Why Crosley Record Player Won’t Spin? (Quick Solutions)

Is your Crosley record player won’t spin, and you’re wondering why? Well, keep reading this guide!

If your Crosley record player is connected to the power and working, but the platter won’t start spinning, there is a wide range of possibilities.

So, throughout this guide, we will explore all the reasons why the platter is stuck and won’t spin and walk you through a few proven resolutions.

Here are the main culprits for a non-spinning platter:

Let’s unwrap each of these possibilities and share the solutions!

Crosley Record Player Won’t Spin – 7 Working Solutions!

Note: Have you tried unplugging and reconnecting the Crosley record player from the outlet?

1. Set your Player to “PHONO”

The first and crucial step is to verify that the Crosley record player is set to “PHONO” mode as this is the function dedicated to playing vinyl records.

The Crosley record player can either be set to Bluetooth (as a wireless speaker) and on “PHONO” mode, which allows listing records.

You can find the Bluetooth/PHONO switch on the right side.

• The switch must be pushed to the right so “PHONO” mode is selected.

If that’s the case, test whether the platter will start spinning. If not, then continue reading ahead!

2. Change the Playback Speed

The next and most important step to try is setting the record player to a different speed or testing whether the platter will start spinning on any of the options.

The Crosley record player can run at three different speeds, so we recommend switching between them to check whether that’ll work.

Here’s a quick explanation of what each speed is meant for:

• 33 1/3 RPM – This speed is for long-play records and is the recommended speed.
• 45 RPM – This speed is for extended play (EPs), providing higher audio fidelity.
• 78 RPM – This speed is most common for old records (for fragile material records).

If your Crosley record player platter won’t start spinning on the current speed selection, feel free to try on all three different speeds.

Sometimes the problem is just a bug that goes away quickly.

Note: If switching the speed does not help, we recommend leaving it to 33 1/3 permanently!

3. Disable the Auto-Stop Function

The next thing to check is the Auto-Stop function as this is another Crosley record player feature that can prevent the platter from spinning.

The Auto-Stop function automatically stops the platter from spinning when the record is over, judging by the position of the tonearm for automatization.

Hence, if something with the mechanism is faulty, and the detection is incorrect, the platter may not spin due to the Auto-Stop function.

So, we recommend disabling it to check if that’ll help.

• To disable the Auto-Stop function, push the switch located on the left side of the Bluetooth/PHONO button.

So, without the Auto-Stop function, your Crosley record player should start spinning the platter! If not, continue reading…

4. Remove Platter Obstructions

Still, asking why my Crosley record player won’t spin? Well, the next important thing to check is whether the platter is obstructed by anything and possibly clean it. 

To inspect the platter correctly, you would need to remove it, so take out the ring that is holding the platter to the spindle, by using your fingernail or a flathead screwdriver. Then, you can lift it.

The belt will come loose, but don’t worry! For now, just inspect whether something got underneath the platter and is actively obstructing the rotation.

If not, clean the platter by using a microfiber cloth, put it aside, and keep reading…

5. Lubricate the Motor’s Pulley

Now that the platter is removed, and the belt is loose, that would be the perfect opportunity to lubricate the motor’s pulley.

This is one of the crucial aspects for the rotation of the platter, and if the Crosley record player hasn’t been used for a long time, lubrication may be needed.

To lubricate the motor’s pulley (found on the right of the spindle), you’ll need a motor oil and a tool that can release just a few drops.

Your target is the shaft from which the pulley comes out.

Warning: Put the belt aside to prevent lubricating it and making things even more difficult!

6. Reposition the Platter’s Belt

The main reason why the Crosley record player not spinning is the belt of course, as it is the main piece attaching the platter to the motor’s pulley.

The belt may have been loose all along, which means that reinstalling the belt is the most important step you would need to do in this guide.

We’ve prepared a detailed step-by-step guide on reinstalling the belt:

1. Verify that the belt is not ripped, or overstretched.
2. Then, flip your platter upside down on a flat surface.
3. Stretch the belt and wrap it around the platter’s ring.
4. Release the belt and push it into the inner platter ring.
5. Flip your platter the correct way up above the spindle.
6. Pinch the right side of the belt to attach it to the pulley.
7. Release the belt, and slide your platter on the spindle.

There is a high chance that if you’re not careful, the belt will come loose as you’re sliding down the platter on the spindle.

You need to be very gentle, and make sure that the belt is secured.

Important: Test whether the Crosley record player will now spin, and if not, repeat the steps!

7. Change the Electrical Source

If nothing works, and the Crosley record player is not spinning, perhaps the issue comes from the electrical source.

If you have any third-party power equipment such as dividers, strips, or any smart plugs, we recommend connecting the adapter of the Crosley record player directly.

If this doesn’t help, we advise connecting the record player to a different electrical outlet in your home, just to test whether this will resolve the problem.

Quick Tip: If you have a replacement power cable, try implementing it into your Crosley setup!

A Hardware Defect?

You can quickly check if the motor’s pulley is spinning by turning on the record player without a platter installed.

If the pulley is not spinning, then the motor could be faulty. If your warranty is over, you can open up the Crosley record player and check the motor for any black/burnt spots.

If the motor is gone, you’ll need servicing!