new timer by connecting the wire harnesses and securing it with screws.
6. Reattach the knob and plug in the washer to test the new timer.

Repair or Replace the Washer Drain Pump

The drain pump removes water from the washer at the appropriate times during the wash cycle. A faulty drain pump can cause the washer to stop in the middle of a cycle or overfill. To replace the drain pump in a top-load washer or front-load washer, you’ll need to first disconnect the power supply and then remove the old pump. After that, you can install the new pump and reassemble the washer.

If your washer won’t finish its cycle, it could be due to a faulty drain pump. Here are the steps to either repair or replace the drain pump:

Repairing the Drain Pump:

1. Unplug the washer from the power source.
2. Locate the drain pump and remove any debris that may be causing a blockage.
3. Check the wiring and connections to make sure they are secure.
4. Plug in the washer to test the drain pump.

Replacing the Drain Pump:

1. Unplug the washer from the power source.
2. Locate the drain pump and disconnect the wire harness.
3. Remove the screws that hold the pump in place and remove the old pump.
4. Install the new pump by securing it in place with the screws. Reconnect the wire harness to the new pump. Plug the washer back in and test it to ensure the new pump is working properly.

Note: Some models may require additional steps, such as removing the front panel or accessing the pump from the bottom of the washer. Consult your user manual or manufacturer’s website for specific instructions for your model. Additionally, be sure to have a container or towels ready to catch any water that may spill out during the pump replacement process.

Replacing the Washer Motor Control Board:

The motor control board in a front-load washer is an essential component that is responsible for regulating the speed and direction of the drive motor for the tumble and spin cycles. If the motor control board is not functioning correctly, it can cause the washer not to run at all or not complete its cycle. Here are the steps to replace the motor control board on a front-load washer:

1. Unplug the washer from the electrical outlet and turn off the water supply.
2. Locate the motor control board, which is typically located at the bottom of the washer next to the drive motor.
3. Remove the screws that secure the control board to the washer.
4. Carefully unplug the wiring harnesses from the old control board, taking note of their location for reassembly.
5. Install the new control board and reattach the wiring harnesses in their proper location.
6. Reattach the screws that secure the control board to the washer.
7. Plug the washer back in and turn on the water supply.
8. Test the washer to make sure it is running correctly.

Replacing the Washer Water-Level Pressure Switch:

The water-level pressure switch in a top-load washer is responsible for detecting the water level in the wash tub. If the switch is not working correctly, it can cause the washer not to fill properly, overfill, or even overflow. Here are the steps to replace the water-level pressure switch on a top-load washer:

1. Unplug the washer from the electrical outlet and turn off the water supply.
2. Locate the water-level pressure switch, which is typically located at the top of the washer.
3. Remove the screws that secure the control panel to the washer.
4. Carefully unplug the wiring harnesses from the old pressure switch, taking note of their location for reassembly.
5. Remove the pressure switch by unscrewing it from the washer and install the new switch.
6. Reattach the wiring harnesses in their proper location.
7. Reattach the control panel to the washer using the screws removed earlier.
8. Plug the washer back in and turn on the water supply.
9. Test the washer to make sure it is filling correctly and not overfilling.

In conclusion, a washing machine that won’t finish its cycle can be frustrating and can disrupt your daily routine. However, there are many potential causes for this problem, and it’s important to approach the troubleshooting and repair process methodically. By following the tips and solutions outlined in this article, you can identify the underlying issue and take the necessary steps to fix it. Whether it’s replacing a faulty lid switch, shifter assembly, door lock assembly, main control board, timer, or drain pump, or repairing a defective motor control board or water-level pressure switch, there are solutions available that can help get your washing machine back in proper working order. Remember to always prioritize safety when working with electrical appliances, and consider consulting with a professional repair technician if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about any aspect of the repair process. With the right tools, knowledge, and approach, you can tackle even the most stubborn washing machine problems and keep your laundry routine running smoothly.

Cities in Barrow County that we serve include, but are not limited to, the following:

Bethlehem, Auburn, Russell, Statham, Carl, Braselton, Winder