LG Washing Machine Medium

LG Washing Machine Error Code SYMPTOM‑WONT‑SPIN — How to Fix (Washing machine won't spin)

Fix LG Washing Machine error SYMPTOM‑WONT‑SPIN. Step‑by‑step guide to diagnose and resolve a washer that won’t spin.

⏱️ Time30-60 minutes

📋 DifficultyMedium

🔧 Model(various models)

⚠️ ErrorSYMPTOM‑WONT‑SPIN

What Does Error Code SYMPTOM‑WONT‑SPIN Mean?

Error SYMPTOM‑WONT‑SPIN on your LG Washing Machine means: The SYMPTOM‑WONT‑SPIN code appears when the washer stops before the spin cycle or never enters spin at all. The machine may fill, agitate, and then pause, leaving clothes soggy. It signals that the spin motor, drive system, or safety interlocks are not allowing the drum to reach high speed.

What You'll Need

🔧 Tools

Phillips #2 screwdriver
T20 Torx bit
Flat‑head screwdriver
Digital multimeter (set to ohms and voltage)
Socket set (7 mm and 10 mm)
Pliers

🛒 Parts

Drive belt (LG part number varies by model)
Lid lock assembly
Motor coupler
Spin motor
Motor control board

How to Fix Error SYMPTOM‑WONT‑SPIN — Step by Step

1

Power‑Cycle the Washer (Quick Reset)

Unplug the unit or switch off the dedicated breaker for at least 60 seconds. Plug it back in, close the door, and start a short wash cycle. If the drum spins, the error was a temporary glitch; otherwise continue.

💡 Pro Tip: Leave the machine unplugged a minute longer if you live in a region with a hard‑reset capacitor.
2

Verify the Door/Lid Lock Is Engaged

Open the door and locate the lid‑lock sensor on the top edge of the drum. Remove the two screws holding the lock cover. Set the multimeter to continuity and probe the two terminals. A good lock beeps and shows near‑zero resistance; an open circuit means the lock is faulty. Also listen for a click when the door shuts—no click, replace the lock.

💡 Pro Tip: If the lock housing is cracked or the latch is broken, replace it before testing continuity.
3

Inspect the Drive Belt and Motor Coupler

Remove the rear access panel (usually secured with two Phillips screws). Visually examine the rubber belt for cracks, fraying, or loss of tension. Rotate the drum by hand; the belt should move smoothly without slipping. While the panel is off, check the small plastic motor coupler between the motor shaft and transmission; a broken coupler looks split or missing teeth.

💡 Pro Tip: A squealing sound during the spin cycle often points to a worn belt—listen carefully before opening the panel.
4

Test the Spin Motor Windings

Disconnect the motor power connector and remove the motor mounting bolts (7 mm). Use the multimeter on the ohms setting to measure resistance between each motor lead and the motor case. Typical winding resistance is 5‑8 Ω; any reading outside 3‑10 Ω or an open circuit indicates a bad motor. Mark the wires with masking tape before disconnecting so you can reconnect them correctly.

💡 Pro Tip: If one winding reads significantly higher than the others, the motor is likely defective.
5

Check the Motor Control Board for Output Voltage

With the washer unplugged, locate the motor control board (a rectangular green board near the motor). Re‑connect power, then set the multimeter to AC voltage and probe the motor output terminals while the machine attempts to spin. You should see 120 V (U.S.) or 230 V (EU) AC. No voltage means the board is not sending power—replace the board.

💡 Pro Tip: Some LG models have a fuse on the board; inspect it for a broken filament before ordering a new board.
6

Examine the Water‑Level (Pressure) Switch

A full tub can prevent spin. Locate the small rubber hose attached to the pressure switch on the control panel. Disconnect the hose and use a multimeter to check continuity across the switch terminals; the switch should be closed (near zero resistance) when the hose is empty. If the switch stays open, replace it.

💡 Pro Tip: Cleaning the hose with a thin brush can remove blockages that mimic a failed switch.
7

Run a Load‑Balance Test

Even if all components test good, an unbalanced load will abort spin. Load the washer with a medium‑size load (4‑5 kg) and start a spin cycle. If the machine stops after a few seconds and displays an error, the load sensor or suspension rods may be faulty. Tighten any loose suspension springs and ensure the drum spins freely by hand.

💡 Pro Tip: Place a small towel in the drum to simulate a balanced load if you’re testing without laundry.
8

Re‑assemble and Verify

Replace the rear panel, secure all screws, and reconnect power. Run a full wash‑spin cycle with laundry. The drum should reach the programmed spin speed (800‑1200 rpm). If the error returns, the issue likely lies in the motor control board or internal wiring harness.

💡 Pro Tip: Take a photo of the wiring connections before you disconnect them; this saves time during re‑assembly.

When to Call a Professional

If you measure no voltage at the motor terminals after confirming the drive belt and lid lock are good, the fault is likely inside the motor control board or the wiring harness—both require specialized diagnostics. Also, if the drum feels gritty or makes grinding noises when turned by hand, the bearings may be worn and need professional replacement.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Follow this visual guide to systematically diagnose Error SYMPTOM‑WONT‑SPIN:

Diagnostic Flowchart — SYMPTOM‑WONT‑SPIN

The LG Washing Machine error SYMPTOM-WONT-SPIN can be frustrating, especially when you’re left with a tub full of water and soggy clothes. This error code indicates that the washer is having trouble entering or completing the spin cycle. Before we dive into the troubleshooting process, let’s understand what this error code actually means and what components are involved.

What LG Washing Machine Error SYMPTOM-WONT-SPIN Actually Means

The SYMPTOM-WONT-SPIN error code is a generic symptom code that points to issues with the spin cycle. It’s not a specific fault code, but rather an indication that the washer’s control board has detected a problem preventing the drum from reaching high speed. This could be due to issues with the spin motor, drive system, or safety interlocks.

The spin motor is responsible for rotating the drum at high speeds to remove excess water from clothes. The drive system, which includes the drive belt and motor coupler, transmits power from the motor to the drum. Safety interlocks, such as the lid lock assembly, ensure that the washer door or lid is securely closed before allowing the spin cycle to begin.

Initial Diagnostic Steps

Before calling a professional or investing in replacement parts, perform these quick checks to potentially resolve the issue:

Power cycle the washer: Unplug the unit or switch off the dedicated breaker for at least 30 seconds. This simple reset can sometimes resolve issues caused by electrical glitches.
Verify the door/lid lock is engaged: Open the door and locate the lid-lock sensor on the top edge of the washer. Ensure it’s clean and not damaged. Try closing the door and listening for the lock to engage.
Check for blockages: Ensure the drain hose is not kinked or clogged, as this can prevent the washer from draining properly and entering the spin cycle.

What’s Actually Failing Inside

Based on repair data and technician feedback, here are the most common causes of the SYMPTOM-WONT-SPIN error code, ranked by likelihood:

1. Faulty Drive Belt or Motor Coupler

Description: Over time, the drive belt can wear out or become damaged, causing the washer to slip or not spin at all. Similarly, the motor coupler can fail, disconnecting the motor from the transmission.
How to verify: Inspect the drive belt and motor coupler for signs of wear or damage. Check the belt tension and adjust if necessary.
Fix difficulty: 6/10
Cost: $50-$150 (drive belt), $100-$250 (motor coupler)

2. Spin Motor Issues

Description: A faulty spin motor can prevent the washer from spinning. This could be due to worn-out bearings, a short circuit, or a failed motor controller.
How to verify: Test the spin motor windings using a multimeter. Check for signs of physical damage or wear.
Fix difficulty: 8/10
Cost: $150-$300 (spin motor), $200-$400 (motor controller)

3. Lid Lock Assembly Failure

Description: A faulty lid lock assembly can prevent the washer from entering the spin cycle.
How to verify: Inspect the lid lock assembly for signs of damage or wear. Test the assembly using a multimeter.
Fix difficulty: 5/10
Cost: $50-$150 (lid lock assembly)

4. Motor Control Board Issues

Description: A faulty motor control board can prevent the spin motor from receiving the necessary power to operate.
How to verify: Check the motor control board for signs of physical damage or burn marks. Test the board using a multimeter.
Fix difficulty: 8/10
Cost: $150-$300 (motor control board)

5. Unbalanced Load or Improper Installation

Description: An unbalanced load or improper installation can cause the washer to vibrate excessively, leading to premature wear on components.
How to verify: Check the washer’s installation and ensure it’s level. Run a load-balance test to ensure the washer can handle the load.
Fix difficulty: 2/10
Cost: $0 (no parts needed)

The Primary Fix — Detailed Guide

The most common cause of the SYMPTOM-WONT-SPIN error code is a faulty drive belt or motor coupler. Here’s a step-by-step guide to replace these parts:

Tools needed: Phillips #2 screwdriver, T20 Torx bit, Flat-head screwdriver, Socket set (7 mm and 10 mm)

Time estimate: 1-2 hours

Safety warnings:

Unplug the washer before starting the repair.
Wear protective gloves and safety glasses.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Remove the rear access panel: Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the screws securing the rear panel. Gently pull the panel away from the washer.
Locate the drive belt and motor coupler: Identify the drive belt and motor coupler. Take note of their positions and routing.
Remove the drive belt: Use a T20 Torx bit to loosen the belt tensioner. Remove the belt from the pulleys.
Remove the motor coupler: Use a socket set (7 mm and 10 mm) to remove the bolts securing the motor coupler. Gently pull the coupler away from the motor and transmission.
Install the new drive belt and motor coupler: Reverse the steps above, ensuring proper routing and tensioning of the drive belt.

What “fixed” looks like vs “still broken”:

Verify the washer can complete the spin cycle without issues.
Check for unusual vibrations or noises during operation.

Specific Quirks by Model Number

While the SYMPTOM-WONT-SPIN error code is common across many LG washing machine models, some models may have specific variations:

LG WM3997HWA: This model has a known issue with the spin motor controller. Ensure you check for firmware updates or software patches.
LG WM3997HWA (2015 and earlier): These models may have a faulty lid lock assembly. Check for recalls or software updates.

Repair Pricing Guide

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs for repairing the SYMPTOM-WONT-SPIN error code:

Repair Option	DIY Cost	Parts Cost	Professional Labor
Drive belt replacement	$50-$100	$50-$150	$100-$200
Motor coupler replacement	$100-$200	$100-$250	$200-$300
Spin motor replacement	$150-$300	$150-$300	$300-$500
Lid lock assembly replacement	$50-$150	$50-$150	$100-$200

Keeping This Error Away Long-Term

To prevent the SYMPTOM-WONT-SPIN error code from occurring in the future:

Regularly inspect and maintain the drive belt: Check the belt tension and adjust as necessary.
Run regular cleaning cycles: Run a cleaning cycle every 1-2 months to remove built-up debris and detergent residue.
Check and balance loads: Ensure loads are balanced and not overloaded.

Should You Repair This Yourself?

If you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps above and still experience issues, it’s time to call a professional:

Persistent error code: If the SYMPTOM-WONT-SPIN error code persists after trying the troubleshooting steps.
Unusual noises or vibrations: If you notice unusual noises or vibrations during operation.
Water leaks or flooding: If you notice water leaks or flooding during operation.

When calling a professional, expect:

Cost: $100-$500 (depending on the repair)
Timeline: 1-2 hours (depending on the complexity of the repair)
What they’ll do: Diagnose the issue, replace faulty parts, and test the washer to ensure proper operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers related to the SYMPTOM-WONT-SPIN error code:

Q: What causes the SYMPTOM-WONT-SPIN error code? A: The SYMPTOM-WONT-SPIN error code is caused by issues with the spin motor, drive system, or safety interlocks.
Q: Can I fix the SYMPTOM-WONT-SPIN error code myself? A: Yes, you can try troubleshooting and fixing the issue yourself. However, if you’re not comfortable with DIY repairs or if the issue persists after trying the troubleshooting steps, it’s recommended to call a professional.
Q: How much does it cost to fix the SYMPTOM-WONT-SPIN error code? A: The cost to fix the SYMPTOM-WONT-SPIN error code varies depending on the cause and the repair option. Expect to pay $50-$500 for parts and labor.

For more information on LG washing machine error codes, visit our LG Washing Machine Error Codes page. If you’re experiencing issues with your LG dishwasher, check out our LG Dishwasher Error Codes page for troubleshooting guides and repair information.

Related LG Washing Machine Error Codes

Related Troubleshooting Guides

These guides cover similar issues you might find helpful:

Did This Fix Work?

Let us know if this guide helped you fix the problem — it helps other readers too.

Questions & Comments

Have a question about this repair or want to share your experience? Leave a comment below.

No comments yet. Be the first to share your experience!