Washer Won't Start

Make sure the door or lid is closed. Most machines will not run with the door or lid open.

Make sure the door is closed. The washer will not run with the door open. 

The line fuse blows if the washer circuits are overloaded. If the line fuse blows, the washer won’t start. To determine if the line fuse is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the fuse does not have continuity, replace it. In addition, you should investigate and resolve the problem that caused the fuse to blow. Check for shorted out components such as the wires, motor, or drain pump. If you don’t resolve the underlying issue, the new fuse will blow too.

If the washer overheats, the thermal fuse will blow. If the line fuse blows, the washer won’t start. To determine if the thermal fuse is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the fuse does not have continuity, replace it. In addition, you should investigate and resolve the problem that caused the fuse to blow. If you don’t resolve the underlying issue, the new fuse will blow too.

Since a washing machine control board is responsible for sending voltage to nearly all of the washer's electrical components, a faulty board may cause the washer not to start. If the washer's entire display is not working, it's likely the control board is defective. You can inspect the board for signs of burning or a shorted-out component. You can also use a multimeter to test the power output terminals on the board after reviewing the appliance's wiring diagram.

The door latch secures the washer door shut during operation. Once the washer door is closed, the washer can begin operating. If the washer door is not latched shut, the door switch will prevent the washer from operating. If the door latch is defective, the washer will not spin or start. The door latch can fail either mechanically or electrically. Inspect the door latch for damage. If the door latch is damaged or does not latch properly, replace it. To determine if the door latch has failed electrically, consult your washer’s wiring diagram and use a multimeter to test each of the door latch switches, if applicable, for continuity.

The main control board might be defective. However, the main control board is rarely at fault for this symptom. Before replacing the main control board, first check all of the more commonly defective parts.

If the outlet is not receiving electric power, the circuit breaker may be tripped. The best indicator of a tripped circuit breaker is the washer will appear to not have any power to it and the breaker for the washer on the main circuit panel will have switched to the off or half-way position. To reset the breaker turn it to the off position then back on. If all breakers are in the "On" position there may be another incoming power problem.

The power cord needs to be plugged into the wall outlet securely for the washer to operate.

A washing machine drain pump assists in removing the water from the tub by forcing the water through a drain hose to a laundry tub or drain pipe. Since water may be drained from the tub multiple times during a wash cycle, a defective drain pump may prevent the washer from starting. If there is still water in the tub after the washer stops, inspect the drain pump for any obstruction. You can also use a multimeter to test the drain pump for electrical continuity to help determine if the pump is able to function or not.

First ensure that power is getting to the electrical outlet. If the electrical outlet is receiving power, but the washer won’t start, the power cord might be defective. However, this is very rare. To determine if the power cord is defective, use a multimeter to test it for the cord for power. If the power cord is not getting power, replace it.

The door lock secures the washer door shut during operation. Once the washer door is closed, the washer can begin operating. If the washer door is not latched shut, the door switch will prevent the washer from operating. If the door lock is defective, the washer will not spin or start. The door lock can fail either mechanically or electrically. Inspect the door lock for damage. If the door lock is damaged or does not latch properly, replace it. To determine if the door lock has failed electrically, consult your washer’s wiring diagram and use a multimeter to test each of the door lock switches for continuity.

If the whole display is not working (not just the start button), then it's likely the control panel itself will need to be replaced to fix the washer not starting problem.

Water Inlet Valve

Clutch

Drive Belt

The fuse will blow if the washer circuits are overloaded, resulting in the washer not starting. To determine if the fuse is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the fuse does not have continuity, replace it. In addition, you should investigate and resolve the problem that caused the fuse to blow. Check for shorted out components such as the wires, motor, or drain pump. If you don’t resolve the underlying issue, the new fuse will blow too.

Suspension Rod

Shift Actuator

Lock