Your GE washer is your best bet for getting laundry done around the house. However, it may need improvement, especially when not working correctly. A standard error is when the washer fails to spin or drain. It is a common error that occurs in many of the GE models.
Unless you can confirm the real cause of the error, it may be challenging to fix it. Take time to verify because the error may be a simple issue, and the washer may resume normalcy after a short while and could even resolve the error in your next wash cycle.
Fortunately, even if it doesn’t, this is not an issue. It is more common than many people know. Therefore, there are solutions to it, too. All you have to do is identify the reasons behind the error and fix it appropriately.
Usually, common causes for this error include a clogged drain pump filter or drain hose. A faulty door latch switch, malfunctioning motor, or a clogged coin trap may also affect the washer. All these are possible reasons why your GE washer may not spin or drain normally.
Regardless of the cause of the not spinning or draining, you can always resolve and make your GE washer work again. I will go through some of the most popular reasons why this may happen. I will also suggest what to do if you encounter such an issue and potential triggers.
Why Won’t the GE Washer Spin or Drain?
1. Clogged Drain Hose
You should always start by checking the drain hose for any potential clogging if your washer fails to spin or drain. Note that this is the part of your washer where water comes through. This only means that any clogging will mean water fails to drain out. Instead, the water remains stagnant and can only be removed manually.
Fix – Check the Hose for Blockage Always
- Check the hose for any kind of blockage. This can happen when you wash small items, such as socks and underwear, which may get stuck inside the hose. Note that once the hose is blocked, it will not drain water as it should.
- To confirm that the hose is blocked, you first need to disconnect the washer from the power source.
- You then have to access the hose and ensure that there are no obstructions and clogs
- If any exist, you have to remove them
2. The Child Lock is On
Most of the modern GE washers come with a child lock feature. This is meant to help prevent children who could get mischievous from playing with the machine. It is the way to avoid accidents from starting during the wash cycle.
Fix – Disable the Child Lock
- Note that the child lock will be indicated on the display if activated during the wash cycle.
- If this happens, then you need to disable the lock
- Once done, make sure to rerun the cycle just to be sure everything works right.
3. Dirty Drain Pump Filter
Note that most, if not all, GE filters come with a drain pump filter. However, you must occasionally wash the machine for these to work as expected. Note that the filters will get clogged over time. Over time, the drain pump filter builds up with debris, which causes clogging if not adequately cleaned. If this happens, there is a high likelihood that the water in your washer will not drain.
Fix – Clean the Drain Pump Filter
- Check for the possibility of clogging due to debris build-up
- Clean the drain pump filter as you clean the washer
4. Malfunctioning Door Latch Switch
The door latch in any GE washer is meant to prevent the water from flowing outwards when in the cycle. This explains why your door latch is an important safety mechanism.
Therefore, it has to be fully functioning for it to work. However, the wash cycle will continue even if the door latch switch has a problem. Usually, when the door is closed, signals from the switch are sent to the washer’s control board.
However, if the latch switch faults, it will not work correctly, so water will not drain from the washer. It wouldn’t matter that the washer’s door is locked correctly.
Fix – Repair or Replace the Door Latch Switch
- Note that the switch is located below the control board. That means that if the washer is still under warranty, don’t attempt to fix it yourself. Instead, contact support for the right solution. Attempting to fix the issue with an active warranty only voids it.
- In case the warranty is over, it is also best to have it tested by professionals to avoid any issues from arising.
- The goal is to replace the door latch switch, so having an expert familiar with it is a better option. Only try fixing it if you have the expertise or are confident about repairs.
5. Dirty or Old Coin Tap
Most of the time, this area of the GE washer is often ignored, especially if the machine is old. Over time, dirt and debris build up in the coin tap, causing it to get clogged. The coin tap is meant to prevent objects from getting into the washer.’s drain.
For this reason, it is essential to clean and keep checking on the coin trap. If you fail to clean the coin tap, you can bet the water from the washer will not drain.
Fix – Clean or Replace Dirty/ Old Coin Tap
- Check the coin tap regularly to ensure that it has nothing trapped in there
- If the coin is too old, find a way of replacing it with a new one if that is possible
- Test the replacement to see if the water drains properly
6. Malfunctioning Drain Pump
If you have tried all the above methods to help fix the error but are still unsuccessful, you should know that you may be dealing with a malfunctioning drain pump.
As you may already have guessed, the drain pump is the major component in the washer responsible for water draining. It is essential, therefore, that it be in its best working condition at all times. There is little you can do about a faulty drain pump. Most experts recommend replacement as the only way out.
Fix – Replace the Faulty Drain Pump
- Inspect or have a technician inspect the drain pump for possible faults, especially if the drain pump is faulty.
- Replace the pump with a new one. It is better to have a professional handle this on your behalf. If the warranty still applies, you must have an expert handle it to prevent making it void.
7. Problem with the Motor Coupling
Ideally, the motor coupling is meant to connect the motor to the washer’s transmission. This means that whenever the machine overloads, the motor coupling will fail to work. As such, it will also not spin. Note that the motor coupling fails as a way of protecting the motor and transmission.
Fix – Check and Confirm before Replacing the Motor Coupling
- You should know that the motor coupling wears with time. This is a regular occurrence, and you should not worried about it.
- All you need to do is first inspect the motor coupling and verify whether it is broken.
- If the motor coupling turns out to be broken, then replace it. You should only attempt doing this yourself if you can accomplish this goal. Instead, have a professional handle it safely.
7. Problematic Machine Control Board
Since the washer gets all its electric power from its control board, it is also responsible for providing all the voltage to its electric components. Whenever the board is faulty, it will fail to send power to the drive motor during the spin cycle.
Fix – Replace the Faulty Control Board
- Inspect the control board for any signs of short-circuiting or burning. You also want to check for a shorted-out component.
- You need to use a multimeter to test the power output terminals on the board once you review the appliance wiring document.
- If you can confirm the fault, consider replacing the control board.
Your GE washer will not spin or drain if it has an error. In case of such an issue, check your washer’s home water supply. It is also essential to consider the drain hose. Make sure to clean and clear it of all debris.
Also, consider the child lock activation and disable it if it is responsible for the fault. Always clean the drain pump and fix the door latch to avoid drainage and spinning errors. Remember to check the coin trap as well, and finally, check the drain pump and have it replaced in case it is problematic in any way.
More importantly, you need to contact GE support for the correct remedy. If you are still determining the issue, you should have them send a team to inspect and review the error code. Ensure the professionals check the real reason for the error and address it correctly.