
Washing Machine Won’t Turn On – Reasons and How We Fix It
By Repair.co.ke
When your washing machine refuses to turn on, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. At Repair.co.ke, we understand the urgency of restoring your appliance to working condition quickly and reliably. Below, we break down the most common causes of this issue and explain how our expert technicians approach each repair.
1. Power Supply Issues
One of the most common reasons a washing machine won’t power on is a disrupted power supply. This could be due to a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty power socket, or a damaged power cord.
How we fix it:
Our technicians first inspect your home's circuit panel to check for tripped breakers. If the power supply is stable, we test the outlet using a voltage meter. Damaged cords are replaced on-site with compatible, high-quality parts.
2. Faulty Door or Lid Switch
Modern washing machines are designed not to operate unless the door or lid is securely latched. A defective switch may prevent the machine from starting altogether.
How we fix it:
We test the lid switch using a multimeter to confirm if it's operational. If faulty, we replace it with a factory-approved switch and test for proper engagement during operation.
3. Blown Thermal Fuse
A thermal fuse acts as a safety device, shutting down the washing machine if it overheats. If the fuse blows, the machine won’t power on until the issue is resolved.
How we fix it:
After verifying that the motor or heating element hasn’t caused the overheat, we replace the blown fuse. Our technicians also clean the internal components to ensure better ventilation and reduce the risk of future overheating.
4. Defective Control Board or Timer
A malfunctioning control board or timer can cause the washing machine to appear completely unresponsive, even if power is reaching the unit.
How we fix it:
Using diagnostic tools, we assess the integrity of the control board. If the board is defective, we replace it and reprogram the machine to match its original factory settings.
5. Motor Problems or Failed Start Capacitor
If the motor’s start capacitor fails, the machine won’t respond despite power being supplied. Likewise, internal motor issues can also stop it from turning on.
How we fix it:
Our professionals inspect the motor for continuity and physical damage. Capacitors are tested and replaced if necessary. If the motor itself is beyond repair, we advise replacement and install a compatible new unit.
❝ “Most ‘dead’ washing machines we inspect turn out to have minor electrical faults. Fixing them is often faster and more affordable than people expect.” – Lead Technician, Repair.co.ke ❞
Why Choose Repair.co.ke
Our Nairobi-based team specializes in washing machine repair across all major brands, including Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Bosch, and more. We offer same-day service, genuine replacement parts, and a 30-day workmanship guarantee.
We also educate our clients on basic machine maintenance to avoid future breakdowns.