You toss a load of laundry into your GE washer and come back an hour later to find everything still soaked. The spin cycle never happened. Sound familiar? If your GE washer isn’t spinning, it’s one of the most common issues we fix here in Barrie and the good news is, most of the time it’s a problem that can be diagnosed quickly.
In this guide, our certified appliance repair techs explain the most likely reasons your GE washing machine isn’t spinning properly, how to troubleshoot it yourself, and when it’s time to call us for fast washer repair in Barrie.
What Causes a GE Washing Machine to Stop Spinning?
There’s no single answer it could be something simple like an unbalanced load, or a bigger issue like a broken motor. Here’s how we approach it as pros:
1. The Load Is Unbalanced
This is the easiest (and most common) fix. If clothes are bunched to one side, the washer can’t balance the drum and might skip the spin cycle altogether.
DIY Fix:
- Open the washer and redistribute the load evenly.
- Try removing some heavy items and spinning again.
- Make sure the machine is level and not tilted.
2. The Lid Switch Is Faulty
In top-loading GE washers, the lid switch tells the washer it’s safe to spin. If this tiny switch is broken or loose, the washer won’t spin even if everything else is fine.
Signs of a broken lid switch:
- Washer fills and agitates, but never spins
- Clicking sound when pressing the lid
- The cycle ends prematurely
DIY Fix:
- Open the lid and press the switch manually.
- If the spin starts when pressing it down, the switch needs replacing.
- We can swap it out for you quickly with an OEM part.
3. Clogged or Faulty Drain Pump
If your washer can’t drain water, it won’t move on to the spin cycle. GE washers often delay spinning if there’s standing water.
DIY Fix:
- Look for water in the drum after a cycle.
- Listen for humming or buzzing from the pump area.
- If accessible, clean the drain filter or pump inlet (some models have a small access door).
4. Drive Belt or Motor Issues
GE washers use a belt to spin the tub. If it slips, frays, or breaks entirely, the drum won’t spin even though the motor is running.
Signs of belt failure:
- You hear the motor working but the drum doesn’t move
- Burning rubber smell
- Visible belt damage (if you peek under the unit)
This is best left to a professional, as it involves lifting the machine and dealing with tight components.
5. Worn-Out Motor Coupling or Clutch
Front-load GE models sometimes use couplings or clutches that can wear out with age. These are the parts that help the motor engage with the spinning drum.
Symptoms include:
- Loud clicking or grinding
- Drum starts to spin then stops
- Error codes depending on the model
We carry parts for nearly all GE washer models and can often repair or replace these components in one visit.
Error Codes to Watch For
Some GE washers will flash an error code when the spin cycle fails. Common ones include:
- E43: Motor or motor control issue
- E22: Unbalanced load or spin issue
- E38: Pressure switch fault
If you’re seeing an error code, take a quick picture of it and show it to our tech. It can speed up the diagnosis when we arrive.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t keep restarting the cycle over and over it can make things worse.
- Don’t try to force the drum to spin manually.
- Don’t ignore standing water or a burning smell.
When to Call Appliance Repair Professionals?
If your GE washer still isn’t spinning after balancing the load and checking the lid switch, don’t stress. That’s what we’re here for.
At Express Appliance Repair Barrie, we:
- Specialize in GE appliance repair
- Offer prompt service across Barrie and surrounding areas
- Carry parts for most models
- Provide flat-rate pricing with no hidden costs
Whether you’re dealing with a belt, motor, or sensor issue, we’ve got the tools and experience to get your laundry back on track.
Call (705) 481-0683 today or book your service online. Let us take the spin-cycle stress off your shoulders.