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  1. Repair

Washer not starting

Common reasons your washer not starting

The most common reasons your washer is not starting are a malfunctioning electronic control board, jammed door lock assembly or a faulty user interface.

  • 73%

    73% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 11%

    11% of the time it's the
    Door Lock Assembly

  • 10%

    10% of the time it's the
    User Interface Control

  • 6%

    6% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Common washer repair parts you may need

    Replacing one of these washer parts may fix your problem.

    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    If a washer is not starting, it might be indicative of a faulty electronic control board. Responsible for powering up the washer and managing essential components like the drive motor and water valve, a malfunctioning control board can prevent the washer from starting. It might also fail to fill, agitate, spin, or drain. A shorted board may also produce a burning smell


    Door Lock Assembly Replacement

    When the washer door lock assembly gets stuck, you might have trouble opening or closing the washer door. The door might not close securely, causing problems when you try to start or finish a wash. You might see an error code that tells you there's a problem with the door lock. While the washer is running, the door lock might make strange clicking noises or not lock at all, stopping the washer from starting. Also, if there's a problem, the light on the door lock might not turn on like it should. You might notice water left in the drum even after the wash is done, which could mean the door lock assembly isn't letting the water drain properly.

    User Interface Control Replacement

    A malfunctioning user interface control might stop responding, preventing you from adjusting wash cycle settings or turning the washer on and off. In certain malfunctions, only a few buttons or dials on the interface are impacted, but sometimes the entire interface becomes unresponsive. With a defective user interface, cycle status indicators like remaining cycle time may not show correctly. Buttons or keys on the user interface might stick, leading to erratic washer behavior such as unexpected starts or stops during a cycle. There may also be error codes shown on the display.

    What to expect when you experience a washer not starting issue

    What is the solution for the issue of the washer not starting?

    Typically, fixing most issues where the washer doesn't start requires replacing the electronic control board, door lock assembly, or user interface control. However, since there are numerous potential causes, a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial to resolving the problem. Achieving an accurate diagnosis is pivotal in determining the extent and cost of the required repair.

    Suggestions from Sears Home Services when a washer is not starting

    There could be many reasons for a washer not starting. Having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem is the best way to avoid DIY guesswork. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of washer failures.

    Things to look out for with a washer not starting diagnosis

    Diagnosing today's appliances without adequate knowledge and training can pose challenges. Attempting to fix your washer issue without employing proper diagnostic techniques often results in guesswork-based part replacements. Over the past decade, appliances have advanced significantly, with many models featuring electronic components that are challenging to test. As a result, DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly complex.

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    Repair Washer Resources

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Pressure Transducer Work?"
    5 min readDec. 05

    Learn how a pressure transducer works to detect water level in a washing machine.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Top Load Washing Machine Work?"
    10 min readDec. 04

    Learn how a top-load washing machine works and how to use and maintain the washer.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Mixing Valve Work?"
    6 min readNov. 26

    Learn how a mixing valve works to control water temperature in a washer.

    What's the Reason Behind My Washer Drum Being Loose and Banging Around image
    6 min readNov. 18

    Learn why your washer drum is loose and banging around and get professional advice on fixing it. Contact Sears Home Services for a reliable repair service.

    Glossary Terms

    Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

    A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.

    A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.

    Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.

    Common washer symptoms to look out for

    • Washer won't turn off
    • Washer won't start cycle
    • Washer will not drain
    • Washer vibrates
    • Washer not working
    • Washer not washing
    • Washer not turning on
    • Washer not spinning
    • Washer not filling
    • Washer not draining
    • Washer not agitating
    • Washer noisy
    • Washer no water
    • Washer no power
    • Washer leaking water
    • Washer leaking from bottom
    • Washer display not working
    • Washer burning smell