A washing machine is designed to run through its cycles smoothly, without unnecessary interruptions. So when your washer starts pausing frequently during the wash, rinse, or spin stages, it becomes more than an inconvenience. It disrupts your household routine, prolongs laundry time, and often signals a developing mechanical or electrical issue inside the appliance. Two of the most common causes behind this frustrating problem are an overheating motor and an intermittent control board failure. Understanding how these components work—and why they malfunction—can help you recognize the issue early and prevent further damage.
Why Your Washer Pauses: The Hidden Role of the Motor
Every washing machine relies on its drive motor to power the drum throughout the cycle. During agitation, spinning, or draining, the motor generates heat. Modern washers are designed to handle typical heat output, but when the motor becomes overworked, obstructed, or worn out, overheating becomes inevitable. For safety reasons, most washers are programmed to shut down or pause the cycle if the motor temperature rises too high. This automatic pause prevents fire hazards and protects internal components, but it also means your laundry is stuck mid-cycle until the motor cools.
Several factors can cause the motor to overheat:
- Excessive Load Size
Overloading the washer forces the motor to work harder than normal. This increased resistance creates excess heat, triggering the machine’s thermal protection system. If you frequently run large loads, the motor may begin overheating even with lighter cycles. - Worn Motor Bearings
Bearings allow the motor shaft to rotate smoothly. Once worn, they create friction—another source of unwanted heat. This type of wear does not resolve on its own and will only worsen with time. - Restricted Drum Movement
A jammed or partially obstructed drum puts additional strain on the motor. This often occurs when small objects like socks, coins, or underwire slip between the inner and outer drum. - Old or Failing Motor Windings
Motor windings can degrade with age, leading to electrical inefficiency and excessive heat buildup. This type of failure requires professional attention.
When the motor overheats, the washer may pause for several minutes before restarting. Over time, the pauses may occur more frequently, and eventually, the washing machine may refuse to resume at all.
Intermittent Control Board Failure: The Electronic Cause of Frequent Pauses
While mechanical issues are common, electrical problems can be equally responsible. The control board is essentially the brain of your washing machine. It communicates with sensors, motor, valves, and other components, guiding the appliance through each stage of the cycle.
If the control board develops an intermittent fault, your washer might pause unexpectedly, skip cycles, or behave erratically. Intermittent issues can be especially frustrating because they are not constant. One day the washer runs normally; the next day it pauses five times during a single load.
Common causes of control board malfunction include:
- Loose Wire Connections
Vibration over time can cause connectors and wiring harnesses to loosen. A single unstable connector may interrupt communication during the cycle. - Moisture or Detergent Residue
Moisture buildup inside the control panel can corrode contacts, causing sporadic failures. Excess detergent and steam around the washer can accelerate this process. - Failed Relays or Microchips
The control board contains small components that can fail due to age, power fluctuations, or manufacturing defects. When a relay misfires, the machine may pause, stop, or restart unexpectedly. - Voltage Surges
Power spikes from the electrical system can damage sensitive electronics. Even small surges can gradually degrade the board.
Unlike mechanical issues, intermittent control board problems require proper diagnostic tools and expertise. Attempting to fix it yourself may lead to further damage or unsafe conditions.
Signs That Suggest the Motor or Control Board Is Responsible
If your washer pauses repeatedly, look for these clues:
- Washer pauses only during heavy loads
- Machine feels unusually hot near the bottom
- Burning smell or humming noise before the pause
- Washer restarts after cooling down
- Pauses even with light loads
- Error codes appear sporadically
- Cycle restarts or jumps to another phase
- No pattern to when or where the pausing happens
These symptoms help technicians determine whether the root cause is mechanical overheating or an electrical failure inside the control board.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Frequent Pausing
A washer that pauses in the middle of a cycle is warning you that something larger is developing. Ignoring the issue can lead to:
- Total motor failure
- Burned-out control board
- Damage to wiring
- Repeated cycle failures
- Higher energy costs
- Costlier repairs later
Addressing the problem early is the safest and most cost-efficient solution.
Professional Repair Is the Best Approach
Because overheating motors and failing control boards involve both mechanical and electrical systems, professional diagnosis is essential. A trained technician can identify whether the motor needs replacement, whether a drum obstruction is causing overload, or whether the control board requires repair or full replacement.
If your washer pauses unexpectedly and repeatedly, trust the experts at Poway Appliance Repair Service Center. Our technicians provide fast, accurate diagnostics and reliable repairs to restore your washing machine to full performance.
Contact Poway Appliance Repair Service Center today and schedule a service visit. Your washer will thank you.
Contact us
