If the Frigidaire FFFW5000 will not spin, the guide's answer is that the load is too small or unbalanced (add 1 or 2 similar items to help balance it), or the load is overloaded, or the door is not completely closed, or there is residue in the drum. It also says that a washer interrupted during the spin takes 2 to 3 minutes to release the lock, and a lid lock malfunction on the top-loader means the drain and spin cycles never occur. An out-of-balance error on the top-loader is cleared by moving the washer so it rests firmly on the floor, removing the foam shipping support and rearranging the load.
Differential
Likely causes of “Frigidaire FFFW5000 front-load washer will not spin or leaves clothes soaking wet”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A load that is too small or unbalanced
What separates it The drum thumps and will not reach full speed
How to confirm Add 1 or 2 similar items and rearrange the load
- 2
An overloaded washer
What separates it The load is too wet after the spin because the washer is overloaded
How to confirm Do not overload the washer, and reduce the load, then run the spin again
- 3
The door or lid is not completely closed
What separates it The washer will not spin because the door or the lid is not completely closed
How to confirm Close the door or the lid completely, and press START
- 4
A lid lock malfunction (top-loader)
What separates it Water remains and the drain and spin did not occur
How to confirm Do not bypass the lock, and call an authorized servicer for a lid lock malfunction
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the washer drains before trying to spin
- The load size and what it is made of
- Any code or the word PAU on the display
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedCheck the door or lid
ReversibleCheck the door or lid, by closing it completely, and pressing START, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Rebalance
ReversibleStop the washer and rearrange the load; add 1 or 2 similar items to a small load.
Reduce an overload
ReversibleReduce an overload, by taking items out, since Frigidaire says not to overload the washer.
Check the feet and shipping parts
ReversibleThe washer must rest firmly on the floor; shipping bolts and foam block must be out.
Wipe residue from the drum
ReversibleWipe residue from the drum, using a non abrasive household cleanser, and then rinse it.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- What Frigidaire says about spin
- The FFFW5000 uses a powerful motor to drive the drum to high spin speeds to extract water, and its speed changes with the load size and cycle. A load that is too small can fail to spin because it cannot balance, and Frigidaire's fix is to add one or two similar items. The Energy Saver option raises water extraction to reduce drying time.
- Parts for this problem on the FFFW5000 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
- motor control board, part number 134618213, at $225.34; drum drive belt for front loading washer, part number 134616700, at $59.49; door lock & switch assembly, part number 131763256, at $106.94; control board, part number 137208014NH, at $221.32.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the FFTW4120 top-load washer, FLCE7522 laundry-center washer, FLXE52 laundry-center washer.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the drum will not turn at all after balancing, call Frigidaire service
- !If the top-load lid lock is suspect, call service; do not bypass it
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
The published manual page that ties the FFTW4120SW top-loader to Frigidaire's use and care guide A07504301.
Frigidaire's own owner-support article titles for these three codes.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-20.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why won't my FFFW5000 spin?+
A load that is too small or unbalanced, an overload, an open door, or residue in the drum.
How do I balance a small load?+
Add 1 or 2 similar items.
What does the top-load out-of-balance error need?+
Firm feet on the floor, the foam shipping support removed, and the load rearranged.
How long does the lock take to release after a stopped spin?+
2 to 3 minutes on the FFFW5000.
Can residue stop the spin?+
Heavily soiled items can leave residue in the drum; wipe it with a nonabrasive cleanser.
What if water is left in the tub?+
A lid lock malfunction may have stopped the drain and spin; do not bypass it.