If your washing machine gets stuck mid cycle and can’t complete, its likely that the problem is with the washing machines timer. If you’ve had the appliance for some time, it’s not uncommon for the cycles to get stuck.
If you have a modern dishwasher, it’s unlikely for the cycle to get stuck. What usually happens is that the cycle is aborted, and the appliance may display an error code.
If you did receive an error code, then you’ll need to look at the washing machines manual to see what could be causing the problem. There’s a chance lights could be flashing as well so look out for this – some dishwashers flash lights when there’s a problem.
If you have an older model and you don’t receive any flashing lights or error codes, you can still fix the problem. You can check down below what could be causing the problem with the appliance.
Why the Washing Machine is Stuck on Cycle
There are a few reasons why the washing machine can get stuck on a cycle. There are many components within a washing machine that allow it to function properly and if one of them becomes faulty, this can cause problems with the washing machine such as a cycle not being able to complete.
Faulty Heater
The reason the washing machine is stuck on a cycle is because the heater has stopped working properly. The heating element allows the water to get hot so that the clothes can be susceptible to getting cleaner.
If the water isn’t able to get hot, the cycle could stop. You can test if the heating element is faulty by seeing when the cycle stops.
If the cycle stopped within 30 minutes of when it started, chances are the water isn’t getting hot enough. If this happens after the 30 minute mark, chances are you’re facing another problem with the washing machine.
As well as the water not getting hot enough, if it does get too hot and starts to overheat, then the cycle can stop. If you haven’t got experience repairing washing machines, fixing a faulty heater is going to be hard so it’s best to get a technician in to take a look at the problem.
Draining Problem
Another issue that can stop the washing machine from finishing cycles is that the washing machine doesn’t drain properly. If something is blocking the pump, this can cause the cycle to stop. If you’re able to check the pump and identify why it’s been blocked, you can remove it and start the cycle again.
Overheating
As mentioned before, overheating is a cause for the washing machine to stop mid cycle. There are sensors within the washing machine that can detect when it’s getting too hot – once this is detected, the appliance will shut down mid cycle.
Another cause can be the thermostat. If the thermostat isn’t able to read the water temperature, then the washing machine can get stuck on a cycle.
If you haven’t given the appliance enough time to cool down between washes, this can be the fault for the problem you’re having now.
Each time you complete a wash, wait for the appliance to cool down until it goes through another cycle. If it keeps going through cycles, this can cause it to overheat.
Check If There’s a Leak
There’s some possibility that a leak can cause the appliance to get stuck on a cycle. You can check the washer’s model because some will stop the process when a leak is detected but some won’t.
If you haven’t got any experience repairing washing machines, if you suspect that there is a leak, it’s best to get a technician in that will check the problem.
Faulty Timer
Another reason why the appliance will get stuck between cycles is because of a bad timer. If the contacts on the timer has shortened out or the motors has shortened out, it can cause the washing machine to stop the cycle.
The timer is the main control for washing machines and it controls all wash, spin and rinse cycles. Some appliances have a mechanical timer and it only works when power is being supplied to the timer motor.
You’ll need to check If there’s power to the motor, fill switch, lid switch etc. There are various components that need power in order for the cycle to continue.
If you want to replace the timer, you’ll need to turn off power to the machine as well as turn off the water. You need to take off the plastic disk that holds the knob on the timer.
Then, remove the knob and the screws holding the panel in place. Once removed, you can slide the front panel down to access the timer.
Take the timer out and you should see wires going to it – you should be able to remove the wires going to it by sliding the wiring harness clip off.
Make sure to arrange the parts in order as you take them off – this will make assembling a new timer super easy – you can also keep small screws in a bag and this will ensure that you don’t lose anything. If you want to replace the washer timer, it can cost between $50 to $120 dollars.
Water Supply Faucet
Most appliances have two different supply faucets – one of them for hot water and one of them for cold water.
If you notice that the appliance works until the rinse cycle, then there’s a chance the cold-water supply faucet is faulty – this is because rinse cycles operate with cold water.
A likely cause of this is a jammed valve. The water filters inside the pipes leading to the appliance may have also been clogged.
Electrical Problems
There could be electric problems that have stopped the cycles from progressing. For example, there can be faulty wiring which could have stopped the timer from working.
Also, power may be cutting out when the appliances reaches the rinse cycle. The signals needed to change cycles may not be transmitted, therefore, the appliance can shut down completely causing the cycle not to finish.
This is work that’ll need to be done by a professional so make sure to get one in.
Fixing a Washing Machine That Stops Mid Cycles
There are a few things you can do when the cycles stop mid cycle and these things aren’t technical so you can perform them yourself. If there was a power surge, which is likely to be a reason why the cycle stopped, you can easily reset it.
Reset Washing Machine
The first thing to do when the appliance gets stuck mid cycle is to reset it. First, you need to unplug the appliance. There’s a chance that there’s a glitch or computer bug that’s causing he appliance problems, so you’ll need to unplug it to fix the issue.
Unplugging the appliance is going to hard reset it meaning that the hardware is going to refresh, and this will get rid of any glitches of bugs within the appliance’s computer.
When you unplug the washing machine, wait for a minute before you plug it back in – don’t plug it back in because it can take time for the machine to reset once it’s been unplugged.
Once you’ve left it unplugged for a minute, close and open the door several times quickly. Make sure to do this at least 6 times in the span of 12 second.
There are signals in the door latches that are sent to the computer and this can reset the washing machine on a lot of models. Once you’ve done this, you can test the appliance to see if its fixed.
Let the appliance run without anything inside it – after resetting, the machine should complete all it’s cycles and not get stuck midway. If the cycle completes without getting stuck, then you can start washing clothes again.
Fixing the Lid Switch
The lid switch is the part that’s on top loading washing machines and it received a signal from the door latch when it’s closed and this signals to the machine that it’s okay to start running a cycle.
You’ll find the lid switch in a hole that also houses the rod on the inside of the door. The lid switch is exposed to a lot of wear which means its prone to damage. Its one of the main reasons why washing machines stop during a cycle.
You’ll need to inspect the lid switch for any damaged. You can touch the switch and feel for any damages or wear.
You’ll also need to check if the spring under the lid switch is working properly. You’ll need to press down on the lid switch and if it doesn’t spring back, chances are the lid switch is broken. Make sure to check the lid switch is level with the top panel that its on. If it sags, chances are it’s broken.
If you suspect that the lid switch is damaged, you’ll need to remove it. Removal will depend on the washer that you receive and if you still have the manual, it may contain directions on how to remove the lid switch.
If you’re not sure what you’re doing, you’ll need to search the web for how to remove the lid switch for your appliances model. If you’re going to take on this job, make sure to leave the wires attached and unplug the appliance before you unscrew any components.
If you want to test the lid switch, grab a multi-meter (View on Amazon) and put the multimeter on continuity mode – this will allow you to check if there’s a current flowing through the circuit.
Once in continuity mode, find the connector to the lid switch and unplug it. Grab the multimeters probe and place it on the lid switches connectors so they’re touching the metal inside – press down on the lid switch and the multimeter should recognize continuity. This is the same process that happens when the door is closed.
If you didn’t press down on the lid switch, no continuity should be recognized because the circuit isn’t completed – this would be the same as when the door is open.
