Introduction
If the washer agitates and drains but won’t spin, the built-in diagnostic mode can point you to the fault. This guide shows how to enter diagnostics on a Samsung WA40J3000WA, how to read the blinking-light error codes, and how to troubleshoot common no-spin causes under the washer, including wiring faults at the capacitor, the shift actuator, and the TMR sensor (motor speed sensor).
What you need
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Step 2 Enter diagnostic mode
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Plug the washer in.
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Press the Power button to turn the washer on.
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Press and hold the Temp button until diagnostic mode starts.
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Step 3 Read and scroll stored error codes
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Identify the error code by watching which indicator lights blink.
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Turn the cycle dial to scroll through stored failures and faults.
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Step 4 Know the limits of the code information provided
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Use the blinking-light pattern you recorded to look up the code in the model’s tech manual if it isn’t covered by the checks below.
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Step 5 Prepare for no-spin troubleshooting under the washer
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Access the underside of the washer to reach the motor and transmission area.
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Focus on the shift actuator, the capacitor, and the TMR sensor when the washer refuses to spin.
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Step 6 Inspect the capacitor and its wiring
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Locate the capacitor and find the blue wire and the red wire connected to it.
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Gently tug the wires to confirm they aren’t loose, disconnected, or severed.
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Inspect the capacitor housing for damage or bulging material coming out of the casing.
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Replace the capacitor if the casing looks damaged or swollen.
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Step 7 Test the shift actuator and check its wiring
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Locate the shift actuator, which shifts the washer from agitate to spin.
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Disconnect the Molex connector from the shift actuator.
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Use a multimeter to measure the shift actuator resistance at the connector.
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Confirm the reading is between 1000 and 1100 Ω.
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Inspect and gently tug the small shifter wire located just above the shift actuator for damage.
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Step 8 Access the TMR sensor
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Locate the TMR sensor on the top side of the motor area.
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Remove the large bracket to reach the TMR sensor.
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Remove additional motor and transmission components as needed to get clear access to the sensor.
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Step 9 Inspect the TMR sensor and harness
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Identify the TMR sensor and the wire harness connected to it.
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Inspect the harness and sensor terminals for a snapped or disconnected wire.
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Step 10 Repair the TMR sensor wiring or replace the assembly
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Remove the plastic cover piece by removing the two screws that hold it in place.
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Repair a snapped wire by soldering the wire back onto the TMR sensor terminal.
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Disconnect the Molex harness if needed to make the soldering repair easier.
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Replace the entire shifting assembly if you can’t solder, because Samsung doesn’t sell the TMR sensor by itself.
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Step 11 Reassemble and confirm the spin function
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Reinstall the plastic cover, the bracket, and any motor or transmission components you removed.
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Plug the washer in and run a test to confirm it spins normally.
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If diagnostics point to a speed-sensing problem (TMR-related) and the washer refuses to spin, inspect the underside wiring first, because vibration can break connections. A multimeter helps verify the shift actuator (1000–1100 Ω), and a snapped wire at the TMR sensor may be repairable with soldering, since the sensor isn’t sold separately from Samsung.
