Washing Machine Drum Not Turning

Broken or Worn Drive Belt

The most common cause on belt-driven machines. The drive belt connects the motor to the drum. If it has snapped, stretched or come off the pulley, the drum will not turn even though the motor is running.

Worn Carbon Brushes

On brush motor machines, worn carbon brushes cause the motor to lose power gradually until the drum stops turning entirely. This often develops slowly — the drum may struggle before stopping completely.

Faulty Motor

If the motor itself has failed, the drum will not turn regardless of whether the belt and brushes are in good condition. Motor failure requires professional diagnosis and replacement.

Overloaded Drum

An excessively heavy load can prevent the motor from generating enough torque to turn the drum. More common on older machines with worn components. Remove some items and try again.

Foreign Object Jammed in Drum

A coin, underwire or other object trapped between the drum and the outer tub can physically prevent the drum from rotating. Turn the drum by hand with the machine unplugged to check for resistance.

Faulty Motor Control Board

If the control board is not sending the correct signal to the motor, the drum will not turn even if the motor is otherwise in good working order. Requires professional diagnosis.

Check the Load Size

If the drum is very heavily loaded, remove some items and try running a short cycle to see if the drum turns with a lighter load.

Listen for the Motor

Start a cycle and listen carefully. Motor running but drum stationary points to a broken drive belt. No motor sound at all points to a motor or circuit fault. Both require professional repair.

Check for a Foreign Object

With the machine empty and unplugged, turn the drum slowly by hand. If it feels stiff or catches at a certain point, there may be an object trapped between the drum and the outer tub.

Reset the Machine

Switch off at the mains and leave unplugged for a few minutes. Plug back in and try restarting the cycle. This can clear temporary electronic faults preventing the drum from starting.