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

A washing machine is an essential appliance in most households. It helps you clean your clothes, sheets, and towels quickly and easily. However, when it stops functioning properly, it can be a huge inconvenience. One of the most common problems with washing machines is that they won’t finish their cycle. In this article, we will explore some common reasons why a washing machine might not finish its cycle, and how to troubleshoot and repair the problem.

Why Won’t Your Washing Machine Finish Its Cycle?

Troubleshooting Tips and Repair Solutions

There are several reasons why a washing machine might not finish its cycle. Here are some common issues you might encounter:

Lid switch malfunction: If your washing machine is a top-load model, it may have a lid switch that stops the machine from running if the lid is open. If the switch malfunctions, the machine won’t run. You can troubleshoot this issue by checking the lid switch with a multimeter, and replacing it if it’s faulty.
Door lock malfunction: If your washing machine is a front-load model, it may have a door lock that stops the machine from running if the door is open. If the lock malfunctions, the machine won’t run. You can troubleshoot this issue by checking the door lock with a multimeter, and replacing it if it’s faulty.
Timer malfunction: The timer on your washing machine controls the various cycles and settings. If the timer malfunctions, the machine won’t run properly. You can troubleshoot this issue by checking the timer with a multimeter, and replacing it if it’s faulty.
Water level pressure switch malfunction: The water level pressure switch on a direct-drive top-load washer determines when the machine should stop filling with water. If the switch malfunctions, the machine won’t run properly. You can troubleshoot this issue by checking the pressure switch with a multimeter, and replacing it if it’s faulty.
Shifter assembly malfunction: The shifter assembly on a top-load washer controls the agitation and spin cycles. If it malfunctions, the machine won’t run properly. You can troubleshoot this issue by checking the shifter assembly with a multimeter, and replacing it if it’s faulty.
Drain pump malfunction: The drain pump on a washing machine is responsible for removing the water from the tub after the cycle is complete. If the pump malfunctions, the machine won’t finish the cycle. You can troubleshoot this issue by checking the pump with a multimeter, and replacing it if it’s faulty.

Replacing the Lid Switch to Ensure Proper Operation

One common reason why a washing machine won’t finish its cycle is a faulty lid switch. The lid switch is responsible for ensuring that the lid is closed before the machine will run. If the switch is broken or malfunctioning, the machine will not start or will not finish its cycle.

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

Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
Locate the lid switch/lock assembly, which is typically located beneath the lid on the top of the machine.
Disconnect the wiring harness from the lid switch/lock assembly.
Remove the screws that hold the assembly in place.
Install the new lid switch/lock assembly by securing it with the screws and connecting the wiring harness.
Reassemble the machine and plug it back in.

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

Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
Remove the control console by unscrewing the screws on the back of the console and lifting it up and out of the way.
Locate the lid switch, which is typically located near the top of the machine.
Disconnect the wiring harness from the lid switch.
Remove the mounting screws that hold the lid switch in place.
Install the new lid switch by securing it with the screws and connecting the wiring harness.
Reattach the control console and plug the machine back in.

Replace the Washer Shifter Assembly

Another potential culprit for a washing machine that won’t finish its cycle is a faulty shifter assembly. The shifter assembly is responsible for shifting the transmission from the agitate cycle to the spin cycle. If the assembly is broken or malfunctioning, the machine will not spin and the cycle will not complete.

Replacing the shifter assembly in your top-load washer:

Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
Locate the shifter assembly, which is typically located underneath the machine.
Disconnect the wiring harness from the shifter assembly.
Remove the bolts that hold the assembly in place.
Install the new shifter assembly by securing it with the bolts and connecting the wiring harness.
Reassemble the machine and plug it back in.

Replace the Washer Door Lock Assembly

If you have a front-load washer, the door lock assembly may be the cause of the cycle not completing. This assembly is responsible for locking the door during the wash cycle to prevent water from leaking out. If the assembly is malfunctioning, the door may not lock properly, and the machine may not complete its cycle.

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

Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
Open the washer door and remove the screws that hold the door lock assembly in place.
Disconnect the wiring harness from the assembly.
Install the new door lock assembly by securing it with the screws and connecting the wiring harness.
Reassemble the machine and plug it back in.

Replace the Washer Main Control Board

If your washing machine won’t finish its cycle, the main control board could be the culprit. The main control board is responsible for controlling various functions of the washing machine, including the cycle settings, water level, and temperature. A malfunctioning control board can prevent the washer from completing its cycle or cause it to shut down unexpectedly. Here’s how to replace the main control board on a top-load and front-load washer.

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

Unplug the washing machine and turn off the water supply.
Remove the control console by unscrewing the screws at the back of the console or by prying it off with a putty knife.
Disconnect the wiring harnesses from the control board by gently pulling on the connectors.
Unscrew the screws holding the control board in place and remove the board from the washer.
Install the new control board and screw it in place.
Reconnect the wiring harnesses to the new control board.
Reattach the control console and tighten the screws.
Plug in the washing machine and turn on the water supply.
Test the washer to ensure that it is functioning properly.

How to replace the machine control board in a front-load washer:

Unplug the washing machine and turn off the water supply.
Remove the top panel of the washer by unscrewing the screws at the back of the panel or by prying it off with a putty knife.
Locate the machine control board, which is typically located at the top of the washer near the door.
Disconnect the wiring harnesses from the control board by gently pulling on the connectors.
Unscrew the screws holding the control board in place and remove the board from the washer.
Install the new control board and screw it in place.
Reconnect the wiring harnesses to the new control board.
Reattach the top panel and tighten the screws.
Plug in the washing machine and turn on the water supply.
Test the washer to ensure that it is functioning properly.

Replacing the Washer Timer

The timer is responsible for advancing the washing machine through each cycle. If the timer malfunctions, it can prevent the washer from finishing its cycle or cause it to get stuck in a specific cycle. Here’s how to replace the timer in a direct-drive top-load washer.

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

Unplug the washing machine and turn off the water supply.
Remove the control console by unscrewing the screws at the back of the console or by prying it off with a putty knife.
Locate the timer, which is typically located at the top of the console.
Disconnect the wiring harness from the timer by gently pulling on the connectors.
Unscrew the screws holding the timer in place and remove the timer from the washer.
Install the new timer and screw it in place.
Reconnect the wiring harness to the new timer.
Reattach the control console and tighten the screws.
Plug in the washing machine and turn on the water supply.
Test the washer to ensure that it is functioning properly.

Repair or Replace the Washer Drain Pump

A washing machine’s drain pump is responsible for pumping water out of the machine at the end of the wash cycle. If your machine is not draining properly, it may be due to a malfunctioning drain pump. Before replacing the pump, check for any obstructions in the drain hose or filter. If there are no blockages and the pump is still not working, it may need to be replaced.

How to replace the drain pump in a top-load washer:

Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply.
Locate the drain pump at the bottom of the washer. It will be connected to the drain hose.
Disconnect the wires from the pump.
Remove the pump by disconnecting the clamps that hold it in place.
Install the new pump by reversing the steps above.

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

Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply.
Remove the front panel of the washer by unscrewing the screws holding it in place.
Locate the drain pump, which will be near the front of the machine.
Disconnect the wires from the pump.
Remove the pump by disconnecting the clamps that hold it in place.
Install the new pump by reversing the steps above.

Replace the washer motor control board

The motor control board is responsible for controlling the washing machine’s motor. If the motor is not functioning properly, it may be due to a malfunctioning control board. Before replacing the control board, check for any loose connections or damaged wires. If everything looks good, the control board may need to be replaced.

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

Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply.
Remove the top panel of the washer by unscrewing the screws holding it in place.
Locate the motor control board, which will be near the back of the machine.
Disconnect the wires from the control board.
Remove the control board by unscrewing the screws holding it in place.
Install the new control board by reversing the steps above.

Replace the washer water-level pressure switch

The water-level pressure switch is responsible for regulating the amount of water in the washing machine during each cycle. If your machine is overfilling or not filling up enough, it may be due to a malfunctioning pressure switch. Before replacing the switch, check for any loose connections or damaged wires. If everything looks good, the switch may need to be replaced.

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

Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply.
Remove the back panel of the washer by unscrewing the screws holding it in place.
Locate the water-level pressure switch, which will be near the top of the machine.
Disconnect the wires from the switch.
Remove the switch by unscrewing the screws holding it in place.
Install the new switch by reversing the steps above.

In conclusion, there are several reasons why a washing machine may not finish its cycle. By troubleshooting the issue and using these repair solutions, you can ensure that your machine runs properly and efficiently. Always unplug the machine and turn off the water supply before attempting any repairs, and if you are unsure about any steps, consult the manufacturer’s manual or a professional repair service.

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