Ge Washing Machine: not spinning properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your GE washing machine not spinning properly? This common issue can leave your clothes soaking wet after a wash cycle. Often, the washer may pause before the spin cycle or exhibit slow drum rotation. Causes include unbalanced loads, faulty lid switches, drainage problems, or issues with drive components. Understanding these can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Ge Models

  • GE official support notes that spin can be delayed up to a few minutes as part of normal cycle progression, so wait briefly before concluding it won’t spin. (GE Appliances

Possible Causes

Unbalanced or overloaded laundry load

How to Identify: Washer stops or refuses to spin when bulky items are bunched on one side of the drum or too many items are loaded; redistributing load enables normal spin. (GE Appliances

Part: Load distribution / sensors

Faulty lid switch or door lock assembly

How to Identify: No audible "click" when closing lid/door; machine behaves as if lid/door is open and won’t spin. Continuity test with multimeter may confirm fault. (GE Appliancesturn

Part: Lid switch (top load) / door lock (front load)

Drainage problem (clogged drain pump or hose)

How to Identify: Water remains in drum and washer won’t advance to spin; pump may make noise or show blockage signs. Clearing clogs allows spin to proceed. (GE Appliances

Part: Drain pump / drain hose

Worn, loose, or broken drive belt (top-load)

How to Identify: Visual inspection shows frayed, loose or snapped belt; drum doesn’t spin even though motor runs. (GE Appliances

Part: Drive belt

Faulty motor control board or motor malfunction

How to Identify: Burn marks, no spin despite good load and functioning switches; motor hums without turning drum. (GE Appliances

Part: Motor / control board

DIY Solutions

Redistribute Laundry Load

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Open the washer lid/door.
  2. Remove some items or spread clothes evenly around the drum.
  3. Close lid/door and restart the spin cycle.

Inspect and Test Lid Switch / Door Lock

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter, Screwdriver set
  1. Unplug the washer.
  2. Access lid switch or door lock assembly (top panel or front door area).
  3. Use a multimeter to test continuity; replace if faulty.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected before opening panels.

Clear Drain Pump and Hose Blockages

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: Bucket, Gloves, Screwdriver
  1. Unplug the washer and place a bucket to catch water.
  2. Remove access panel and inspect drain hose and pump.
  3. Clear any lint, debris, or clogs, then reassemble.
⚠️ Safety First: Be prepared for water spillage.

Replace Drive Belt (Top-Load)

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, Socket set
  1. Unplug the washer and remove the rear panel.
  2. Inspect the belt for damage and remove the old belt.
  3. Install a new belt according to belt routing and replace panel.

Professional Repairs

Replace Motor Control Board or Motor

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400+

When to Call a Professional

No spin after checking load balance, switches, belts, and drainage
Burning smell or unusual noises from motor
Control board shows visible damage

Preventive Maintenance

  • Avoid overloading and ensure even distribution: Imbalance-related spin failures
    Frequency: Every load
  • Regularly clear lint and debris from drain pump and hoses: Drainage and spin cycle issues
    Frequency: Quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my GE Washing Machine not spinning properly?
Common causes include unbalanced loads, faulty lid switches, and drainage issues.
How do I fix GE Washing Machine not spinning properly myself?
Redistribute laundry, inspect the lid switch, or clear drain blockages.
How much does it cost to fix not spinning properly?
Professional repairs typically range from $150 to $400+ depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not spinning properly?
If DIY solutions fail or if you suspect a motor or control board issue, call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

33%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Balance issues (2 mentions)
  • Inverter board malfunction (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replacing the inverter board

    Success rate: 25.0%
Analysis based on 3 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. GE Washing Machine-Spinning then stopping
  2. GE Top Load Smart Washer Leaves Clothes Too Wet
  3. GE Front Load Washer, How to Change Speed Sensor? Model: GFW...

Community Discussions

spins for 5 seconds and stops

Replacing the inverter board fixed the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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