Samsung Washing Machine: not spinning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Samsung washing machine not spinning? This common issue can leave your laundry wet after a wash cycle. The washer may fill and agitate but fail to enter the spin cycle, often due to drain problems, unbalanced loads, or door lock issues. Understanding the causes can help you get back to clean clothes quickly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Samsung Models

  • Samsung official troubleshooting notes that drain issues and possible need for calibration mode may resolve spin faults after addressing drainage first

Possible Causes

Drain issue preventing spin cycle

How to Identify: Washer doesn’t spin and may stop before spin; water remains in tub; often accompanies error codes or slow draining

Part: Drain pump / drain path

Unbalanced or overloaded load

How to Identify: Washer stops prior to spin when load is uneven or too heavy; simple redistribution then retry often works

Part: User load distribution

Door lock / lid switch not engaged

How to Identify: Washer doesn’t start spin if door isn’t fully locked; may see door lock indicator or no response when closing door

Part: Door lock assembly / lid switch

Motor or mechanical failure

How to Identify: No spin at all, motor hums or stalls, may have burning smell or unusual noise

Part: Motor, motor coupling, belt (if applicable)

Control board or sensor fault

How to Identify: Random stoppage before spin stage with no obvious mechanical block; diagnostic error codes may display

Part: Control board / water level sensor

DIY Solutions

Clear drain and ensure proper draining

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: bucket, towels
  1. Turn off and unplug washer
  2. Manually drain water from tub using bucket/towels
  3. Check and clear drain pump filter or drain hose blockages
  4. Restart cycle and see if spin engages once draining completes
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before accessing drain components

Redistribute and reduce load

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Open lid/door and remove some items to reduce load
  2. Redistribute remaining laundry evenly around drum
  3. Close door securely and select spin cycle

Check door lock/lid switch

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter (optional)
  1. Unplug washer and open access panel
  2. Locate door lock or lid switch
  3. Verify switch engages properly when door is closed; replace if broken
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug power before accessing components

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump or clear internal blockage

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Motor or control board repair/replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400+

When to Call a Professional

Water remains after drain checks and pump filter cleaning
Unusual smells, burning, or loud noises accompany failure
Door lock or electronic control issues beyond simple replacement

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean drain pump filter regularly: Drain-related spin failures
    Frequency: monthly
  • Avoid overloading washer: Unbalanced loads that stop spin
    Frequency: every use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Samsung Washing Machine not spinning?
Common causes include drain issues, unbalanced loads, and door lock problems.
How do I fix Samsung Washing Machine not spinning myself?
Try clearing the drain, redistributing the load, or checking the door lock.
How much does it cost to fix not spinning?
Professional repairs range from $80 to over $400 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not spinning?
If DIY solutions don't work, 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?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Hall sensor failure (2 mentions)
  • Wiring issues (severed wires) (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced hall sensor

    Success rate: 14.0%

  2. Repaired severed wire

    Success rate: 14.0%

  3. Replaced pump

    Success rate: 14.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Samsung wf42h5000aw/a2 washer headache
  2. Samsung 3E error after replacing everything
  3. Samsung washer WA40J3000AW/A2 won't spin
  4. samsung wa40j3000aw/aa drains but won't spin

Community Discussions

won't spin

Replaced the pump after splicing wires due to a broken connection.

DIY View on Reddit →

drum won't turn properly, creeps along during spin test

Replaced hall sensor, resolved issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

drains but won't spin

Repaired severed wire by crimping a new terminal.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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