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Why doesn't the Clean Washer cycle work on my washing machine?

less than a minute readApr 19Lyle Weischwill
image of front-load-washer

If the Clean Washer cycle won't run, see if you left any clothing left in the washer. If the washer is empty, the most likely cause is problem with the spin basket or the outer tub bearing that's causing excessive friction in the drive system. A faulty drive motor or failed electronic control board can also prevent the Clean Washer cycle from working.


These repairs may help solve your front-load-washer problem

JC-WASH-Repair-or-replace-the-washer-spin-basket

Repair or replace the washer spin basket

The spin basket is the perforated container that holds laundry during the wash cycle. The spin basket is inside the stationary outer tub. If the spanner nut becomes so loose that the spin basket doesn't rotate properly, tightening the spanner nut can often fix the problem. If the spin basket was damaged while the spanner nut was loose, replace the spin basket. Also replace the spin basket if it's scratched or damaged by an object left in a laundered garment.

Repair or replace the washer spin basket

Find the required part specific to your product.
Jul 01
How to replace the spin basket in a top-load washer

A rusted washer spin basket could leave marks on your garments. This DIY repair guide and video show…

Repair time and Difficulty

 45 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-outer-wash-tub

Replace the washer outer wash tub

The outer washer tub houses the inner metal spin basket. The other tub is stationary and usually made of plastic. The outer tub can leak if it's damaged. Replace the outer tub if an inspection reveals a crack or hole in the tub.

Washer outer wash tub

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JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-drive-motor

Replace the washer drive motor

The washer's drive motor provides the force to rotate the spin basket. It also drives the shaft of the gearcase to move the agitator in a top-load washer. It's either attached to a drive pulley with a belt or is directly attached to the drive shaft. If the motor windings fail or the bearings on the motor lock up, the motor won't run. Replace the drive motor if it's defective.

Washer drive motor

Find the required part specific to your product.
Jul 01
How to replace the drive motor in a top-load washer

Top-load washer won't spin or agitate? Might be the drive motor. This washer repair guide and video …

Repair time and Difficulty

 45 minutes or less
Jul 01
How to replace the direct-drive motor on a front-load washer

When a direct-drive front-load washer won't spin and displays an error code, it could mean the drive…

Repair time and Difficulty

 60 minutes or less
JC-WASH-Replace-the-washer-main-electronic-control-board

Replace the washer main control board

The main electronic control board, also called the mother board, governs the timing and execution of the washer component functions. It controls the fill valves, the drive motor and the drain pump.

Washer main control board

Find the required part specific to your product.
Jul 01
How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer

A failed top-load washer electronic control board can cause multiple problems, from no display light…

Repair time and Difficulty

 30 minutes or less
Jul 01
How to replace the machine control board in a front-load washer

A failed front-load washing machine control board has several symptoms, including the washer not sta…

Repair time and Difficulty

 45 minutes or less