GE Washers are among the most popular brands in the market, but they are also prone to certain problems. This is because of their complicated technology and design.
However, there may come a time when you find that your GE washer is not agitating and the clothes are not getting clean. But if your GE washer won’t spin properly, there is a risk of creating mold and bacteria in your laundry.
When the power supply is insufficient or the washer is in need of repair, a GE washer won’t spin properly. The spin cycle can be disrupted by a broken door lock, a damaged control panel, or a defective timer. The washer’s spinning power will be restored by replacing faulty metal parts.
This article goes over some of the most common GE washing machine not spinning problems, including a guide on how to troubleshoot them.
So, make sure to go all the way to the end to know all of the reasons for this issue.
Table of Contents
- How to Fix GE Washer Not Spinning?
- 1. Check the Detergent Type:
- 2. Check the detergent level:
- 3. Check the level of the water in the tub:
- 4. Check the water type:
- 5. Make sure the water is at the correct temperature:
- 6. Check the agitator:
- 8. Check the fabric type:
- 9. Check the spin cycle:
- 10. Imbalance Load:
- 11. Make sure the washer is on a level surface:
- 12. Check the door gasket:
- 13. Check the Lid Switch:
- 14. Broken Drive Belt:
- 15. Check the Washing Machine Manual:
- Conclusion:
- Steven Settles
How to Fix GE Washer Not Spinning?
When your GE washer stops spinning or does not spin fast, there are a few things to look at.
1. Check the Detergent Type:
Make sure you are using the right kind. Detergent is one of the key elements that affect the cleaning power of your washing machine.
If you are using a powder-type detergent, make sure it is marked “Washing Machine” or “Dry Cleaner”. Do not use any other type of detergent unless specifically instructed to do so by a repair technician.
You may have to ask your dealer or go to an appliance parts store to get the right type of detergent for your washing machine.
Thereafter, put the amount of detergent recommended in the package directions into the dispenser of your washing machine.
2. Check the detergent level:
This is one of the most common causes of a GE washing machine that won’t spin. Many people put in less detergent than recommended and then wonder why their washing machine won’t work properly.
In fact, some washing machines need more detergent than others because of their complex design.
So check the instructions that come with the detergent you are using and make sure you are putting in the right amount.
3. Check the level of the water in the tub:
If your GE washer is still not spinning, check the water level in the tub. Using too little water can result in poor cleaning and also result in the GE washer suddenly stopping during mid-cyle.
On the other hand, using too much water will simply make the load too heavy for your washing machine and cause it not to spin. Therefore, use the amount of water recommended by the manufacturer.
But also remember to allow enough time for the water to drain completely after each wash cycle. If your washing machine is old, it may take longer to drain the water.
You can test this by placing a cup under the drainage hole in the bottom of the washer.
4. Check the water type:
Make sure it is hard (not soft) water. Soft water contains calcium and magnesium, which affects the cleaning process.
To demonstrate, think of it like this: If your water is too soft, it will act as a lubricant between the clothes and the washer drum. This causes the washer to wear out faster and not spin as well.
On the other hand, hard water contains fewer minerals and can remove soil better from the clothes. It also helps keep your washer operating longer and extends its life.
5. Make sure the water is at the correct temperature:
An automated thermostat controls the temperature of the water in most washing machines. However, you should check the manual to be sure.
Most likely, you will need to adjust the water’s temperature slightly.
For example, if your water is too hot, lower the temperature by a few degrees. Increase the temperature by a few degrees if it is too cold.
When you put in the detergent, the washing machine needs to be at least 40°C (104°F). It will not function correctly if the water is too cold. On the other side, excessively hot water might harm your washing machine.
Follow the instructions on your washing machine’s packaging to determine the correct temperature.
6. Check the agitator:
The agitator is an important part of the washing machine that keeps the clothes agitated and removes lint and dirt.
However, if the agitator is not working properly or has rust, it will not do a proper job of breaking up the dirt. This may be why your GE washing machine is not spinning. So, make sure it is working properly.
The way you check it is by pulling out the agitator rod and giving it a twist. If it comes out easily, then it is working properly.
If it takes some effort to remove it, then you need to replace it. This is a quick fix that just requires a screwdriver. The components are available at any hardware shop.
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8. Check the fabric type:
If you are using a powder-type detergent and put in the right amount, but your washing machine still won’t spin, check the type of fabric you are putting into the washing machine.
Different fabrics require different amounts of detergent for proper cleaning.
For example, synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon need more detergent than cotton or wool. If you don’t know what fabric you are using, take some of your laundry to a laundromat or ask your friends or relatives who own a sewing machine.
9. Check the spin cycle:
Make sure the spin cycle is set to “Extended” and not “Standard” or “Quick.” If it is not, then you should change it. The spin cycle affects how well your washer removes water and dirt from the clothes.
A longer spin cycle removes more water and dirt. Therefore, it will make your clothes cleaner. On the other hand, a shorter spin cycle removes less water and dirt. This makes the clothes softer and fluffier but may leave them with an odor.
If you use a fabric softener or odor-fighting powder, you will need to use more of it, or the clothes will still have an odor. By default, most people use the “Standard” spin cycle.
10. Imbalance Load:
This is another reason why washing machines do not spin. If the load is not balanced properly, the agitator won’t be able to agitate the clothes properly and the spin cycle will not work efficiently.
You can check to see if your load is imbalanced by placing a piece of paper in the center of your drum. If there are too many clothes on one side of the paper, then your load is unbalanced.
On the other hand, if there are too many clothes on one side of the paper but not enough clothes on the other side, then your load is imbalanced to the opposite side. You should only have one or two articles of clothing on each side of the paper.
11. Make sure the washer is on a level surface:
Make sure the floor or the surface on which your washing machine sits is flat. If it is not, the agitator will not be able to move freely back and forth and thus will not be able to agitate the clothes as well as it could otherwise.
Read the instructions that came with your machine to figure out what type of base it has.
You should also check to see if your washer has any “ears” or protrusions that could cause the drum to bind. You should remove these if they are present.
12. Check the door gasket:
When the door shuts, this is a rubber or plastic ring that wraps around the interior of the door and keeps water out.
If there is a hole or a crack in the door gasket, this will allow water into the washer and cause all kinds of problems.
13. Check the Lid Switch:
Also, make sure the lid switch is in the “ON” position. If it is not, the washer will not be able to get itself ready to wash.
Also, if the switch is loose or dirty, this will prevent the lid from getting closed completely and will allow water to seep in.
14. Broken Drive Belt:
Check the drive belt on your washing machine. It should be easy to access.
If it is broken or worn out, this will cause your washing machine to have a host of other problems.
15. Check the Washing Machine Manual:
The last thing you should check is the washing machine manual. Make sure you have it and read it.
You should get all of the information you want there. In fact, there may be more things in the manual that you had not thought about. That’s it for now.
Hopefully, now your GE washer not spinning problem is resolved. If not, and you are planning to buy a new washing machine, here is a list of the washing machine brands to avoid that you need to know before buying.
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Conclusion:
I hope you found this list helpful. Remember, though, that an infinite number of things can go wrong with a washing machine.
No matter how thorough you are when you maintain your home appliances, something will almost always go wrong. And when it does, it will cause a lot of inconvenience for you and possibly even cost you some money.
That is why, if you are unable to understand the problem, I recommend that you hire someone with experience to do all of the maintenance for you.
Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.
I’ve had my GE washer since new.
You worked on it 3 times, controller cards, still don’t spin. Now you say not under warranty any more. So i bought a front controller card, front $785.00, still won’t spin, put a new water valve, still won’t spin. Now i have an appliance person working on it.
Nasty washer, HELP