Washer Not Spinning? How to Fix It Professionally

If your washing machine isn’t spinning or is spinning too slowly, the problem is probably related to the type of system it uses for the wash cycle or rotating the tub or basket. However, a faulty door lock or lid switch may be the cause in some cases.

Fixing the problem may require taking the washer apart, but our guide can assist you in resolving the issue without needing a professional technician.

Before accessing the washing machine, disconnect it from the power extension cord and turn off the water supply.

What Kind Of Washer Do You Have?

The reason why your washing machine not spinning may vary depending on the type of washer you own. For example, the faulty lid switch is a common cause of non-spinning in top-load washers, while defective door locks are often the issue in front-load washers.

Additionally, top-load and front-loading washers have different drive systems responsible for agitating and rotating the tub, which may include drive belts, motor couplers, or stator and rotor components.

Knowing the type of washer you have can help you identify the specific problem and determine the appropriate fix.

Defective Lid Switch Or Door Lock

Both top-load and front-load washing machines have built-in safety features that prevent the tub from spinning when the door or lid is open. In top-load washers, this is achieved through a lid switch mechanism, while front-load washers use a door lock (also called an interlock) for the same purpose.

To check whether these safety features are working correctly, close the door or lid and listen for a clicking sound to ensure it is securely closed. Another way to diagnose the issue is by looking for error codes displayed by the washer, as they can indicate if there is a problem with either of these features.

If you suspect the door lock or lid switch is faulty, remove it from the washing machine and use a multimeter to test for continuity. If there is no continuity, the controller or lock must be replaced.

Defective Motor Coupler

If your washing machine has a motor coupler that transfers power from the motor to the transmission, it may be responsible for its failure to spin properly. While a defective coupler can still allow the washer to agitate, it cannot rotate the tub. Over time, motor couplers can wear out, especially if they have been overloaded.

The coupler is typically located beneath the washer tub, and accessing it may require tilting the washer or disassembling the appliance cabinet. Removing the pump and motor may also be necessary to reach the coupler.

Once you’ve located the motor coupler, examine it for any signs of damage. If the coupler is indeed defective, it will need to be replaced.

Defective Clutch

Some top-loading washing machines come equipped with either an external or internal clutch within the transmission system. If the clutch spring breaks or the pads wear out, the clutch may become defective.

Symptoms of a faulty clutch include a scraping noise from the pads, poor spin switch speed leading to wet clothes, burning smells, loud noises during cycles, or shavings beneath the machine.

The clutch is typically located beneath the washing machine tub, attached to the basket drive assembly. Accessing the clutch may require removing the drive motor and transmission. If the clutch is internal to the transmission, it is a more complex repair that a trained technician should perform.

Inspect the clutch for signs of burning or wear and tear. It should be replaced if the clutch is damaged and causes the machine to spin improperly.

Depending on the machine, accessing and replacing the clutch may require disassembling the washer cabinet or tilting the machine onto its back.

Broken Drive Belt

If your washing machine uses a drive belt to turn the tub, drum, or basket, it may need to be fixed due to a broken or loose belt that has worn over time. The belt may have also slipped off one of the pulleys it wraps around.

The belt links the drive motor to the basket for front-load washing machines that use a drive belt. Meanwhile, the belt on a top-load washing machine links the drive motor to the transmission.

Depending on the type of washing machine you have, you may need to remove the washer cabinet, rear-access panel (and possibly the top panel) or even turn the machine over to access the drain hose and the belt beneath it.

If the belt has come off a pulley, you can reposition it and fix the problem. However, if the belt is damaged, broken, or lacks the necessary tension, you must replace it.

Defective Stator Or Rotor Assembly

Certain top-load and front-load washing machines use a stator and rotor mechanism to generate a magnetic field, allowing the laundry tub or basket to spin. However, the stator windings or rotor magnets may deteriorate over time, causing the washer to stop spinning altogether.

Depending on the nature of the problem and the kind of washing machine, it may be necessary to replace either the rotor, stator drain pump, or both to resolve the issue.

In a front-load washing machine, the stator and rotor are typically accessible by removing the washer’s rear access panel or dismantling the front-load washer and cabinet.

In contrast, with top-load washing machines, it may be necessary to disassemble the cabinet or flip the washer over to access the stator and rotor underneath the tub.

Other Less Likely Causes

If the problems described earlier are not the cause of your washing machine’s issue, then the following parts should be inspected and changed if they are found to be malfunctioning:

• The drive motor
• The motor control board
• The shifter mechanism, which is responsible for switching between agitation and the spin cycle modes
• Suspension rods, pads, or springs
• The draining hose component, which allows the washer to drain
• The main control board.

How do you fix a Whirlpool washer that won’t spin?

To fix a Whirlpool washer that won’t spin:

• Check the lid switch and make sure it’s functioning properly.
• Inspect the drive belt for signs of wear or damage.

Why is my washing machine humming but not spinning?

Possible causes of a washing machine humming but not spinning:

• Obstruction in the drain pump or motor.
• Faulty motor capacitor.