Washing Machine Stopping Mid-Cycle
If your washing machine is stopping mid-cycle, the appliance has detected a fault and paused or abandoned the programme as a precaution. There are several possible causes, many of which can be investigated at home before calling an engineer.
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Find Your Brand
Select your washing machine brand below for a specific guide including the relevant error codes for your appliance.
Why Is My Washing Machine Stopping Mid-Cycle?
When a washing machine stops mid-cycle it is usually because the appliance has detected a fault and paused the programme to protect itself. The machine may display an error code — check the brand-specific guide above for the relevant codes for your appliance. In some cases the machine will resume after a short pause, in others it will stop completely and need to be reset.
Common Causes
Drainage fault
One of the most common causes. If the pump filter is blocked or the drain hose is kinked, the machine cannot drain during the cycle and will stop. Check for water remaining in the drum — if present, a drainage fault is likely the cause.
Unbalanced load
During the spin phase, a heavily unbalanced load can cause the machine to stop and attempt to redistribute the laundry. If it cannot balance the load it will abandon the spin.
Overheating
If the machine overheats — for example due to a faulty thermostat or a blocked filter on a washer-dryer — it will stop as a safety precaution.
Door fault
If the door lock loses contact during a cycle, the machine will stop immediately as a safety measure.
Water supply issue
If the water supply is interrupted or the inlet valve cannot fill the machine to the required level, the programme will stop.
Power supply interruption
A brief power cut or fluctuation can cause the machine to stop mid-cycle. The machine may resume when power is restored or may need to be restarted.
Faulty control board
A fault with the main control board can cause the machine to stop unpredictably at any point in the cycle.
Checks To Try Before Calling An Engineer
Check for an error code
Note any error code displayed on the machine and check the brand-specific guide above. The error code will identify the specific fault that caused the stop.
Clean the pump filter
The pump filter is located behind a small cover panel at the bottom front of the machine. Place a shallow dish or towels beneath it before opening. Twist the filter cap anticlockwise, clear any debris and refit securely.
Check the water supply
Ensure the water supply tap is fully open and the inlet hose is not kinked.
Redistribute the load
Open the door, rearrange the laundry evenly around the drum and try restarting the programme.
Reset the machine
Switch the machine off at the mains and leave it unplugged for a few minutes. Plug back in and try restarting the cycle.
When To Contact A Professional
If the machine continues to stop mid-cycle after the above checks and no clear cause can be identified, the fault is likely electronic or mechanical and will need to be diagnosed by a qualified engineer. Internal components should only be inspected or repaired by trained professionals.
Related Washing Machine Fault Guides
Washing Machine Not Heating Water
Washing Machine Door Won’t Open
Washing Machine Not Filling With Water
Related Guides
Washing machine error codes — all brands
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