We often forget the convenience that appliances provide us until, for whatever reason, they malfunction and we’re left wondering what happened. Fortunately, when it comes to a Whirlpool washer not spinning, you don’t have to worry – in most cases, there is an effortless solution! This article will teach you how to address this issue quickly so your washing machine can be functional again.
8 Reasons your Whirlpool Washer Won’t Spin
The following are reasons why your Whirlpool washer may not be spinning. These reasons apply only if there are no other issues that you’re noticing. In case your washer is neither spinning nor draining, you should check out the second part of this article.
Load Uneven or Too Heavy
It may be alluring to fill your washing machine with clothing, but overpacking it won’t result in the desired outcome. If you go overboard, the washer will not spin until some of your wet clothes are removed.
To make certain that everything runs smoothly, mindfully consider how much is going into the appliance before starting up a cycle; this will guarantee optimal efficiency while also allowing for clean garments!
An alternate issue that can arise when washing items is improper load balance. Do you have any shoes to launder? Make sure they’re distributed evenly in the washer; otherwise, they won’t be able to rotate properly.
Faulty Lid Switch Assembly
Protecting you from potential harm, the lid switch assembly works to make sure that a wash cycle does not begin if the lid is left open. With frequent use, however, this component may start to malfunction and prevent cycles from starting when it’s correctly closed. If this happens, replacing your washer with a new assembly is necessary for continued safety.
How to Replace a Lid Switch Assembly
Before you do anything, make sure that your washing machine is not plugged into a power source. After you do that, you can start replacing the lid switch assembly by following these steps:
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the top lid on your washer.
- Remove the top lid of your washing machine.
- You will notice the lid switch assembly after removing the top lid. It looks like a small plastic box.
- Disconnect any wires connected to the lid switch assembly and remove the screws that secure it.
- Install the new assembly and place the top lid back into its original position.
Check out the video below for more information on how to replace a lid switch assembly on a Whirlpool washing machine.
3. Door Latch is Faulty
What’s frustrating about a faulty door latch on a Whirlpool washer is that it will both prevent your machine from spinning and make it hard for you to open the door. Thankfully, there are relatively simple ways to bypass the door latch.
How to Bypass a Washer Door Latch
Your first strategy should be to unplug the appliance and let it sit for five minutes. Even if this doesn’t work every time, it’s definitely worth giving a shot! Additionally, consider gently tapping on the door handle in an open-handed manner until you manage to loosen up the latch.
4. Ceased Clutch
Also known as the transmission clutch, this small disc is situated close to the base of your washer. It attaches the agitator to its motor and when it ceases working correctly, might prevent your washing machine from spinning.
Diagnosing a Ceased Clutch
Turn on your washing machine and start a cycle. When you do this, the agitator will move back and forth. When it does, you’ll hear water sloshing and the motor slightly humming. In case this doesn’t happen, it means that you should replace the clutch.
5. Failed Drive Motor
The drive motor is the most important part of your washing machine. It is designed to last for a long time, but that doesn’t mean it can’t break down at some point. In case your washer won’t start spinning, you should test the motor with a multimeter to check whether it’s in good condition.
Testing a Whirlpool Washer Drive Motor
Performing a test to determine whether the drive motor in your Whirlpool washer is faulty takes no more than 15 minutes of your time. All that you need for this task is a screwdriver and multimeter; here’s how it can be done quickly!
- Make sure that your washer is not plugged into a power source.
- Take a screwdriver and unscrew the screws that hold the rear panel on your washing machine.
- Remove the rear panel.
- Disconnect the motor from the wires it’s connected to and remove it from the machine.
- Set your multimeter to the lowest resistance setting and connect its leads to the terminals of the drive motor.
- In case the motor is working properly, you’ll get a reading of 0 ohms or a number close to 0. If you get any other readings, you’ll have to replace the drive motor.
6. Broken Drive Belt
The drive belt is an extremely important component in your Whirlpool washer. It is located in the back of the machine and connected to the drive motor. When the belt becomes worn, you may notice a burning smell or a squealing noise coming from the machine.
Inspecting a Broken Drive Belt
Grab a screwdriver and remove the screws that secure the back panel of your washing machine. After you do that, you’ll notice the drive belt. Check for any signs of burning or cracking. If there are signs like this, you should replace the drive belt.
7. Worn Drive Pulley
A clear sign of a broken drive pulley is frequent problems with the drive belt. When the pulley develops rough edges, it will easily damage the belt. You can check whether the pulley is damaged by running your finger over its surface. Make sure you do this as gently as possible to avoid getting cut. If you notice any deformations, it means that the pulley should be replaced.
Replacing a Worn Drive Pulley
Your first step towards replacing a worn drive pulley is making sure that the washer is not connected to a power source. After you do that, you can remove the back panel by first removing the screws that secure it. Now disconnect the belt and remove the bolts that secure the pulley. After you do that, you can install the replacement component.
You can find more information on how to replace a worn drive pulley in a Whirlpool washing machine by watching the video below.
8. Faulty Shift Actuator
Your Whirlpool washer’s shift actuator is essentially an optical sensor that conveys a signal to the appliance when it needs to transition between two settings, such as agitating and spinning. Sadly, if this part of your machine fails, you’ll be unable to make those changes until you replace the faulty component.
Replacing a Faulty Shift Actuator
To access the shift actuator, you need to turn your washing machine on its back. Once flipped over, this part is situated next to the drive belt and will be easy to spot since it’s connected with wires – simply unplug these and replace them with a newer one!
Watch the video below to learn how to replace a faulty shift actuator in a Whirlpool washer.
Whirlpool Washer Won’t Spin or Drain
If you notice that your washer won’t drain as well as refusing to spin, the good news is this symptom at least helps us get closer to an accurate fault diagnosis.
Blocked Drain Pump Filter or Obstructed Hose
Carefully examine if the drain pump filter is blocked or if there’s something blocking the hose. You only need a cloth to clean out the pump filter, but it might be wise to replace any obstructed or damaged hose with a new one.
Faulty Control Board
Your washer’s control board is a critical command centre that receives and sends signals to the components of your washing machine. When this part becomes faulty, it can stop you from starting a cycle altogether or simply prevent the spinning mechanism from running. You may even see an error code on your display indicating something’s wrong with the board – but no matter how sure you are, please always check for electrical continuity before ruling out any other reasons!
How to Test a Faulty Control Board
Testing the control board in your washer is a simple task that won’t take you more than 20 minutes. You will need a screwdriver and a multimeter handy.
- Your first step should be to make sure that the washer is not plugged into a power source.
- Take the screwdriver and use it to remove the screws that secure the control panel.
- Remove the control panel and you’ll notice the control board behind it.
- Grab your multimeter and set it to the lowest resistance setting.
- Connect the multimeter’s leads to the terminals of the board.
- In case you get a reading of infinity or an extremely high number, it means that the control board is faulty.
Program Failure
There is no need to manually set the temperature and length of a cycle if you use washing programs. These programs allow you to easily select how you want to wash your clothes depending on what you’re washing. However, you might notice some problems with the programs from time to time. In the event of a program failure, you might not see any programs displayed.
How to Solve Program Failure
Everyone experiences the occasional issues with their appliances. For Whirlpool washing machines, though, there are easy solutions! If your machine is having problems running a program, try out these methods to resolve it quickly and effectively: firstly, press the power button off before powering back on after 30 seconds; Secondly unplug the appliance for five minutes before plugging in again; and lastly launch a self-test (if available) on your model of the washing machine. With this quick guide, you’ll be able to get yourself up and running in no time!
Problems Specific To Top or Front Loading Machines
Top-loading and front-loading washers are incredibly similar, with only a few elements making them distinct from one another. For instance, the previously discussed door latch is found exclusively on front loaders. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why many people choose these machines for their laundry needs as they provide plenty of options without sacrificing quality or convenience!
Do you own a top-loading washing machine that’s experiencing some issues? It may just be the lid switch assembly. If your appliance is a front loader, however, your rotor and stator could be at fault — make sure to examine both! With this information in mind, it’ll become clear whether or not professional servicing is necessary for restoring the washer’s performance.
Verdict: Whirlpool Washer Not Spinning
What should you do if your Whirlpool washer is not spinning? The easiest solution may be to call a repair technician. However, you can save both time and money by fixing the appliance yourself. You may even find it satisfying to solve problems like this.
FAQs Whirlpool Washer Spin Problems
Finding Solution To Whirlpool Error Codes
When there is a problem with your Whirlpool washing machine, you will see error codes displayed on it. It can be hard to figure out what these error codes mean unless you have the manual handy. Thankfully, you can also find solutions to the error codes on the official Whirlpool website.
Whirlpool Washer Won’t Finish Spin Cycle
There could be many reasons why your washer stopped spinning during a cycle. A common problem is when people use too much detergent. Your only solution to this problem is to turn off the machine and drain the water manually.
Whirlpool Washer Not Spinning Or Draining
The most common reason why your washer is not spinning or draining is due to a blocked drain pump filter. Dust and debris can accumulate in the filter over time and prevent the machine from draining and spinning. Other reasons may include a faulty control board or program failure.
Whirlpool Washer Won’t Turn On
There are three reasons why your washing machine won’t start. The first is that it’s simply not plugged into the outlet. Another is that a circuit breaker tripped. The third reason is that the thermal fuse inside the washer tripped.
Andy has over 8 years of experience working on residential household appliances, performing diagnostics, and repairs across most major brands. He graduated from the Denver Institute of Technology, is NASTeC certified, and has worked for Mr. Appliance. Andy has contributed to features on major publications including Better Home & Gardens, Family Handyman, and Yahoo.com.
