How to Repair a Washing Machine That Won’t Finish Its Cycle

Washing machines are an essential household appliance that is used frequently to clean clothes. However, it can be frustrating when the machine doesn’t finish its cycle, leaving your clothes wet and unwashed. There are several reasons why your washing machine won’t finish its cycle, but with a few troubleshooting tips and repair solutions, you can get your machine back to working properly.

Why Won’t Your Washing Machine Finish Its Cycle?

Troubleshooting Tips and Repair Solutions

Before jumping into replacing parts, there are a few things to troubleshoot to determine the cause of the issue. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

1. Check for Power Issues: Make sure that the washing machine is getting power. Check the outlet, the cord, and the machine’s circuit breaker. If the machine is not getting power, it will not finish its cycle.
2. Check for Drainage Issues: If the machine is not draining properly, it will not finish the cycle. Check for clogged drains or pipes, kinked hoses, or a faulty pump. Clean or replace the parts accordingly.
3. Check for Overloading: If you overload the machine, it will not finish its cycle. Remove some clothes and try running the cycle again.
4. Check for Unbalanced Loads: If the load is unbalanced, the machine may not finish its cycle. Try redistributing the clothes to balance the load.

Replacing the Lid Switch to Ensure Proper Operation

The lid switch is a safety device that prevents the washer from spinning if the lid is open. If the switch is faulty, the machine may not finish its cycle. Here’s how to replace the lid switch:

How to replace the lid switch/lock assembly on a top-load washer:

1. Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
2. Locate the lid switch/lock assembly. It is usually located at the top of the washing machine’s cabinet.
3. Disconnect the wire harness from the switch/lock assembly.
4. Remove the mounting screws from the switch/lock assembly.
5. Replace the old switch/lock assembly with the new one and secure it with the mounting screws.
6. Reconnect the wire harness.
7. Test the machine to ensure it is working properly.

How to replace the lid switch in a direct-drive top-load washer:

1. Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
2. Remove the screws from the control panel.
3. Flip the control panel back.
4. Disconnect the wire harness from the lid switch.
5. Remove the mounting screws from the lid switch.
6. Remove the old switch and install the new one.
7. Secure the new switch with the mounting screws.
8. Reconnect the wire harness to the new lid switch.
9. Flip the control panel back into place and secure it with the screws.
10. Plug the washing machine back into the power source.
11. Test the lid switch by closing the lid and starting a cycle. The cycle should begin as normal.

Note: Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when purchasing a replacement lid switch. It is important to get the correct model that is compatible with your washing machine.

Replacing the washer shifter assembly

If your top-load washer won’t finish its cycle and is displaying error codes related to the shifter assembly, it may be time to replace this component. The shifter assembly is responsible for shifting the washer’s motor from the agitate to spin cycle.

Replacing the shifter assembly in your top-load washer:

Here’s how to replace the shifter assembly in your top-load washer:

1. Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
2. Remove the agitator from the center of the washer tub. Depending on the model of your washer, this may involve removing a cap and bolt from the top of the agitator or prying the agitator off with a flat tool.
3. Remove the bolt securing the rotor to the motor shaft.
4. Remove the rotor and stator from the motor shaft.
5. Disconnect the wire harness from the shifter assembly.
6. Remove the mounting screws from the shifter assembly.
7. Remove the old shifter assembly and install the new one.
8. Secure the new shifter assembly with the mounting screws.
9. Reconnect the wire harness to the new shifter assembly.
10. Reinstall the rotor and stator onto the motor shaft and secure with the bolt.
11. Reinstall the agitator onto the center of the washer tub.
12. Plug the washing machine back into the power source.
13. Test the washer to ensure it is functioning properly.

Note: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when purchasing a replacement shifter assembly. It is important to get the correct model that is compatible with your washing machine.

Replace the washer door lock assembly

If your front-load washer won’t finish its cycle and is displaying error codes related to the door lock, it may be time to replace the door lock assembly. The door lock assembly is responsible for securing the washer door during the wash cycle.

How to replace the door lock assembly on a front-load washer

Here’s how to replace the door lock assembly on a front-load washer:

1. Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
2. Open the washer door and remove the outer retaining ring from the door boot seal.
3. Peel back the door boot seal to reveal the door lock assembly.
4. Remove the mounting screws from the door lock assembly.
5. Disconnect the wire harness from the door lock assembly.
6. Remove the old door lock assembly and install the new one.
7. Secure the new door lock assembly with the mounting screws.
8. Reconnect the wire harness to the new door lock assembly.
9. Reinstall the door boot seal and outer retaining ring.
10. Plug the washing machine back into the power source.
11. Test the washer to ensure it is functioning properly.

Note: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when purchasing a replacement door lock assembly. It is important to get the correct model that is compatible with your washing machine.

Replace the washer main control board

If your washing machine won’t finish its cycle and is displaying error codes related to the main control board, it may be time to replace this component. The main control board is responsible for controlling the washer’s cycles and functions.

How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer:

Here’s how to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer:

1. Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
2. Remove the screws from the control panel.
3. Flip the control panel back.
4. Disconnect the wire harnesses from the main control board.
5. Remove the mounting screws from the main control board.
6. Remove the old main control board and install the new one.
7. Secure the new main control board with the mounting screws.
8. Reconnect the wire harnesses to the new main control board.
9. Flip the control panel back into place and secure it with the screws. 10. Plug the washing machine back into the power source.
10. Test the washing machine to ensure that the electronic control board is functioning properly.

Note: Before replacing the electronic control board, it’s important to troubleshoot and rule out other possible causes of the problem. For instance, if the washing machine won’t start or finish its cycle, it could be due to a faulty lid switch, motor, or timer. Only after eliminating these other potential causes should you consider replacing the control board.

Also, it’s important to purchase the correct replacement control board for your specific washing machine model. Check the model number of your machine and consult the manufacturer’s website or a parts supplier to ensure that you’re purchasing the right part.

Replacing the machine control board in a front-load washer:

1. Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
2. Remove the top panel by removing the screws on the back of the panel.
3. Disconnect the wire harnesses from the machine control board.
4. Remove the mounting screws from the machine control board.
5. Remove the old machine control board and install the new one.
6. Secure the new machine control board with the mounting screws.
7. Reconnect the wire harnesses to the new machine control board.
8. Replace the top panel and secure it with the screws.
9. Plug the washing machine back into the power source.
10. Test the washing machine to ensure that the machine control board is functioning properly.

Note: As with replacing the electronic control board in a top-load washer, it’s important to rule out other potential causes of the problem before replacing the machine control board in a front-load washer. Common issues include a faulty door lock assembly, water inlet valve, or drain pump. Consult the washing machine’s manual or a professional technician if you’re unsure about how to troubleshoot these issues.

Replace the washer timer

The timer is an essential component that controls the duration of each cycle in your washing machine. If the timer is malfunctioning and not advancing through the cycles, it may need to be replaced. Here’s how to replace the timer in a direct-drive top-load washer:

1. Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
2. Remove the control panel by unscrewing the mounting screws located at the top rear of the panel.
3. Locate the timer assembly and disconnect the wire harnesses from it.
4. Remove the mounting screws that secure the timer assembly in place.
5. Pull the timer assembly forward and remove it from the machine.
6. Install the new timer assembly in the reverse order of the removal process, making sure to secure it with the mounting screws and reconnect the wire harnesses.
7. Replace the control panel and secure it with the mounting screws.
8. Plug the washing machine back into the power source.
9. Test the new timer by starting a cycle and ensuring that it advances through each step.

Note: Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when purchasing a replacement timer. It is important to get the correct model that is compatible with your washing machine.

Repair or replace the washer drain pump

The drain pump is responsible for draining water from your washing machine after each cycle. If the pump is not functioning correctly, it may need to be repaired or replaced. Here’s how to replace the drain pump in a top-load washer:

1. Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
2. Locate the drain pump, which is typically located at the bottom of the machine.
3. Disconnect the hoses that connect the pump to the washing machine.
4. Remove the mounting screws that secure the pump in place.
5. Pull the pump forward and remove it from the machine.
6. Install the new pump in the reverse order of the removal process, making sure to secure it with the mounting screws and reconnect the hoses.
7. Plug the washing machine back into the power source.
8. Test the new pump by starting a cycle and ensuring that it drains water properly.

Note: Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when purchasing a replacement drain pump. It is important to get the correct model that is compatible with your washing machine.

How to replace the drain pump on a front-load washer:

1. Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
2. Remove the lower front panel of the machine by unscrewing the mounting screws located at the bottom of the panel.
3. Locate the drain pump, which is typically located at the bottom of the machine.
4. Disconnect the hoses that connect the pump to the washing machine.
5. Remove the mounting screws that hold the drain pump in place.
6. Remove the old drain pump and install the new one.
7. Secure the new drain pump with the mounting screws.
8. Reconnect the hoses that connect the pump to the washing machine.
9. Replace the lower front panel of the machine and secure it with the mounting screws.
10. Plug the washing machine back into the power source.
11. Run a test cycle to ensure that the new drain pump is working properly.

Note: Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when purchasing a replacement drain pump. It is important to get the correct model that is compatible with your washing machine.

Replace the washer motor control board:

1. Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
2. Remove the back panel of the washing machine to access the motor control board.
3. Disconnect the wire harnesses from the motor control board.
4. Remove the mounting screws from the motor control board.
5. Remove the old motor control board and install the new one.
6. Secure the new motor control board with the mounting screws.
7. Reconnect the wire harnesses to the new motor control board.
8. Replace the back panel of the washing machine.
9. Plug the washing machine back into the power source.
10. Test the motor control board by starting a cycle.

How to replace a motor control board on a front-load washer:

1. Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
2. Remove the front panel of the washing machine to access the motor control board.
3. Disconnect the wire harnesses from the motor control board.
4. Remove the mounting screws from the motor control board.
5. Remove the old motor control board and install the new one.
6. Secure the new motor control board with the mounting screws.
7. Reconnect the wire harnesses to the new motor control board.
8. Replace the front panel of the washing machine.
9. Plug the washing machine back into the power source.
10. Test the motor control board by starting a cycle.

Replace the washer water-level pressure switch:

Replacing the water-level pressure switch on a washing machine is a relatively simple task that can be done by following a few steps. This switch is responsible for regulating the water level in the washing machine, and if it malfunctions, it can cause problems during the wash cycle. By unplugging the machine, locating the switch, disconnecting the wire harness, removing the mounting screws, installing the new switch, and reconnecting the wire harness, homeowners can easily replace this essential component and ensure their washing machine runs smoothly.

How to replace the water level pressure switch on a direct-drive top-load washer

1. Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
2. Locate the water-level pressure switch, which is typically located at the top of the washing machine.
3. Disconnect the wire harness from the water-level pressure switch.
4. Remove the mounting screws from the water-level pressure switch.
5. Remove the old water-level pressure switch and install the new one.
6. Secure the new water-level pressure switch with the mounting screws.
7. Reconnect the wire harness to the new water-level pressure switch.
8. Plug the washing machine back into the power source.
9. Test the water-level pressure switch by starting a cycle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, repairing your washing machine can be a cost-effective solution to avoid purchasing a new one. With a few simple steps, you can replace some common parts that often fail in washing machines, such as the lid switch, electronic control board, timer, drain pump, motor control board, and water-level pressure switch. However, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself or the repair is more complicated, it’s always best to hire a professional to avoid causing further damage to your washing machine. Remember to always unplug the washing machine before attempting any repairs and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the replacement parts.

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