Roper Washer Won’t Spin – What To Do?

Over the last few years, Roper washing machines have made a good name for themselves within the home appliance industry. You can typically find these washers online or at a local home improvement store. And similar to bigger brands, their machines can also malfunction--one common malfunctioned being that the washer may stop spinning. What do you do if your Roper washing machine suddenly stops spinning? We've done the research to bring you the answer. 

Here are a few reasons why your Roper washer may not be spinning:

• Defective drive motor
• Broken drive belt
• Defective door lock motor & switch assembly
• Worn rotor assembly
• Failing motor coupling
• Damaged stator assembly
• Defective lid switch & assembly
• Bad transmission
• Faulty motor control board

As you can see, there are several reasons why your Roper washer may stop spinning, and they are all fixable. If you're looking to save money, it's best to try to at least troubleshoot the issue yourself before contacting an appliance professional, as you may be able to solve the problem on your own. Continue reading to learn how to troubleshoot this issue.

Troubleshooting Your Roper Washing Machine

Defective Drive Motor

One thing that you should take a look at if your Roper washer isn't spinning is the drive motor. Though the drive motor isn't typically the issue when the washer stops spinning, it can be on occasion.

To check the motor, open up the assembly, and look at parts and inspect for any irregularities. Do you see any burnt wires or worn fittings? If you turn on the motor and you do not hear a humming sound, or it seems extremely noisy, then it's likely that it may be bad.

Broken Drive Belt

You'll also want to inspect the washing machine's drive belt to determine if it's loose, broken, or detached from the pulleys. If the drive belt is broken, it will need to be replaced. If it's simply falling off the pulleys, you can reattach it, unless it's overstretched. An over-stretched belt will need to be replaced with a new one.

Defective Door Lock Motor & Switch Assembly

A door lock motor can also cause the washer to stop spinning during operation. If the door is closed, the washer will start operating again. However, if the lock on the door is defective, the door simply won't latch correctly. This may be due to an electrical failure or a mechanical one. To troubleshoot this issue, inspect the door for possible signs of damage.

Look at the lock, and if it shows signs of damage, replace it. If there is an electrical failure of the lock, you will need to use a multimeter to test its switches for continuity. If any of the switches fail the continuity test, you'll need a replacement motor.

See this multimeter on Amazon.

Worn Rotor Assembly

The rotor works alongside the stator to help create an electromagnetic field that allows the washer's tub to rotate. There are magnets on the rotor. If they or any part of the rotor become damaged, the washer will not be able to spin properly. Take a look at your rotor for visible signs of damage. If you notice any, you'll need a new one.

Failing Motor Coupling

Motor couplings can wear out from wear and tear. The motor coupling is what's used to connect the washer transmission to the motor. Sometimes the washer may become overloaded and will cause the coupling to fail (in an attempt to protect the transmission and the motor). If the motor coupling is completely broken from overuse, it's time to find a new part.

Damaged Stator Assembly

As mentioned previously, the stator works with the rotor of the washing machine to produce a fairly strong magnetic field. However, this part can also become damaged. When it does, the machine will not spin. The stator will need to be replaced, and more likely than not you'll need a trained technician to assess its current state.

Defective Lid Switch & Assembly

The purpose of the lid switch assembly is to keep the washer from operating while the lid is still open. If it fails, the washer simply won't spin. You can use a multimeter to determine if your washer's lid switch assembly is faulty. If it doesn't have continuity, it may need to go.

Bad Transmission

One major reason why your washer may fail to spin is that the transmission may be defective or simply worn out. If the gears inside the transmission fail, the washer won't agitate, spin, or move at all. This may not be as common as other issues, but it's definitely a possibility. It's best to check the transmission last. If you aren't sure how to troubleshoot it, check your user's manual.

If you notice that the transmission is turning from the motor but the washer still won't spin, the transmission may be the issue. You may need to contact an appliance professional to replace the transmission, as it's pretty involved.

Faulty Motor Control Board

A faulty control board can also cause your washer to stop spinning. This is what provides power to the washer's motor. If the control board has been damaged or is simply worn out, the washer may not function at all. Inspect the control board for damaged or burnt out components. If you believe that the control board still has power, but that it's simply not providing power to the washer's motor, it'll need to be replaced with a new board.

How Do You Reset A Roper Washer?

If your Roper washing machine is stuck in a cycle or will not turn on or off, there is a quick way that you can reset it. Here's how:

1. Turn off the washing machine and unplug it from its electrical outlet completely.
2. Look for the retaining tabs (or screws) that help to hold the top panel down.
3. Locate the lid lock switch which can be found on the underside of the washer's top panel.
4. Lift the lid at least 2 inches and lower it. Do this six times within 12 seconds.
5. After one minute, close the lid of the washing machine and plug the adapter back into the electrical outlet.

How Do You Calibrate A Roper Washing Machine?

Perform the following steps to recalibrate your Roper washing machine:

1. While your washing machine is turned on, turn the washing setting knob up all the way to the left (counter-clockwise).
2. A second later, turn it forward (clockwise) one notch.
3. Wait for another second, and then turn it forward another notch.
4. Wait for another second, and turn it forward one more notch.
5. Pause one second and turn it backward (counter-clockwise) one notch.
6. Pause another second and turn it forward (clock-wise) one notch.

You know that the washer has been recalibrated when all of the LED lights on the selector switch (located beneath the knob) light up at once. If you continue to have trouble with calibrating your washing machine, check your user manual for further instruction.

Does A Roper Washer Have A Warranty?

Yes, Roper washers do come with a warranty. Take a look at some of the details of their warranty below.

Things That Roper Will Pay For

For a maximum of one year, Roper will pay for all replacement parts and any repair labor to correct any defects in the washing machines. To have these parts and services covered, the service must be provided by an authorized Roper service provider and you must show proof of your date of purchase.

From the 2nd to the 5th year of ownership, Roper will replace any parts that are located within the gear case assembly if they are proven to be defective or faulty as a result of workmanship.

Below are the types of service calls that Roper does not include in their warranty.

Service Calls That Roper Won't Pay For

• Repairs to systems or parts of the washer that are caused by unauthorized modifications of the appliance.
• House wiring, plumbing, or house fusing.
• Instructions on how to use your Roper washer.
• Correct the improper installation of your Roper washer.
• Repairs to a washer that is used in anything other than a typical single-family household.
• Damage to the washer caused by fire, misuse, accident, flood, acts of God, or the use of products not approved by Roper.

Wrapping Things Up

We hope that this post has provided you with several troubleshooting options for your Roper washing machine. Remember, if you believe that the requirement to fix the washer is outside of your capability, it's always best to contact a certified appliance technician to repair the machine for you.

Before you go, be sure to check out some of our other posts:

How To Wash Bathroom Rugs [Machine And Hand Washing Explored]

How To Clean Pillows: The Ultimate Guide