Troubleshooting a Comfee Washer Stuck On Spin Cycle
Is your Comfee washer stuck on spin cycle, leaving your clothes soaking wet or the machine unresponsive? This frustration is common among owners of portable and compact washing machines, but the solution is often a simple DIY fix.
When a washer refuses to advance past the spin cycle, it is usually triggering a safety protocol to prevent damage or flooding. By methodically checking specific components—from the lid switch to the drain system—you can identify the root cause without an expensive service call.
Why Your Comfee Washer Won’t Spin
The spin cycle is the most mechanically demanding part of the wash. If the control board detects any irregularity, such as water remaining in the tub or an unsecured lid, it will halt operation immediately. The most frequent culprits include:
- Drainage Issues: The washer cannot spin if it still detects water.
- Safety Interlocks: A faulty door latch or lid switch assembly prevents high-speed rotation.
- Balance Problems: An unbalanced load triggers sensors to stop the spin to prevent the machine from “walking.”
- Mechanical Failures: A broken drive belt or failing washer motor.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Follow these steps in order to diagnose and fix the issue.
1. Master Reset Procedure
Before disassembling anything, attempt a hard reset to clear any temporary glitches in the control board.
- Unplug the washer from the power outlet.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds to let the capacitors discharge.
- Plug the washer back in.
- The Door Method: On many Comfee portable models, open and close the lid 6 times within 12 seconds. This specific signal can reset the internal logic.
- Run a “Spin Only” cycle to test.
2. Inspect the Lid Switch Assembly
The lid switch assembly is a safety device that tells the motor it is safe to spin. If this switch is broken or misaligned, the washer will agitate but never spin.
- Mechanical Switches: Listen for a “click” when you close the lid. If there is no click, the plastic striker may be broken.
- Magnetic Switches: Many modern Comfee portable washers use a magnetic sensor. If the magnet in the lid has fallen out or rusted, the machine thinks the lid is open.
- Error Code: Watch for an E3 error code, which specifically indicates a lid open error.
3. Check for Drainage Problems
If the water level sensor (also known as the pressure switch) detects water in the tub, the spin cycle will not engage.
- Drain Hose: Ensure the drain hose is not kinked or positioned too high. For portable washers, the hose usually shouldn’t be more than 4 feet above the floor.
- Drain Pump Filter: Locate the service door at the bottom right of the machine. Open it to access the drain pump filter. Twist the cap counter-clockwise to remove it and clean out any lint, coins, or debris blocking the impeller.
- Error Code: An E2 code typically points to a drainage timeout.
4. Test the Pressure Switch
The pressure switch monitors the water level via a clear vinyl tube.
- Unplug the washer.
- Remove the top or back panel to access the switch.
- Inspect the clear tube connecting the switch to the tub.
- Blow gently into the tube toward the tub. You should hear air bubbling in the remaining water, clearing any sediment blockage.
- If the tube is clear but the washer still thinks it’s full, the switch itself may need replacement.
5. Inspect the Drive Belt
If you hear the washer motor running or humming but the drum isn’t turning, the issue is likely mechanical.
- Disconnect power and water.
- Lay the washer on its side (on a towel to prevent scratches).
- Remove the bottom protection panel.
- Inspect the drive belt. It should be tight around the motor and drum pulleys.
- If the belt is loose, broken, or has slipped off, it must be replaced.
6. Correcting an Unbalanced Load
Comfee washers are sensitive to weight distribution. A single heavy item (like a wet towel or jeans) can throw the tub off balance.
- Symptoms: The washer bangs loudly before stopping or displays an E4 error.
- Fix: Manually redistribute the wet clothes evenly around the agitator. Ensure the machine’s leveling feet are adjusted so the unit sits perfectly flat on the floor.
Common Comfee Error Codes Related to Spin Issues
Understanding the digital display can save you hours of guessing.
| Error Code | Meaning | Likely Fix |
|---|---|---|
| E1 | Water Inlet Issue | Check water supply; ensures hose isn’t kinked. |
| E2 | Drain Error | Clean drain pump filter; check drain hose. |
| E3 | Lid Open | Check lid switch assembly or door latch. |
| E4 | Unbalanced Load | Redistribute laundry; level the machine. |
When to Replace the Control Board
If you have verified the lid switch assembly, cleaned the drain pump, ensured the drive belt is intact, and the motor runs during the wash cycle but not spin, the control board may be the culprit.
Look for visible signs of damage on the board, such as burn marks or swollen capacitors. Replacing the board is a more advanced repair and may cost nearly as much as a new portable unit, so diagnose carefully before purchasing this part.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I perform a master reset on my Comfee washer?
To reset the control board, unplug the washer from the power outlet for at least 60 seconds to allow the capacitors to discharge. After plugging it back in, many portable Comfee models can be further reset by opening and closing the lid 6 times within a 12-second window.
What do the E2 and E3 error codes mean?
An E2 error indicates a drainage timeout, meaning the machine cannot empty the water. An E3 error signifies a “Lid Open” issue, which is usually caused by a faulty lid switch assembly, a broken striker, or a missing magnet in the lid.
Why is my washer humming during the spin cycle but the drum isn’t moving?
If you hear the motor running or humming without drum movement, the issue is likely mechanical. This usually points to a drive belt that has slipped off the pulleys, stretched out, or broken entirely. You can inspect this by checking the bottom of the machine.
How do I fix a Comfee washer that stops and shows an E4 error?
An E4 error means the load is unbalanced. To resolve this, pause the machine and manually redistribute the wet clothes evenly around the agitator. You should also check that the washer’s leveling feet are adjusted so the machine sits perfectly flat on the floor.
Where is the drain pump filter located on a Comfee portable washer?
The drain pump filter is typically located behind a small service door at the bottom right of the machine. You can remove it by twisting the cap counter-clockwise to clear out any lint, coins, or debris that might be preventing the washer from draining and entering the spin cycle.
