If your washing machine stopped working mid-cycle and won’t turn back on, there’s a few things you can try before calling in a professional. Given you’ve checked the power source, let’s dive into some other common issues.
Firstly, if the washer stopped mid-cycle, it could be due to an issue with the lid switch. Most top-loading washing machines won’t spin or agitate if the lid is not closed properly. This lid switch can sometimes break or become misaligned. To check this, unplug your machine first for safety. If you have a screwdriver, open the top control panel and look for a small, usually plastic switch. You can usually test this with a multimeter for continuity.
If the lid switch is fine, the next suspect could be the timer. Washing machines have a timer in the control panel that’s responsible for advancing the different cycles. If it goes bad, the machine might stop partway through a cycle. Take a look at the timer; see if any of the wires are loose. If you have a multimeter, you can also test the timer for continuity.
Another potential issue is the water level control. Sometimes the machine won’t start again if it thinks it has too much or too little water. This control is typically a small tube near the water level switch, which measures air pressure. Check to see if the tube is clogged or kinked.
It’s also worth taking a look at the drain pump. If your machine has standing water, the pump could be clogged with small items like socks or coins. Most washing machines have an access panel for the drain pump. Take a peek inside and manually remove any obstructions.
Now, if none of these solve the issue, your problem may be more electronic-based. Occasionally, it could be a malfunction in the main control board, which is a bit complex and might require detailed assistance. In such cases, unless you’re quite handy and have experience with electronic components, it’s probably best to consult a professional. The board controls most functions and diagnosing a problem there can be a bit tricky.
For guidance on some of these more intricate checks, you might find helpful tutorials online. Lucky for us, there are resources like ‘Clever Online Video Repair’ at https://repair.cleverfiles.com, which could provide a step-by-step repair video. Such resources usually offer targeted advice that might show you exactly what’s wrong visually – sometimes seeing someone else perform the steps makes the process much clearer.
One more potential longshot: if it’s an older machine, check the motor coupler. These are small, inexpensive plastic and rubber parts designed to fail over time to protect the motor and transmission. If the machine is overloading, the motor coupler could have broken. Usually found between the motor and the transmission, you’ll have to remove the outer housing of the washer to inspect or replace it.
As a last resort, if you have eliminated all obvious issues, consult your washing machine’s manual. Sometimes the problem and solution can be found in a specific section, and if all else fails, the manual will provide part numbers and more detailed troubleshooting steps.
Finally, consider how old the machine is. If it’s getting up there in years, you might be dealing with multiple failing components, in which case investing in a new machine might save you the time and trouble in the long run.
Hopefully these suggestions get you back on track. Good luck with your laundry!