A Speed Queen washer won’t start, and you’re left with a pile of unwashed laundry? Before assuming the worst, there are several common reasons why your washer might not be turning on or starting a cycle. Some issues are simple user errors that can be fixed in seconds, while others may require basic maintenance or component replacement. Troubleshooting these problems can save you time and money before calling in a professional.
If your Speed Queen washer won’t start, this guide will walk you through the most likely causes and how to fix them, from the easiest solutions to more advanced repairs.
Why Your Speed Queen Washer Won’t Start & What to Do About It
There are many reasons a Speed Queen washer won’t start, but they typically fall into four categories: power issues, faulty door/lid components, water supply problems, and internal mechanical failures. Let’s go through them one by one, starting with the easiest to fix.
1. The Washer Isn’t Plugged In or the Power Supply Is Faulty
It may sound obvious, but the first thing to check is whether your washer is plugged in and receiving power. A loose plug or an electrical issue can prevent the washer from turning on.
- Check the power cord – Make sure it’s securely plugged into a functioning outlet.
- Test the outlet – Plug in another small appliance to confirm it’s working.
- Reset the circuit breaker – If the breaker has tripped, reset it and try again.
- Look for a damaged power cord – A frayed or broken cord can prevent power from reaching the washer.
If your washer still won’t turn on, try plugging it into a different outlet to rule out an electrical issue in your home.
2. The Lid or Door Isn’t Closing Properly
Speed Queen washers have a safety mechanism that prevents the washer from starting if the lid or door isn’t securely closed. If the lid switch doesn’t detect that the washer is shut, the machine won’t begin a cycle.
Signs of a faulty lid or door switch:
- The washer won’t start even when the lid is closed.
- There’s no clicking sound when you shut the lid.
- The machine briefly starts but then stops.
Try cleaning around the lid switch and making sure nothing is obstructing the latch. If the switch appears damaged or isn’t clicking into place, it may need to be replaced.
3. Control Lock or Delay Start Is Activated
Some Speed Queen models have a Control Lock (Child Lock) feature that disables the controls to prevent accidental operation. If this feature is turned on, your washer won’t respond when you press the start button.
To disable Control Lock, check your user manual for specific instructions. Typically, holding a certain button (like the “Signal” or “Start” button) for 3-5 seconds will turn it off.
Another issue could be Delay Start mode, which schedules the washer to start later. If your washer is set to Delay Start, cancel it by pressing the “Start/Pause” or “Cancel” button.
4. The Start Button or Control Panel Is Malfunctioning
If pressing the start button does nothing, the control panel may be unresponsive due to a glitch or failure.
Try this:
- Unplug the washer for at least five minutes to reset the control board.
- Plug it back in and try to start a cycle.
- If the buttons still don’t respond, the control panel may need professional repair or replacement.
If some buttons work while others don’t, the problem is likely with the control board itself.
5. Water Supply Issues Prevent the Washer from Starting
Speed Queen washers require proper water pressure to begin a cycle. If the machine doesn’t detect enough water flow, it won’t start.
What to check:
- Are the water valves fully open? Make sure both hot and cold water valves are turned on.
- Are the hoses kinked? Straighten any bends in the hoses that may be restricting water flow.
- Are the water inlet screens clogged? Remove the hoses and clean out the filters inside the inlet valve.
If your washer still won’t fill with water, the inlet valve may be faulty and require replacement.
6. A Faulty Lid Switch Prevents the Washer from Starting
The lid switch assembly detects whether the lid is open or closed. If it’s defective, your Speed Queen washer won’t start because it thinks the lid is still open.
To test the switch:
- Open and close the lid while listening for a click.
- If there’s no click, the switch is likely broken.
- Use a multimeter to check for continuity. If it doesn’t show continuity, replace it.
Lid switches can wear out over time, especially if the washer lid is frequently slammed shut.
7. A Blown Thermal Fuse Cuts Power to the Washer
The thermal fuse protects the washer from overheating. If it blows, power to the washer is completely cut off, preventing it from turning on.
How to check for a blown thermal fuse:
- Unplug the washer and remove the back panel.
- Locate the thermal fuse (check your manual for its exact location).
- Test it with a multimeter—if there’s no continuity, it needs replacement.
If your thermal fuse has blown, it may be due to an overheated motor or another underlying issue that should be diagnosed.
8. A Broken Drive Belt Prevents the Washer from Spinning
If your Speed Queen washer won’t start but makes a humming sound, the drive belt may be broken or slipping off.
Symptoms of a faulty drive belt:
- The washer fills with water but won’t agitate.
- A burning rubber smell comes from the machine.
- The drum doesn’t move when you manually spin it.
Replacing the drive belt is usually straightforward, but it does require removing the washer’s back panel.
9. A Malfunctioning Timer or Control Board
The washer’s timer tells the machine when to start and advance through cycles. If the timer is faulty, the machine may not respond at all.
If you suspect a timer issue:
- Try turning the cycle selector dial slowly and firmly to see if it engages.
- If nothing happens, the timer may need replacement.
A defective control board is a more serious issue. If the board isn’t sending the correct signals, the washer won’t start. Control board failures require professional repair or replacement.
If you’ve gone through these troubleshooting steps and your Speed Queen washer won’t start, it might be time to call in the experts. Handler Appliance offers fast, reliable washing machine repair in Spring Valley and throughout Rockland County. Our skilled technicians can diagnose and fix any issue, ensuring your washer is back in working order.
