What to Do If Your Samsung Washer Won’t Spin (PROVEN FIXES!)

Our washer is one of the most valued appliances in our household, operating multiple times a week and for several hours at a time. With a workload like that, it’s no surprise that it stops spinning properly every now and then. 

Lucky for you, spinning issues are mostly caused by unideal laundry habits like overloading or underloading the drum. They don’t require repairs and can be resolved in a matter of minutes.

If a component malfunctions, you must replace it to resolve the issue. However, the fix doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

With a few tools and our easy-to-follow guide, you can have your Samsung washer up and running again in no time.

Why won’t my Samsung washer spin?

A Samsung washer not spinning can have a variety of causes, including an unbalanced load, a clogged drain pump, and a loose drive belt.

If the motor, door lock switch, or main control board is defective, you must replace the faulty component to resolve the issue.

How to Fix a Samsung Washer That Won’t Spin

Redistributing the laundry load evenly around the drum is often the first and easiest fix for a Samsung washing machine that isn’t spinning. Removing obstructions in the drain pump can also help.

However, if a faulty component is causing the washer to stop spinning, you must replace it.

Below, we made a list of issues that may cause your washer to stop spinning. We also have step-by-step instructions to help you troubleshoot the problem.

Causes	Solutions
Unbalanced Load	• Open the washer door. Check if the drum is overloaded or underloaded.  • Inspect the tags on your laundry. Make sure everything is machine washable. • Remove or add more items to keep a balanced load. • Redistribute the clothes more evenly inside the tub. • Refer to the user manual and check if the selected cycle suits your laundry load. Change the settings if necessary. • Restart the spin cycle.
Clogged Drain Pump	• Turn off the washer, and unplug its cord. Place a towel under the cover to absorb spills. • Open the debris filter cover.  • Grab the drain hose and remove its cap to drain excess water into a bowl. Or, use the auto drain feature in your washer. • Reinstall the cap and push the hose back in after the water stops draining. • Rotate the debris filter counterclockwise and pull it out to remove it. • Remove any blockages (e.g. coins, clips, and buttons). • Clean the filter with a soft brush and rinse it under running water. • Reinstall the filter into the housing and rotate it clockwise. • Close the cover.
Faulty Drive Motor Assembly	• Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply. Empty the drum and tape the lid shut. • Tip the machine on its back to access the drive motor assembly. • Use a 10 mm socket to remove the bolts on the support bar. • Push the left side of the bar to release it from the locking tab. Then, pull it towards you to remove the bar. • Use a 17 mm socket to unthread the nut on the motor rotor. Remove the two washers and set them all aside. • Pull the motor rotor out and inspect it for signs of damage.  • Unplug the electrical connectors, and unthread the 10 mm bolts mounting the winding coil. • Remove the defective stator. Get the replacement and align it with the clutch.  • Install the bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading, and use a socket to secure them. • Plug the electrical connectors. Align the rotor assembly on its shaft and gently push it in place. • Reinstall the two washers and the nut. • Align the right side of the support bar to the retainer, and repeat the step for the left side. • Insert the bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading and use a socket to tighten them.  • Keep the washer in an upright position. • Plug in the washer and turn on the water supply. Then, check if it spins.
Faulty Door Lock Switch	• Unplug the washer and turn off its water supply. Umount the back cover. • Pry the locking tabs using a putty knife or flathead screwdriver. Remove the cover and set it aside. • Unplug the electrical connector and remove the noise filter cover. • Lift the hose on the right to release it from the slot. Lift the wire to release it, and push the wire into the hole. • Unthread the screws on the top cover and insert a thin tool into the seam of the top cabinet.  • Repeat the process on the left and right sides to open it. • Unmount the door switch underneath the cover. Remove it and release its wire from the retaining clip. • Install the new switch with the wires facing to the right and the lock sticking out at the top.  • Insert the wire into the clip and the electrical plug at the opening.  • Lower the cover back down. Push down on the front clips to lock the cover into place. • Reinstall the mounting screws on the top cover. Reconnect the electrical plug. • Tuck the wire back into its slot, and insert the plug into its holder. • Push the hose back into place. Reattach the noise filter cover and control panel cover. • Plug in the washer and turn on its water supply. Check if the washer spins.
Faulty Control Board	• Unplug the washer and turn off its water supply. Move the washer around to unmount the back cover. • Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the locking tabs. Unthread the screws on the panel, and flip it forward. • Put your thumbs on the cover and the rest of your fingers on the locking tabs.  • Push down with your thumbs and pull up with your fingers. • Take a reference photo of the control board’s electrical connectors before unplugging them. • Disconnect the electrical connectors and the wiring harness. • Unthread the mounting screws of the main control board. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the tabs on the panel. • Remove the main control board. Repeat the same step to remove the interface board. • Align the knob shaft on the new interface board with the hole and gently push it down. • Align the new main control board with the screw holes and press down until the locking tabs snap back into place. • Reinstall the screws mounting the main control board. • Reconnect all the electrical connectors. Use the photo reference as your guide for this step. • Insert the wiring harness back into its retainer, and reattach the control board cover.  • Flip the control panel back into place and reinstall its screws. Then, mount the cover panel. • Plug the washer back in. Turn it on, and check if it spins.

Unbalanced Load

One of the most common reasons why a washing machine stops spinning is an unbalanced load. If you overload or underload the washer during a cycle, it will struggle to spin properly.

Once your washer detects an unbalanced load, it will attempt to redistribute the load inside the tub. If it is unsuccessful, your unit will stop spinning and display a UE error code(Samsung washer UE code).

You will have to manually add or remove items to balance the load. You must also spread the items evenly around the tub to prevent them from clumping up during a cycle.

Solution: To rebalance your Samsung washer, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Open the washer door.
• Step 2: Check if the drum is overloaded or underloaded. There should be at least a hand’s width of space between the top of the tub and the top of the load. 
• Step 3: Check the laundry tags on the items. Make sure everything inside is suitable for the washing machine.
• Step 4: Remove or add more items to keep a balanced load.
• Step 5: Redistribute the clothes more evenly inside the tub.
• Step 6: Open the user manual to confirm if the selected cycle is appropriate for your laundry load. Change the settings if necessary.
• Step 7: Restart the spin cycle.

Tips: • Measure your laundry load to prevent overloading or underloading your washer. • Avoid washing heavy items on their own (e.g. blankets, curtains, and sheets). • Avoid twisting sheets, towels, and other heavy items. • Never pack or push the laundry inside the tub. • Always check the care labels on your laundry. Only add items that are machine washable.

Clogged Drain Pump

Located at the bottom corner of the washer, the drain pump extracts water out of the main drum and pumps it through the drain hose so it can be drained away. It has a filter that traps foreign objects in the water.

Over time, lint and small items like coins and clips build up around the filter, obstructing the flow of water. This clogs the pump and prevents your washer from draining properly.

If the pump is clogged, you will most likely see a 5C or 5E error code on the display. It shows up when your washer isn’t draining(Samsung washer not draining) at all.

Not to worry, you can clean the filter and manually drain the water to resolve the issue.

Solution: To clean a clogged drain pump, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Turn off the washer, and unplug its cord.
• Step 2: Place a towel under the pump to protect your floors from water damage.
• Step 3: Push the small cover on the front of the washer to access the pump.
• Step 4:  Grab the drain hose and remove its cap to drain excess water into a bowl. Or, use the auto drain feature in your washer.
• Step 5: Reinstall the cap and push the hose back in after the water stops draining.
• Step 6: Rotate the debris filter counterclockwise and pull it out to remove it.
• Step 7: Remove any blockages (e.g. coins, clips, and buttons) in the filter.
• Step 8: Clean the filter with a soft brush and rinse it under running water. Wipe away any debris around the housing.
• Step 9: Reinstall the filter into the housing and rotate it clockwise.
• Step 10: Close the cover.

Tips: • Insert the filter properly to prevent leaks and operational errors. • Close the cap on the hose properly to prevent leaks. • Some models have a safety knob on the filter to prevent curious hands from tampering with it. To open it, just push and rotate it counterclockwise. • Clean the drain pump filter every 30-40 washes or once every 2-3 months.

Faulty Drive Motor Assembly

Located at the bottom of the washer, the drive motor assembly is made up of the motor stator, hall sensor, and motor rotor, which enables your washer to agitate and spin. 

If one of these components malfunctions, you may see a 3e error code on the display. At the same time, your washer will stop spinning properly. 

Replacing a drive motor assembly is a little complicated—but not impossible. 

What you’ll need:

• 10 mm socket or wrench
• 17 mm socket or wrench
• Multimeter
• New drive motor assembly

Solution: Use a multimeter to test the drive motor assembly for continuity. If it has none, replace it to fix the problem.

• Step 1: Unplug the washer, and turn off the water supply.
• Step 2: Make sure there is no water inside the drum. 
• Step 3: Tape the lid of the washer.
• Step 4: Tip the machine on its back to access the drive motor assembly.
• Step 5: Use a 10 mm socket to remove the bolts on the support bar.
• Step 6: Push the left side of the bar to release it from the locking tab. Then, pull it towards you to remove the bar.
• Step 7: Use a 17 mm socket to unthread the nut and washers on the motor rotor. Hold the rotor and stator in place to prevent them from rotating. 
• Step 8: Remove the motor rotor. Look for cracks, missing magnets, and other signs of damage on the component.
• Step 9: Unplug the electrical connectors.
• Step 10: Unthread the 10 mm bolts mounting the winding coil.
• Step 11: Pull the coil off the shaft.
• Step 12: Get a multimeter and test for continuity. 

If you have an auto-ranging multimeter, turn the dial to the ohm setting. On the other hand, a manual-ranging multimeter must be set to the lowest ohm setting.

• Step 13: Touch each probe to any of the three terminals on the stator.
• Step 14: Use your user manual as a reference for the continuity check. The resistance rating must be within the range designated in the manual.

If the rating isn’t within the appropriate range, it means that your motor is defective and requires replacement.

To replace the motor, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the washer, and turn off the water supply.
• Step 2: Make sure the drum is empty.
• Step 3: Tape the lid of the washer.
• Step 4: Tip the machine on its back to access the drive motor assembly.
• Step 5: Use a 10 mm socket to remove the bolts on the support bar.
• Step 6: Push the left side of the bar to release it from the locking tab. Then, pull it towards you to remove the bar.
• Step 7: Use a 17 mm socket to unthread the nut and washers on the motor rotor. Hold the rotor and stator in place to prevent them from rotating. 
• Step 8: Remove the motor rotor. Look for cracks, missing magnets, and other signs of damage on the component.
• Step 9: Unplug the electrical connectors.
• Step 10: Unthread the 10 mm bolts mounting the winding coil.
• Step 11: Pull the defective stator off the shaft.
• Step 12: Align the new stator to the clutch. Install the bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading, and use a socket to secure them.
• Step 13: Plug the electrical connectors.
• Step 14: Align the rotor assembly on its shaft and gently push it in place.
• Step 15: Install the two washers and the nut.
• Step 16: Align the right side of the support bar to the retainer. Then, do the same for the left side.
• Step 17: Reinstall the bolts. Insert them by hand to avoid cross-threading and use a socket to tighten them.
• Step 18: Keep the washer in an upright position.
• Step 19: Plug in the washer and turn on the water supply. Then, check if it spins.

Faulty Door Lock Switch

The door lock switch keeps the door from opening during a wash or spin cycle. At the same time, it signals your washer when it is safe to open the door.

If the door lock malfunctions, your washer won’t let you run a new cycle. Sometimes, your door won’t unlock (samsung washer door won’t unlock) until the component is replaced.

Depending on your washer model, you might see a dS, FL, or LO error code when the door lock switch is defective. To be certain that the component is faulty, you can check for continuity using a multimeter.

What you’ll need:

• Thin tool (e.g. putty knife or flathead screwdriver)
• Phillips screwdriver
• New door lock switch

Solution: First, test the door lock switch for continuity to confirm that it is defective. Then, replace the internal component if it shows no continuity.

• Step 1: Unplug the washer, and turn off the water supply.
• Step 2: Move the washer around and unmount the back cover.
• Step 3: Use a putty knife or a flathead screwdriver to pry the locking tabs. Then, remove the cover and set it aside.
• Step 4: Unplug the electrical connector on the switch.
• Step 5: Push the tabs on the noise filter cover, and lift it to remove it.
• Step 6: Lift the hose on the right to release it from the slot.
• Step 7: Lift the wire to release it. Then, push the wire into the hole.
• Step 8: Unthread the screws on the top cover.
• Step 9: Insert a putty knife into the seam of the top cabinet to open it. Start in front of the washer before moving to the right side and left sides.
• Step 10: Carefully lift the cover and prop it open.
• Step 11: Unmount the door switch underneath the cover.
• Step 12: Remove the switch and release its wire from the retaining clip.
• Step 13: Turn the dial of the multimeter to the lowest setting for ohms of resistance. 
• Step 14: Touch each probe to a terminal on the switch to check for continuity. Then, press the switch to get a reading.

Zero ohms of resistance indicates that the switch has continuity. If it shows little to no change when actuated, your switch has no continuity and requires a replacement.

To replace a Samsung washer’s door lock switch, follow the steps below.

• Step 1: Unplug the washer, and turn off its water supply.
• Step 2: Move the washer around to umount the back cover.
• Step 3: Pry the locking tabs on the cover using a thin tool. Remove the cover and set it aside.
• Step 4: Depress the tab on the switch’s electrical plug to disconnect it.
• Step 5: Remove the noise filter cover.
• Step 6: Lift the hose on the right to release it from the slot.
• Step 7: Lift the wire to release it. Then, push the wire into the hole.
• Step 8: Remove the screws mounting the top cover.
• Step 9: Insert a putty knife into the seam of the top cabinet in front of the washer. Do this on both the left and right sides of the unit to open it.
• Step 10: Lift the cover and prop it open.
• Step 11: Unmount the door switch underneath the cover.
• Step 12: Remove the switch and release its wire from the retaining clip.
• Step 13: Install the new switch with the wires facing to the right and the lock sticking out at the top. Then, insert the wire into the clip.
• Step 14: Insert the electrical plug at the opening.
• Step 15: Close the cover and push down on the front clips to lock it shut.
• Step 16: Reinstall the mounting screws on the top cover.
• Step 17: Reconnect the electrical plug.
• Step 18: Tuck the wire back into its slot, and insert the plug into its holder.
• Step 19: Push the hose back into place.
• Step 20: Reinstall the noise filter cover.
• Step 21: Reattach the control panel cover.
• Step 22: Plug in the washer and turn on its water supply.
• Step 23: Check if the washer spins.

Faulty Control Board

Nearly every function in your washing machine is controlled by the main control board, making it the most important component of this appliance. 

If it malfunctions, your washer will have a variety of performance issues. Your washer won’t fill with water(Samsung washer not filling with water), drain, or spin.

Unfortunately, you can’t fix a defective control board. Instead, you can replace it with a new component and we’ll show you how.

What you’ll need:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Thin tool (e.g. putty knife or flathead screwdriver)
• New main control board

Solution: To replace a Samsung washer control board, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the washer, and turn off the water supply.
• Step 2: Move the washer around to access the back panel.
• Step 3: Unthread the screws on the back cover.
• Step 4: Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the locking tabs.
• Step 5: Tilt the cover upwards and lift it up to remove it. Then, set it aside.
• Step 6: Unthread the Phillips screws on the control panel.
• Step 7: Tip the control panel forward.
• Step 8: Place both of your thumbs on the cover and the rest of your fingers on the locking tabs. Gently push down with your thumbs and pull up the cover with your fingers.
• Step 9: Take a reference photo of the electrical connections. Use it as your guide during the reassembly process.
• Step 10: Unplug all of the electrical connectors. Press the tab on each connector and pull out the wire to disconnect it.
• Step 11: Remove the wiring harness from its retainer.
• Step 12: Unthread the mounting screws of the main control board.
• Step 13: Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the tabs on the panel and remove the main control board.
• Step 14: Pry the tabs around the interface board to release it.
• Step 15: Align the knob shaft on the new interface board with the hole and gently push it down.
• Step 16: Align the new main control board with the screw holes and press down along the edges until the locking tabs snap back into place.
• Step 17: Reinstall the mounting screws of the main control board.
• Step 18: Plug all the electrical connectors. Use your photo as a reference.
• Step 19: Insert the wiring harness back into its retainer.
• Step 20: Reattach the cover of the control board.
• Step 21: Flip the control panel back into place and reinstall its mounting screws.
• Step 22: Mount the cover panel and secure it with its screws.
• Step 23: Plug the washer back in. Turn it on, and check if it spins.

Frequently Asked Questions

---