LG washing machine gets stuck on spin cycle
What to do if the normal wash ended not in spinning the clothes, but in “freezing”? After rinsing the laundry, the washing machine should proceed to the next step, but if there are some problems in the system, this does not happen. The machine may display a fault code on the display, but more often than not, the device does not indicate what kind of damage is occurring. If your LG washing machine freezes on the spin cycle, you will have to figure out the problem yourself. Where to start diagnostics?
What do we check first?
The machine can freeze not only due to problems in the system, but also due to banal errors in using washing equipment. First of all, the user needs to eliminate reasons related to the peculiarities of operation and control of the machine. Necessary:
- Make sure that the washing mode is running, which includes a spin function. It is possible that the included program does not allow for draining and spinning. We are talking about the “Wool”, “Delicate Wash”, etc. modes. Turn on the “Spin” option additionally to solve the problem;
- check that the weight of laundry allowed for loading into the drum is not exceeded. Otherwise, when wet, things will become heavier, which may damage the drive mechanism. The machine will stop working until the problem is corrected. You will have to remove some of the laundry from the drum and start the wash again;
- make sure there is no imbalance. This phenomenon occurs if a large item, such as a bedspread or curtain, is washed. When the drum rotates at high speeds, the item gets confused, which leads to an imbalance. You can correct the situation by evenly distributing the laundry inside the drum.
If the problem is not the described management errors, you need to “dig” deeper. You will have to check the “insides” of the washing machine and repair the machine yourself. We'll tell you where to start.
Possible problems
Repairing a washing machine should begin by inspecting the drum. There is probably a foreign object inside: a coin, a bra wire, a sock, a button, etc. Foreign elements can cause the washing machine to stop working. The reason for the equipment freezing during the spin cycle can also be:
- severe wear of shock absorbers. Modern washing technology is very sensitive to errors in the operation of the system. During spinning, there is increased vibration of the device, which is absorbed by dampers and springs. Wear of the shock-absorbing elements can cause the drum to freeze and stop the operation of the equipment. The repair will consist of replacing shock absorbers;
- malfunction of the electric motor and tachometer. The motor electronics are probably damaged or the brushes are deformed. The Hall sensor records the number of engine revolutions; if it fails, a new, serviceable tachometer should be installed;
- Damage to the water level sensor. The pressure switch transmits signals about the volume of water in the tank to the control module. If the sensor does not function, the operation of the automatic machine stops between the “Rinse” and “Spin” options;
- impossibility of draining waste liquid from the tank. The washing machine must empty the tank of water before the spin process. If the drum is filled with water, the machine will not be able to begin spinning the laundry. In this case, you need to examine the drainage system of the equipment, as well as the sewer pipe for blockages;
- damage to the main control unit.This can happen due to a voltage drop in the electrical network. Also, a module malfunction occurs when the part is exposed to moisture.
If you have insufficient experience working with washing machine electronics, it is better to entrust repair of the control board to a qualified technician.
What to do if damage is detected? The further nature of the work directly depends on the detected malfunction. Let's look at the main areas of activity in washing machine repair.
Let's clean the machine
We recommend starting by cleaning the drain filter. The element is located at the bottom of the washing machine, under a special false panel. Before removing the debris filter, place a small container under the machine. Unscrew the filter element from the housing. Clean it of hair, lint, and other stuck debris.
Then proceed to inspect the drain hose, pipe and sewer pipe. Clean the hoses and the sewer siphon. For work it is better to use special cleaning compounds.
We look at the shock absorbers
Perhaps, before the machine froze, you noticed increased vibration of the body, uncharacteristic squeaks and tapping sounds. This indicates the need to check the shock absorbers. The springs are located under the washing machine tank. Stopping the operation of the automatic machine on the “Spin” occurs when the shock-absorbing devices are damaged, the fastening bolts are worn out, or the seal is abraded. To check the dampers:
- de-energize the SMA;
- remove the top cover of the unit housing;
- press firmly on the tank, lowering it down;
- suddenly stop pressing the tank, observe the movements of the element.
If the tank jumps up sharply and remains in its initial position, it means the shock absorbers are working at full strength. If you observe the tank wobbling in different directions, the dampers will need to be replaced.
The procedure for replacing shock absorbers depends on the design of each individual washing machine model.
Some washing machines just need to be turned on their side and the bottom removed to gain access to the shock-absorbing devices. Other models will require removal of the front or back of the case. Samsung and Hansa brand vehicles require removal of the shock absorbers along with the tank. The mounting of springs and dampers may also vary, but in most cases they are held in place by plastic bushings.
Testing the water level sensor
You can check the pressure switch yourself. The sensor is needed to measure the water level in the SMA tank. The reason for the washing machine freezing may be clogged pressure switch pipes or failure of the sensor itself. The device is located directly under the top panel of the case. The algorithm for checking the pressure switch is as follows:
- de-energize the SMA and remove the top cover;
- disconnect the wiring from the sensor;
- Unscrew the fasteners and remove the level sensor;
- Inspect the pipe for blockages and blow into it. If you hear clicks, the device is working properly. In the opposite situation, the pressure switch should be replaced.
The element is connected in the reverse order. If you discover a malfunction in the form of a freezing washing machine, do not rush to disassemble the equipment. Perhaps the problem is trivial - an incorrectly selected mode or overload.
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1 reader comment
Our problem is the opposite, due to the fact that the weight of the laundry is too light. That is, there was enough weight for washing, but not for spinning.