Why the spin function does not work in a semi-automatic washing machine

It can be annoying and inconvenient when your semi-automatic washing machine’s spin feature breaks down. This frequent issue can leave your clothing completely soaked, which will complicate and lengthen the drying process. The first step to getting your machine back in working order is figuring out why this occurs.

There are multiple reasons why the spin cycle could come to an end. It might be caused by a straightforward problem like an uneven load or a more complex one like a belt or motor issue. You can avoid the expense and inconvenience of hiring a repair technician by solving these problems yourself, often with a little troubleshooting.

This post will examine the most typical reasons why semi-automatic washing machines experience spin cycle issues and provide helpful advice on how to resolve them. Whether you’re facing a small issue or a more significant mechanical malfunction, this guide will assist you in identifying the problem and resuming your laundry routine.

Why centrifuges fail?

To tell the truth, the washing machine’s centrifuge is its weakest component. The construction of the unit is very straightforward: the electric motor’s shaft is directly connected to the container. The only thing keeping the motor safe from water infiltration is the seal that is fastened to the tank.

After a while of washing, water easily gets on the motor due to the seal’s tendency to wear out, which can result in an engine short circuit.

The semi-automatic washing machine’s continuous vibrations are not the only reason the seal deteriorates. Even when the equipment is not in use, the seal ages. The rubber gets rougher and develops surface cracks as it dries out. A short circuit occurs when water seeps into the motor as a result of gasket flaws.

Consequently, in the event that the engine no longer powers the centrifuge, it is imperative to replace both the motor and the seal of the semi-automated washing machine. This is the sole method available to safeguard the apparatus against future leaks and malfunctions.

Why the centrifuge has stopped?

Without calling in a professional, you can determine the cause of the washing machine’s spin function not working. Since the semi-automatic’sdeviceis fairly straightforward, you won’t need to search for the issue for very long. Usually, the centrifuge stops spinning:

• due to damage to the starting capacitor of the electric motor;
• due to weakening of the brake cable.

A special device is required to diagnose the capacitor. Therefore, the easiest way is to immediately replace it with a new part with a nominal capacity. The fact that the element needs to be replaced will be indicated by the strained, slow operation of the machine. The revolutions will be gained with difficulty, the tank will not be able to spin up to the required speed even after a couple of minutes. It is really possible to check the cable yourself. To do this, close the cover of the semiautomatic machine or close the control limit switch. Then you should try to rotate the centrifuge tank. If it rotates tightly, you need to tighten the cable to the factory settings.

After making sure the starting capacitor and cable are working properly, you should examine the centrifuge’s walls. Should they exhibit fissures, it is probable that water seeped into the engine from the tank, causing the engine to "short-circuite." You will need to install a new seal and replace the drive in this case. Examine the contacts if the centrifuge tank appears to be defect-free. There are numerous reasons why the connection can break. Replacing or tightly tightening the wire might allow you to fix the washing machine.

How to get to the faulty parts?

Different brands of semiautomatic washing machines are remarkably similar. Naturally, we’re referring to the primary elements of the design as well as any variations in how the components are arranged within the case. Thus, there won’t be any issues when fixing other units once the "home assistant" has been disassembled. The following will be the sequence of events:

• unscrew all the bolts located on the body of the semi-automatic machine. Sometimes it is difficult to find screws – manufacturers make fasteners in hard-to-reach places. Therefore, it is better to have a long thin screwdriver at hand;
• unhook the valve designed to drain water and the brake pads of the centrifuge. A special small hatch is provided in the rear part of the body for access to the elements;
• handle the centrifuge shaft.

Additionally fastened with a nut is the screw that secures the shaft. You’ll need a standard and socket wrench to handle it. Once the lock nut is loosened, the bolt can be unscrewed. Once the centrifuge shaft has been completed, the entire upper section of the semi-automatic machine must be folded back. To avoid harming the body or the components, this should be done with cautious rocking motions. You can now begin fixing the machine.

Automatic shutdown sensor

The protective sensor might be the cause of the machine’s inability to spin. It is available on certain semi-automatic machine models, such as Daewoo and Saturn. The centrifuge’s cover has the element installed on it. Its function is to stop the gadget from turning on when the door is open.

You must take off the machine’s top cover in order to "get to" the mechanism. There is an automatic shutdown sensor with two wires directly beneath the dashboard. Use an alcohol-soaked cotton pad to wipe the contacts. They cannot be scraped or cleaned with sandpaper or a knife. Usually, this kind of care aids in determining how the automatic shutdown sensor functions. Verify if you were successful in fixing the apparatus. The element contacts ought to close when the door is closed.

Washing time adjustment mechanism

When the timer malfunctions, a semi-automatic machine occasionally refuses to spin. Additionally, the device is situated beneath the machine’s cover. Cleaning the mechanism’s contacts is sufficient to fix it. Take off the "dashboard" to reveal the timer, which resembles a gear-driven clock. After using the semiautomatic for a few years, certain internal contacts in the mechanism may melt. They have a layer of soot on them that prevents current from flowing through.

It is necessary to carefully disassemble the "clock" mechanism. The device’s cover has gears attached to it, so remove it carefully to avoid the "wheels" falling out. To avoid mistakes when reassembling the timer, it is advised to snap a picture of it right away. Once inside, use an alcohol swab to clean the contacts.

Brake system

In semiautomatic machines, the braking system operates quite simply. When the door is opened, brake pads that are placed beneath the centrifuge tank will cause the tank to stop. A cable is used to connect them to the upper flap.

Thus, when the user opens the semiautomatic’s cover, they inadvertently pull the cable. The brake pads "grasp" the engine shaft as a result. The centrifuge comes to an end. The pads shouldn’t come into contact with the engine when the lid is closed. If not, the motor won’t start at all. As a result, pay close attention to the cable tension and the "brake"’slocation.

A semi-automatic washing machine’s inability to spin is frequently caused by problems such as an uneven load, a clogged drain, or a broken belt or motor. By being aware of these typical issues, you can save time and money by solving the problem yourself through troubleshooting and repair.

Motor

Frequently, a burned-out motor winding causes a semi-automatic laundry machine to spin the clothes imprecisely. Utilizing a multimeter, a specialized tool, you can examine the unit. Here’s how diagnostics are carried out:

• find the ends of the wires coming out of the motor. Most models have three of them. The common cable is marked with the symbol "N";
• set the multimeter to the resistance detection mode;
• measure the resistance between the common wire and each of the remaining two.

If the resistance value is not displayed on the tester screen, it can be inferred that the motor winding has burned out.

Replace the engine if the working or starting winding has burned out. Rewinding the motor is not feasible because the expense of the repair will be equivalent to buying a new component. The semi-automatic washing machine’s functionality will be partially restored with replacement.

What else to check?

Enumerating every potential reason why the spin fails is a challenging task. Certain subtleties may vary amongst semi-automatic machine brands. Check to see if the cable, motor, timer, sensor, and pads are all in working order.

• drive belt. Perhaps it has broken or come off its place;
• thermal relay. If the device is faulty, you will have to replace it with a new one;
• fuse located inside the housing, behind the back wall. It is worth diagnosing the element if both engines do not work at the same time: the main tank and the centrifuge.

The spin may be hampered by tiny particles that have flown out of the centrifuge and wound around the motor shaft.

When laundry is packed into a semi-automatic washing machine unevenly, the machine may not spin. The centrifuge’s engine won’t be able to spin it, which will cause the machine to malfunction.

It can be annoying if the spin feature on your semi-automatic washing machine isn’t functioning, but fixing it is usually simple. To begin, look for common problems such as overloading, an uneven load, or a foreign object lodged in the drum. These easy fixes can help you avoid a lot of trouble.

Another possibility is a malfunctioning motor or electrical issues. In these situations, you might need to hire a professional or, if repairs are too expensive, think about getting a new machine.

Recall that maintaining your machine on a regular basis is essential to its smooth operation. You can keep your laundry routine on schedule and prevent future headaches by taking good care of your appliance and addressing issues as soon as they arise.

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