Why Does My Washing Machine Pause and Restart During the Cycle? (Causes & Fixes)

If your washing machine pauses and then restarts during the cycle, it’s usually caused by load imbalance, sensor issues, or the machine trying to correct a problem before continuing. In many cases, this is the washer attempting to protect itself or improve performance.

However, frequent or repeated pausing and restarting can indicate an underlying issue.

Most Common Reasons Your Washer Pauses and Restarts

1. Unbalanced Load

An uneven load is one of the most common causes.

When clothes shift to one side:

• the washer may pause
• attempt to rebalance
• restart the cycle

This often happens during the spin cycle.

Severe imbalance can also cause the washer to shake violently during operation.

2. Sensor or Control Board Issues

Modern washers rely on sensors and a control board.

If something isn’t reading correctly:

• the washer may pause to reassess
• restart parts of the cycle
• repeat certain stages

In some cases, the washer may go beyond pausing and begin restarting the entire cycle.

3. Drainage Problems

If water is not draining properly:

• the washer may pause
• attempt to drain again
• restart the cycle

This can make the cycle feel longer or inconsistent.

Drainage issues can also cause the washer to stay stuck in one part of the cycle.

4. Lid Switch or Door Lock Issues

Washers are designed to stop if the lid or door isn’t secure.

If the switch is faulty:

• the washer may pause randomly
• restart once it detects closure
• interrupt the cycle repeatedly

5. Normal Cycle Behavior (Sometimes)

Some washers pause briefly between stages:

• switching from wash to rinse
• adjusting water levels
• redistributing clothes

Short pauses are normal — repeated restarts are not.

How to Fix a Washer That Pauses and Restarts

Try these steps:

1. Redistribute the load evenly
2. Make sure the washer is level
3. Check the drain hose for clogs
4. Inspect the lid switch or door lock
5. Reset the washer by unplugging for 5 minutes

Quick Recap

If your washer pauses and restarts, the most likely causes are:

• unbalanced loads
• sensor or control board issues
• drainage problems
• faulty lid switch
• normal cycle transitions

Final Thoughts

A washing machine that pauses and restarts is often reacting to a problem it’s trying to correct. While occasional pauses are normal, repeated restarting usually points to an issue with balance, sensors, or drainage.