Having a washing machine stop mid-cycle can be a real hassle, but it doesn't have to mean a repair bill. If your washer won't turn on or start up again after it stopped in the middle of the cycle, there are some steps you can take to try and fix the problem yourself.
Some washers are bigger and require more energy to run than other appliances, so it’s possible for them to trip the circuit breaker when they overload. Check your home’s main circuit panel or fuse box for any tripped switches. If you find one, flip it into the “on” position and try running your washing machine again.
You should also check the wiring connections to make sure nothing is lose or damaged. If your washer still doesn’t start, the motor may need resetting. To do this, unplug the power cord from the wall, wait for 1-2 minutes, and plug it back in. Make sure you have checked all areas before assuming that you need a new washer!
It’s important to first unplug the washing machine and leave it off for at least one hour. This allows the motor to cool down and rest before attempting to troubleshoot any further. If you don’t do this, you run the risk of bolting additional issues onto a single problem and making the repair more complicated (and expensive).
After unplugging the washing machine, check that all hoses, cords, and wires are properly connected. Make sure none of the hose pipes are loose and there aren’t any kinks in any of them. Not only could these items be interrupting the cycle, but they can also cause water damage if they leak. Most washing machines have a reset button or code that may help to kick-start the system. If this doesn’t work, it might be best to call a professional repair person.
If your washing machine stops mid-cycle and the drum has stopped spinning, it’s important to check for any clogs or blockages. The first place to check is the emergency drain hose located at the bottom of the appliance. You’ll want to clear out any debris and make sure all hoses are connected correctly. You should also check that there is no buildup of lint or fibers on the filter, as this can impact the machine's ability to operate smoothly.
If nothing seems to be blocking the machine, you'll need to inspect the water level switch. This is a small device located on the side of the washing machine that is responsible for controlling the amount of water that enters the drum. You should make sure it isn't stuck in one position and that it's working correctly by pushing down on it gently. You can also check for any debris or buildup inside of it using a cotton swab or Q-tip. If everything looks clear, try running another cycle and observe closely to see if there are any changes in how your washer operates.
Inspect the inlet hoses and make sure that they are connected tightly. Inspect for any signs of damage to the hoses, such as crackling or splitting along seams. Also, check the filter screens on the inlet valves for any accumulated lint or debris and clear out as needed. Doing this will help ensure a free-flowing supply of water to your washing machine, helping it run more smoothly.
Additionally, check for any kinks in the hoses that could be preventing water from smoothly passing through. It's also a good idea to test both the cold and hot hoses to make sure equal amounts of water are going into your washing machine. If the washer still stops mid-cycle after you take these steps, it may be time to call in a professional appliance repair service.
If inspecting the inlet hoses does not resolve the issue, some washing machines may have a factory reset option. This will restore your machine to its default settings. To try this, you should refer to your manufacturer’s instructions and look for a ‘reset’ button or cycle selector. If one is available, press or turn it and then start the cycle again – see if this helps clear any stuck processes that might have caused the stoppage mid-cycle.
If there’s no reset button, you may need to access the machine’s control board. Depending on your washer model, this could mean taking off the machine's back panel; it’s not a task that should be attempted by inexperienced hands. Once the panel is removed, however, you may spot a “reset” or similar button right away – follow instructions before attempting to press any buttons or turning switches in case they function differently between models. It goes without saying that you should make sure that all power is disconnected before doing this. If all else fails, contact EasyRepair technician.