What To Do When Your Washer Stops mid Cycle?

After you have loaded the washer and selected the wash cycle, you generally leave it unattended. Because you know that you will be provided with clean clothes after it has completed the cycle.

Normally, you do not give your washer a second thought after loading it unless something unusual happens. Like if there is a malfunction or the power supply has stopped. In both these cases, you are really clear regarding what to do next.

In case of a washer malfunction, you can simply anticipate it to stop working. It will not turn on until you do not get the malfunction fixed.

However, the frustrating part comes when the washer does starts actually, go through the cycles but then stops in the middle. This leaves you with soapy clothes, standing water, and a troublesome situation. 

You may wonder how to fix the mess created when the washer stops mid-cycle. Well, you should first know why this has happened. Then you may attempt to troubleshoot the underlying problem.

In this blog, you will find some of the possible reasons that make your washer stop in the mid-cycle and how to fix those problems.

This article will discover 8 principal reasons behind your washer stopping mid-cycle and how to fix them.

8 Reasons Why Your Washer Stops mid Cycle (With Solution)

You expect the machine to work properly and get you cleaned stuff. This is possible only when the machine completes its cycle. Sometimes, however, it stops in the middle and leaves you in an annoying situation.

This can happen because of a number of problems with the machine. Some of the problems are quite simple and easy to be diagnosed.

However, some problems are a bit complicated in nature. For troubleshooting these problems, a great deal of expertise is required.

Below are some causes that make your washer stop working in the mid-cycle. You can also find the solution to each problem right below it:

1. No Power Supply

A machine requires power to run and to do what it has been designed for. When you feel the washer is not working in the mid-cycle, the first thing you should do is check the power supply. In case the power supply goes out in the middle, it is quite obvious that the washer will turn off too.

Similarly, if the plug you have been using has got some fault, the machine will also stop working.

Solution

In case your washing machine stops in the middle of the cycle, make sure that your machine is getting enough power it requires to function and that there is no problem with the plug. If both of these are okay, it is time to consider possible faults within your washer.

2. Unevenly Distributed Load

For a machine to work properly, it must contain an evenly distributed load. When you put unevenly distributed laundry in the machine, it may cause damage to it, thereby making it useless. 

Solution

Inspect the laundry after you have loaded it into the machine. Stop the spinning process if you feel uneven distribution inside the drum. After you have stopped the machine, drain the water and rearrange the laundry to make it even.

Also, see if there is water left in the drum. The spinning process will not start until you do not completely drain the water.

3. Residue Build-Up

Another possible cause for the washer to stop mid-cycle is the build-up of residue from the laundry detergent. You may be using more detergent than required.

In this case, the washing machine will try to absorb the excess foam in its drum. The rubber hose at the back of the machine will get clogged with detergent residue. This will activate the pressure switch, and the washer will stop partway through a cycle.

Solution

To avoid residue accumulation, you can follow the instructions on the detergent packaging. Make sure to only use the recommended detergent quantity. You may also get professional assistance.

A repair technician will check the machine and let you know how to fix it. Residue build-up generally requires cleaning, and no part replacement is involved here.

4. Washer Timer Failure

The washer uses a timer to determine when to advance to the next cycle in the wash. In case of the timer malfunctioning, it does not tell the control board to switch cycles.

As a result, the washer runs the same cycle indefinitely. It can also manifest in a washer that just stops in the middle of the wash because the timer may consider the cycle complete when actually it is not. 

Solution

Check the timer’s continuity, you can remove the back of your washer in some models, the control panel. Then, test it with a multimeter to find any fault. Keep in mind a timer is not a part that gets easily damaged.

However, it can simply go bad over time or with constant use.

5. Control Board Malfunction

The control board is known as the brain of the washing machine. It receives the signals from the timer and processes them to make the machine work. When the control board goes faulty, it does not receive or process the signals correctly.

This causes the washer to stop in the middle of the wash. Control board malfunction in any appliance does not come with just one symptom. Instead, you will notice dozens of other problems too.

Solution

Check the control board for any corrosion, potential scorching, or damaged wiring. When the damage is not visible, you may test the control board with a multimeter.

In case of failure, unfortunately, you have no option but to replace it. You might be thinking of getting it repaired. However, know that total replacement is the most practical solution to this problem.

6. Faulty Water Inlet Valve

Do you routinely find your washer stopping during the rinse cycle? Well, it may be caused by a faulty water inlet valve. When the washer stops in the middle of the wash, the water inlet valve is not likely to advance.

Because it reads too low water level in the washer. When there is any fault or obstruction, the water inlet valve simply does not let the water get in. If you are facing a hard water problem in your area, the mineral buildup may block the water inlet valve and cause the washer to stop working.

Solution

In case the water inlet valve has gone bad, you will have to check for this problem closely. The inlet valve may fail both mechanically and electrically.

So, first, see if something is blocking the water inlet valve. Make sure to clear away the build-up from the wall inlets. Next, test the valve for electrical continuity.

You can do that by using a multimeter. The inlet valve fails electrically due to a short circuit or any other electrical problem.

7. Clogged Hose

When the drain hose in your washer gets clogged, it can stop the washer mid-cycle. The pressure switch will be activated, thereby shutting off the washer until the hose is made unclogged. This prevents more catastrophic problems from occurring.

Solution

You can disconnect the hoses and check if they are clogged. You can also blow the air through them to make sure that it flows properly. Before disconnecting the hose, get as much water out of the washer as possible.

8. Pump or Motor Failure

The pump and motor are important parts of a washing machine. Both of these parts run the washer and cause it to stop in case of any fault or failure.

When either of these parts goes bad, you will hear your machine making sounds. Water will not be removed efficiently and sensors will not allow it to jump to the next cycle. As a result, the machine will stop working.

Solution

In case there is a problem with the pump or motor, your washer may be failing to drain or not work properly. Generally, this kind of problem can be a bit tricky to diagnose.

So, rather than attempting to troubleshoot on your own and potentially making the problem worse. It is better to call a repair specialist for fast and reliable repair.

Conclusion

The washing machine needs power for functioning well. It can provide you with cleaned clothes only after it has completed the desired wash cycles. However, sometimes it happens that the washer stops in the middle and does not work.

There are a number of possible causes behind this. Such as the power supply may have stopped, or you may have distributed the laundry unevenly, there may be some problems with the pump, motor, water inlet valve, or washer timer. The hose may have got clogged or the control board malfunctioning may have occurred.

If you find yourself in any of the above-mentioned situations, there are a few things you can do to solve your problem. In most cases, you need to rely on professional services for safe and effective troubleshooting.