Wouldn’t it intimidate you if your washer turns itself on randomly? Honestly, it will look like nothing but a scene straight out of a horror movie. You must start wondering why is washing machine turning itself on. Is there any fault in the circuit, power cord, or control board? However in reality it’s just a common glitch that’s causing the spontaneous operation of washing machine.
There are 5 reasons that cause the automatic startup of the washing machine including automatic start-up after the power outage, or you are using a front-load machine that turns itself on with a manual drum spin, delay start timer, faulty control board, or loose connection of wall outlet.
You should do some diagnostic checks to find out the underlying issue that results in the washing machine turning itself on. So scroll down to learn about the 5 potential issues in detail and their step-by-step fixes!
Why Is Washing Machine Turning itself On? (5 Main issues)
First of all, if your washing machine starts without user input, don’t panic. The underlying issues are usually minor and easy to fix. If the washer powers on unexpectedly then you must check the delay start timer first, because most of the time we turn it on and then forget about it. This is the first thing that you should check if the washing machine starts running on its own.
However, if that’s not the case then you should look for a faulty control board or loose connection of wall outlet. Loose connections of wall outlets are extremely dangerous and cause short circuits.
Once the issue gets detected make sure to find the appropriate solution for it. Read on, because we have provided a detailed overview of 5 main issues in the section below!
Automatic turn-on After Power Outage
In case of a power outage, your washing machine can turn off automatically. The power outage can be due to a maintenance issue, thunderstorm, or overload. So when the power turns on, your washing machine activates without command. This is not something to be worried about, it’s totally safe and easy to fix.
How to Fix it?
You have to make sure that you remove the power plug in case of a power outage. This will stop your washer turning on by itself when the power is back.
Manual Drum Spin
If you are using a front-load washing machine then spinning the drum makes the washer powers on unexpectedly. This kind of machine works on electromagnetism, a manual drum spin can discharge electric charges and its display lit up. This type of machine is called a self-activating washing machine and it turns on spontaneously with a drum spin.
How to fix it?
However, it’s easy to turn off the machine if the washer turns itself on randomly. You simply have to switch it off by pressing the off button from the control panel. Once you are done putting dirty clothes in the drum you can switch it on again, it’s totally convenient.
A Faulty Control Board
A control board usually needs user input to turn the machine on and off, but if the washing machine starts without user input, then it must be addressed. A faulty control board may light up by itself or it start flickering causing power fluctuations in the washing machine. There is also a common glitch associated with a faulty control board called “endless cycle”.
In the first place, you must check the plug to see, if it is completely plugged before regarding it as a faulty control board.
How to fix it?
Consult your user manual to see how the control board operates. First, put your washer dial at the 12 o’clock position, turn it left, and then right for 5 seconds. Now you will see that all the LED lights of the panel will light up. Now turn the washer dial clockwise, lights will start switching on & off in a sequence.
Keep turning the washer dial until you see only the wash and spin lights on. Do this for 5 more seconds, until all the lights are clicked off. Turn the washer off few seconds and then turn it back on. It will solve the glitch and you can continue with your laundry.
Delay Start Timer
The delay start timer is nothing problematic. You might have started a delay start timer and you have forgotten about it. There is a button on the control panel under the name “delay start”, it allows the washer turning on by itself at the set time.
Sometimes it can get pressed by accident and the washing machine automatically starts at the set timer. But don’t get spooked, it’s just one of the settings of washing machine.
How to fix it?
This is just a one-button setting and you can easily switch it off by using the control panel. Or if you are away and want automatic startup of washing machine, then you can set a designated time and leave it on.
Loose Connection of Wall Outlet
A wall outlet could be another reason why your washing machine automatically starts. Most of the time you ensure that you plugged it correctly and everything is fine on the control board. But the issue arises from the loose connection of the wall outlet.
This could be the reason why the washing machine causing lights to flicker when running.
The loose connection of the wall outlet causes the plug to slip away even causing the washing machine to switch on or off randomly. This is something that’s not very safe and must be fixed immediately.
How to fix it?
The best solution to deal with loose wall outlet connections is to replace them immediately. Because a loose outlet will cause the power cord to slip, again and again, making your appliances unable to handle these power fluctuations.
FAQs About Why Washing Machine Turning Itself On
How can I troubleshoot a washing machine that keeps turning itself on?
If the washing machine automatically starts you must look for 5 issues that we have mentioned above. You should check if washer turns itself on randomly after power outage, manual drum spin or delay start timer. These issues are easy to fix. However, if there is a faulty control board make sure to consult the user’s manual. You need a replacement if wall outlet has loose connections.
What are the common causes of a washing machine turning on by itself?
If your washing machine activates without command it can be caused by a sudden turn-on after a power outage, extension cord reset, faulty control board, manual drum spinning, delayed start setting, or loose wall outlet receptacle.
Why does my washing machine start running without any input?
It can happen due to a common glitch called “endless cycle”. This glitch is caused by a faulty control board. You can easily solve it by reading the owner’s manual, however, if you are unable to understand the manual, you can follow the step-by-step solution that we have mentioned above
Is there a way to prevent my washing machine from automatically starting?
Yes. Remember, if your washing machine starts running on its own, there is nothing to worry about. The reasons behind it are easy to fix. Make sure that your control panel is working correctly, then check your washer for any delay start timer, after that, take a quick look at the wall outlet. If there is nothing wrong with all of these, then it is happening due to a power outage, so pull out the plug of your washer to prevent the automatic startup of washing machine.
What should I do if my washing machine starts unexpectedly while I’m away from home?
If you are away from home, the best you can do is to reach back as soon as possible. Even though the issues causing the spontaneous operation of washing machine are easy to fix, however, you need to run diagnostic checks in order to identify the problem.
How do I determine if the washing machine’s control panel is malfunctioning?
You will see that the display lit up all of a sudden and the LED lights on the control panel will start flickering. Above all the washing machine starts running on its own due to this malfunction. Even if you press stop on the cancel button, the washing machine will not stop, this is your sign to fix a faulty control panel.
Are there any specific brands or models of washing machines known for this issue?
Yes, front-load machines are self-activating washing machines, they start running with a manual drum spin. This might surprise you but, it’s one of the features of front-load machines so it doesn’t come under the category of any serious issue.
Can a power surge or electrical fluctuation cause a washing machine to turn on?
Absolutely. Electrical fluctuations, power surges, or outages can cause the automatic startup of washing machine. You can deal with it by pulling the plug out and waiting till the power goes back to normal. Otherwise, it can blow the fuse or grow into a hazardous fire.
The Outlook
If your washing machine activates without command it can be due to a mid-cycle interruption that needs a reset. Just pull out the plug or switch off the breaker for a few minutes to see if it does the same when plugged in again.
However, if it still doesn’t reset then make sure to look at the user manual, depending upon the brand or model of your washing machine. You will see a recommended procedure in the user manual that is easy to follow. But if it still doesn’t work, you can contact the manufacturer (if your washer is still under warranty) or an electrician.
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Written By Hugo Wanders
Hugo is a knowledgeable writer in the field of vacuums, cleaning supplies, and washroom products. He has a wealth of experience in this industry and is always up-to-date with the latest cleaning technology and techniques. Hugo's writing is practical and informative, and he provides useful advice and recommendations to help his readers make informed decisions about which cleaning products and equipment to purchase. He has a deep understanding of the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment, and he shares his expertise to help his readers achieve this goal. Hugo's writing covers a wide range of topics, including vacuum cleaners, cleaning chemicals, washroom supplies, and more. His writing is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to keep their home or business clean and well-maintained.
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