Red Seal Appliance Service Technician Practice Exam

What is a common cause of a washing machine not spinning?

1. Clogged drain hose

2. Unbalanced load or lid switch failure

3. Damaged water supply hose

4. Low water pressure

The correct answer is: Unbalanced load or lid switch failure

A washing machine that is not spinning often has issues related to load balance or the lid switch mechanism. When the load is unbalanced, the washing machine’s control system detects that the weight of the laundry is not evenly distributed and may prevent spinning to avoid damage or excessive vibration. Additionally, the lid switch plays a critical role in the operation of the washer. Many models are designed with a safety feature that halts spinning if the lid is open or if there is a failure in the lid switch itself. If the lid switch is malfunctioning, the machine may falsely sense that the lid is open, thereby preventing the spin cycle from engaging. In contrast, other issues presented in the choices, such as a clogged drain hose or damaged water supply hose, primarily affect the washing machine’s ability to drain or fill with water but do not directly inhibit the spinning mechanism itself. Low water pressure can impact the filling process, but it wouldn't typically be the root cause of a spinning issue after the initial wash cycle is completed. Thus, the most common causes for a washing machine not spinning align with the potential of an unbalanced load or a failure in the lid switch.