Previously, we have looked at how to fix Samsung washer will turn on but not start problems. But, other times, you could experience Samsung washer humming but not spinning problems.
And, that is where this article kicks in…
Below, I will be guiding you on all the possible steps you can take to fix this issue.
Samsung washer humming but not spinning – how you can fix it
Start by…
Confirming that you are not overloading your washer
You see, overloading the washing machine will exert quite some pressure on the motor.
In turn, the motor will hum as it tries to spin but the weight will be too much for it.
As a result, it won’t spin.
So, be sure to confirm that you are not overloading your washing machine.
Check if the drum spins by hand
With the washing machine turned off, disassemble it and try to manually rotate the drum.
Does it rotate?
If yes, proceed to the other troubleshooting steps below.
However, if you cannot spin it by hand, chances are that the motor is stuck.
As such, check if the motor bearings are stuck (or if you can see anything that might be caught in there) and fix as necessary.
Check for a break in the wiring
To be more specific, check the wire connections between the capacitor and the motor.
Generally, you want to confirm that none of these wires are frayed.
To do so, you can either do a visual check on the wires or use a multimeter.
Personally, I prefer the multimeter route as it’s more reliable and efficient.
Now, to test using the multimeter, test for continuity by connecting the probes to both ends of the wire.
If the wire lacks continuity, it means that there is some break in there.
And as such, you can opt to either fix the wire (and wrap it with electric tape to prevent moisture from getting on the wires). Or, you can replace the entire wire connection.
The capacitor might be to blame – test it
Before you start testing this part, first disconnect the washer from the power outlet.
Next, discharge the capacitor by shorting it.
The best way to do so is by using a wire/screwdriver to connect both capacitor terminals.
Pro tip: If you do not discharge the capacitor before testing it, you might get a good zap if you touch it since the capacitor will still have power left in it.
Now, the best way to test the capacitor is by testing its capacitance and comparing it to the nameplate values.
If the reading you’re getting does not match the nameplate value, then you just found your culprit.
An alternative test you can perform is a resistance test…
If the capacitor is healthy, the reading will start rising to a point where it will stop climbing and detect an open loop (oL).
Now, if your capacitor fails any of these tests, it means it’s faulty.
Luckily, you can easily replace this part. Simply get an OEM Samsung washer capacitor and you’ll be good to go.
Check the drive belt
If this belt is loose or worn out, it will definitely not have a grip on the wash tub.
As a result, your washing machine will hum (an indication that the motor is running) but the drum won’t spin.
With that in mind, open the washer and proceed to inspect the belt.
If it is loose, be sure to tighten it – the idler pulley will help you in tightening it.
On the other hand, if it is worn out, then you ought to replace it.
Luckily, belts are pretty affordable and easy to install – check current Samsung washing machine belt prices.
Inspect the motor coupling
The motor coupling connects the motor to the transmission or agitator and transfers power from the motor to the drum thereby spinning it.
Over time, it is unavoidable for the coupling to fail.
And more importantly, when this part fails, the motor will run but the drum won’t spin.
That being so, inspect the motor coupling for normal wear and tear.
If you note that the coupling on your washer is worn out, proceed to replace it.
Fortunately, the coupling is a relatively inexpensive part – see motor coupling prices at Amazon.
Test the stator and hall sensor
Finally, it could be that the reason for your washer humming but not spinning is a faulty stator.
You see, the stator generates a rotating magnetic field that interacts with the motor’s rotor to produce the spinning motion.
Bearing that in mind, it could be that the stator is acting up due to an electrical or mechanical failure.
Now, the best way you can test if the stator is good is by performing a resistance test.
To do so, insert the probes of your multimeter into any two stator terminals.
If the stator is healthy, it will have a resistance reading of 9 to 11.5 ohms at room temp.
However, if you get a different reading, it could mean that the stator is bad and a replacement is necessary – Buy a new Samsung washing machine stator from Amazon.
Speaking of testing/replacing the stator, if you’re not sure how to go about it, you can look for a good YouTube instructional video to guide you along.
Why is my Samsung washer not spinning (why my Samsung washing machine not spinning)?
This might be due to one of the following:
- Overloading the washer.
- The wire connections between the capacitor and the motor are frayed.
- A faulty capacitor.
- A loose/worn-out drive belt.
- The motor is stuck.
- A worn-out motor coupling.
- The motor stator is bad.
Again, for more info on how you can fix these issues, refer to the above troubleshooting steps.
Samsung washer humming but not spinning – final thoughts
At times, your Samsung washer might accompany this with an error code.
The most common codes you can come across when the washer hums but won’t spin are 3E, 3C, E3, or 1 3C.
And, in most Samsung washer models, these codes normally point to a motor error. To fix the codes, do the following:
- Confirm you’re not overloading the washer.
- Check for foreign materials in the motor that might be causing the motor to be stuck.
- Inspect the motor coupling.
- Test the stator and confirm that the hall sensor terminal (rotor position sensor) is properly connected.