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Fix a washing machine that will not turn on

We'll check the circuit breaker, outlet, plug, GFCI, lid switch, and power cord—or tell you when to call a pro for control board or wiring.

Troubleshooting · Home appliances
10–30 min
What you'll need
  • Multimeter (for continuity tests on lid or door switch)
  • Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead)
  • Replacement lid switch or door switch (if tests show a fault)
Step 1 of 9

Quick triage — pick your path

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Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

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Steps

Goal: Confirm the symptom, rule out power and outlet, then check the lid or door switch—or call a pro for control board or wiring.

Check power

Goal: Rule out circuit breaker, outlet, GFCI, and plug before opening the washer.

  • Check the circuit breaker for the laundry circuit. Reset if tripped. If it trips again when you turn the washer on, call an electrician.
  • Plug a lamp or phone charger into the same outlet. If it does not work, the outlet is dead. Check for a tripped GFCI—laundry rooms often have GFCI outlets; press the reset button.
  • Unplug the washer and inspect the plug and cord for damage. Plug back in firmly.
  • Good: Breaker on, outlet works, plug secure. Proceed to Power cycle or Lid switch path.
  • Bad: Breaker trips or outlet dead—fix power first or call a pro.

Power cycle

Goal: Clear a locked control board.

  • Unplug the washer. Wait at least one minute. Plug it back in. Try the power button again.
  • Good: Washer responds. See Verification.
  • Bad: Still no response—proceed to Lid switch path.

Lid switch path

Goal: Test and replace the lid switch (top-load) or door switch (front-load) if faulty.

  • Top-loaders: Locate the lid switch under the lid hinge or near the top of the cabinet. Test for continuity with a multimeter when the lid is closed. If the switch is open when the lid is closed, replace it.
  • Front-loaders: Test the door switch for continuity when the door is closed. Replace if faulty.
  • Good: Switch replaced; washer powers on. See Verification.
  • Bad: Switch tests good but washer still does not respond—control board may have failed. Call an appliance technician.

When to get help

Call 911 if you see sparks, smoke, or fire.

Call an electrician if:

  • The circuit breaker trips when you turn the washer on.
  • You see damaged or exposed house wiring.

Call an appliance technician if:

  • Power and the lid or door switch are good but the washer still does not respond.
  • You see burn smell or damaged internal wiring.
  • You are not comfortable working with electrical connections.

Verification

  • The washer shows lights on the control panel when you press the power button.
  • The washer starts a cycle when you press start.
  • No tripping breaker or error codes.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm symptom Verify the washer shows no lights, no hum, no response; rule out a different problem.
  2. Power Check circuit breaker, outlet, GFCI, and plug connection.
  3. Power cycle Unplug, wait one minute, plug back in; can clear a locked control.
  4. Lid or door switch Test and replace the lid switch (top-load) or door switch (front-load) if faulty.
  5. Call a pro Breaker trips, control board failure, damaged wiring—call an electrician or appliance technician.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Washer type (top-load or front-load)
  • Circuit breaker and outlet status
  • GFCI status
  • Lid or door switch test result
  • Steps already tried

Does the washer show no lights, no hum, no response?

Press the power button or start a cycle. If nothing happens, the fault is power, lid/door switch, or control.

Press the power button or start a cycle. No response: no lights, no hum, no movement—proceed to check power. Responds: washer turns on but does not agitate or spin—see fix-washing-machine-will-not-agitate or fix-washing-machine-will-not-spin.

Yes No (different problem)

You can change your answer later.

Different problem — see other guides

If the washer turns on but does not agitate, see fix-washing-machine-will-not-agitate. If it agitates but does not spin, see fix-washing-machine-will-not-spin.

Done

Is the circuit breaker on and the outlet working?

Power must reach the washer. Check the breaker and test the outlet with another device.

Check the circuit breaker—reset if tripped. If it trips again when you turn the washer on, call an electrician. Plug a lamp into the same outlet to test. Check for a tripped GFCI—press reset if present. Good: breaker on and outlet works. Bad: breaker trips or outlet dead—fix power first or call a pro.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Is the plug firmly connected and the cord undamaged?

A loose or damaged plug can prevent power from reaching the washer.

Unplug and inspect the plug and cord for damage. Plug back in firmly. Good: plug secure and cord looks fine. Bad: cord damaged or plug loose—replace cord or call a pro.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Did a power cycle fix it?

Unplug, wait one minute, plug back in. Can clear a locked control.

Unplug the washer. Wait at least one minute. Plug back in. Try the power button. Good: washer responds—fix complete. Bad: still no response—proceed to lid or door switch.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Is the lid switch (top-load) or door switch (front-load) good?

A faulty lid or door switch can prevent the washer from powering on.

Top-load: locate the lid switch near the lid hinge. Test for continuity when the lid is closed. Front-load: test the door switch when the door is closed. Faulty: replace the switch—washer should power on. Good: switch tests good—control board may have failed; call a pro.

Yes No (faulty)

You can change your answer later.

Replace lid or door switch and test

Replace the lid switch or door switch with a matching part. Reassemble and test. The washer should power on if the switch was the fault.

Done

Washer is working

The washer turns on and responds. No further action needed.

Done

Call a technician

Call 911 if you see sparks, smoke, or fire. Call an electrician if the breaker trips when you turn the washer on. Call an appliance technician if power and the lid or door switch are good but the washer still does not respond, you see burn smell or damaged wiring, or you are not comfortable with electrical checks.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a washing machine not turn on at all?
Common causes: tripped circuit breaker, dead outlet, tripped GFCI, loose plug, faulty lid switch (top-loaders) or door switch (front-loaders), failed control board, or damaged power cord. Check power and the lid switch first.
Can I fix a washer that will not turn on myself?
Yes, for circuit breaker, outlet, GFCI, plug, and lid switch checks. Unplug the washer before any repair. Do not open the control board or work on internal wiring if you are not comfortable—call an appliance technician.
When should I call a technician for a washer that will not turn on?
Call a technician if the breaker trips when you turn the washer on, power and the lid switch are good but the washer still does not respond, you see damaged wiring or burn smell, or you are not comfortable with electrical checks.

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