Washer Won't Start: What to Check First

Quick answer: When a washer will not start, the cause is often simple: no power at the outlet, a tripped breaker or GFCI, a control lock or delay start that is turned on, a door or lid that is not latching, or closed water valves. If the washer is dead or blinks without running after those checks, the lid switch, door lock, main control board, water inlet valve or motor may need a technician.

Is the washer completely dead or just not starting?

The first question is whether the control panel lights up at all.

No lights, no sounds: start with power. The outlet, breaker, GFCI, cord or control board are the likely areas.
Panel lights up but nothing happens when you press start: look at settings such as control lock and delay start, the door or lid latch, and the water supply.
It starts, clicks, then stops or shows a code: the washer is detecting a problem and stopping itself. The code is your best clue.

Check the power

Outlet. Plug a lamp or phone charger into the same outlet to confirm it works.
Breaker. Look in the electrical panel for a tripped breaker labeled laundry. A breaker that trips again right away means you should stop and call for service.
GFCI outlets. Laundry rooms often have ground-fault outlets, sometimes on a different wall or in a nearby bathroom or garage. Press the reset button.
Extension cords. Washers should plug directly into a wall outlet. Power strips and extension cords can cause dropouts.
Power reset. Unplug the washer for a minute or two, then plug it back in. This clears minor control glitches on many electronic models.

Do not open the control panel or test wiring yourself. If the outlet has power and the washer is still dead, the problem is inside the machine.

Settings that stop a washer from running

Control lock or child lock. A lock icon on the display means buttons will not respond. On many models you press and hold a marked button or button combination for about three seconds to release it. Your manual lists the exact method.
Delay start. If delay start is on, the washer is waiting, not broken. The display often shows a countdown.
Start needs a second press. Many front-loaders require you to press power, choose a cycle, then press and hold start.
Paused cycle. If a cycle was interrupted, the washer may be waiting to resume or to be canceled before starting a new one.

Door, lid and water supply problems

A washer will not start if it cannot confirm the door or lid is closed and locked.

Close the door firmly. Clothing caught in the door or a misaligned latch can stop it from locking.
On top-loaders, look for a broken lid switch tab or strike on the lid.
If the door lock clicks repeatedly and the cycle never begins, the lock assembly may be failing.

Many washers also check for incoming water before they proceed. Make sure both water valves behind the washer are open and the hoses are not kinked. On many LG washers, a water inlet problem commonly shows as IE, and on many Samsung washers as 4C or 4E. If you have a Samsung, our Samsung washer error codes guide lists more.

In winter, a cold snap can freeze supply lines in unheated laundry rooms and garages. If water does not reach the washer, check the faucet on the same line.

Parts that commonly fail

Lid switch or door lock. The most common part-related cause of a washer that powers on but will not start.
Main control board or user interface board. Unresponsive buttons, a blank display with power at the outlet, or random behavior can point here.
Water inlet valve. If the washer starts but never fills, the valve may not be opening.
Motor or motor control. A hum without movement, or a burning smell, suggests a motor problem. Stop and unplug the washer.
Thermal fuse or overload. Some models have protective devices that cut power when something overheats.

Before you call, note the exact model number from the label inside the door or lid and any code on the display. With that information, a technician can often confirm the likely part ahead of the visit.

When to call a technician

Reach out if the washer is dead with good power at the outlet, if a breaker trips when it starts, if the door lock clicks without locking, if the washer fills but will not agitate or tumble, or if you notice a burning smell. These involve live electrical parts and should not be tested at home.

We repair washers that will not start across Metro Atlanta through our washing machine repair service, working on LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Electrolux and other major brands. Washer repairs start from $180 plus parts, and the $80 diagnostic is credited toward the repair. Phone (678) 866-3669 or set up a visit online.

Need it fixed?

Our technicians handle washer repair across Metro Atlanta, usually the same day. Diagnostic from $80, credited toward your repair.

Call (678) 866-3669

FAQs

Why does my washer have power but will not start?

The most common reasons are a control lock or delay start that is on, a door or lid that is not latching, closed water valves, or a failed lid switch or door lock. Check the settings and door first, then the water supply.

How do I reset my washing machine?

On many models, unplugging the washer for a minute or two clears minor control errors. Some brands also have a specific reset sequence in the owner's manual. If the problem returns right away, a part is likely at fault.

Can a tripped GFCI stop my washer from working?

Yes. Laundry areas often use GFCI protection, and the reset button may be on an outlet in another room. Press reset; if it trips again when the washer runs, stop and have the washer checked.