Samsung washer won't start cycle

Common reasons your Samsung washer won't start cycle

The most common reasons your Samsung washer won't start cycle are a malfunctioning electronic control board, jammed door lock assembly or a faulty user interface.

  • 64%

    64% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the
    Door Lock Assembly

  • 12%

    12% of the time it's the
    User Interface Control

  • 8%

    8% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Samsung washer

Electronic Control Board Replacement

A malfunctioning electronic control board can lead to various failures in a washer. This is because the board serves as the brain of the washer, controlling crucial components such as the water valve, drive motor, drain pump, and cycles. If the electronic control board fails, the washer may not power up or display the cycle status. Additionally, it might fail to fill, agitate, spin, or drain. In some cases, a shorted board may emit a burning smell.

Door Lock Assembly Replacement

When a washer door lock assembly is jammed, you may encounter difficulty in opening or closing the washer door. The door may not latch properly, leading to issues in starting or completing a wash cycle. The washer might display an error code indicating a door lock problem. During operation, the door lock may make unusual clicking sounds or fail to engage, preventing the washer from starting. Additionally, if there is a malfunction, the door lock indicator light may not illuminate as expected. Users might notice water remaining in the drum even after the wash cycle has finished, indicating a potential problem with the door lock assembly preventing proper drainage.

User Interface Control Replacement

A faulty user interface control may become unresponsive and won’t allow you to change wash cycle settings or turn the washer on and off. In some failures, only one or two buttons or dials on the interface are affected, but in some cases the entire interface will be completely dead. Cycle status such as time remaining in the cycle won’t display properly on a defective user interface. Control keys or buttons on the user interface may also stick, causing the washer to exhibit inconsistent behavior, such as starting or stopping unexpectedly during a cycle. Error codes may also be present.

Why is my Samsung washing machine not starting the cycle?

samsung-washing-machine-wont-start-troubleshooting

First, follow the troubleshooting provided in the owner’s manual for your Samsung washer when it won’t start the cycle.

Check the door or lid

Make sure that the door or lid is fully shut. The cycle won’t start with the lid or door open.

If you’re not able to shut the door or lid, check the door catch for media or debris blocking the door from closing. Clear any media or debris that is clogging the door catch.

Check the door or lid strike for damage and replace that part if it’s broken.

check-the-washing-machine-fill-hoses-for-leaks-image

Make sure the water supply faucets are fully open

The washer won’t fill and start the cycle if the water supply faucets are off. Make sure that the faucets are open.

If you suspect that the washer isn’t getting water through the fill hoses, follow this process to check the water supply going to the washer:

  1. Shut off the water supply faucets behind the washer.
  2. Disconnect both fill hoses from the back of the washer.
  3. Place the ends of the fill hoses in a bucket and briefly turn on each water supply faucet to check for water flow from the end of each supply hose.

If you’re not getting water from the fill hoses, disconnect the fill hoses from the water supply faucets and check for water flow from the faucets. If you’re not getting water directly from the faucets, have a plumber fix the water supply going to your washer.

If you get water from the faucets but not the fill hoses, replace the fill hoses.

how-to-disable-samsung-washer-child-lock

Check control settings to see if the Child Lock is enabled

The washer won’t start if the child lock is enabled.

Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual or on the display to disable the child lock. The image above shows the instructions for disabling the child lock in a common Samsung top-load washer.

If these basic troubleshooting tips don’t help, schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix your Samsung washer.

What to expect when you experience a Samsung washer won't start a cycle issue

How is the won't start a cycle problem fixed?

Correcting most won't start a cycle problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, door lock assembly or user interface control. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a washer that won't start cycle

When the washer won't start a cycle it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of washer failures.

What to look out for with a washer won't start a cycle diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your washer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

If your Samsung washer never moves beyond standby, a latch or board malfunction may halt the cycle. Clothes remain dirty until it’s addressed. Instead, rely on washing machine service near me. A quick fix reactivates your Samsung’s automated wash routine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my Samsung washer start its cycle?
The washer may not start if there's an issue with the power supply, door latch, or control board. Inspect these components to troubleshoot the issue.
Could a faulty start switch prevent my Samsung washer from starting?
Yes, if the start switch is defective, the washer will not initiate the wash cycle. Replacing the switch is necessary to restore functionality.
How do I reset my Samsung washer if it won’t start?
Unplug the washer for 1-2 minutes, then plug it back in. This simple reset can sometimes resolve minor electrical issues that prevent starting.
What can I do if my Samsung washer won’t start after resetting?
If resetting doesn't work, inspect the control board or motor. In some cases, professional repair may be required.

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Glossary Terms

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.

A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.

Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.

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