How to Fix a Whirlpool Washer Not Spinning?

There could be a number of reasons for a whirlpool washer that is not spinning.

Along with spinning, another common problem is the Whirlpool washer shaking violently on the spin cycle.

In some cases, the problem is as simple as a missed step in removing dirt from the rubber door gasket.

A broken switch, an uneven load, a failed switch actuator, an imbalanced load, or an unlevel washer might all be to blame for your Whirlpool washer not spinning.

However, if you want to troubleshoot it without calling a repairperson, let us explain! You might be able to solve the problem on your own.

Make sure to read this post until the end to know all of the common causes for a not-spinning washing machine.

Common Causes of a Washing Machine Not Spinning

There are many potential reasons why a washing machine may not be spinning. Some common causes include:

• Clogged drain hose: If the drain hose is blocked or clogged, it can prevent water from draining from the machine, which can cause it to stop spinning.
• Unbalanced load: If a load of clothes in the washing machine is unevenly distributed, it can cause the machine to become imbalanced and stop spinning.
• Failed switch actuator: The switch actuator is responsible for shifting detergents and softeners into the washing machine. If it fails, it can cause the machine to stop spinning.
• Unlevel washer: If the washing machine is not level, it can cause it to vibrate excessively and stop spinning.

Steps to Troubleshoot a Whirlpool Washer That Is Not Spinning

A Whirlpool washer won’t agitate for a variety of reasons. The following is a list of the most common problems and quick troubleshooting steps to resolve them.

1. Inspect the Drain Hose

If your Whirlpool washer isn’t spinning, it could be because your drain hose is clogged.

Carefully inspect the hose to see if there are any obstructions or blockages. It could also be that you need to replace the drain hose because it’s old and worn out.

Moreover, look at where your drain hose connects to the pump and make sure it is securely attached.

Also, try shaking the hose back and forth while watching for any kinks or bends in it that might prevent water from flowing through it easily.

Here are some things you should look for when examining the drain hose:

• Look For A Dark Orange Coloration – This means the rubber has oxidized and needs to be replaced.
• Look For Frayed Ends Or Shreds – This means the drain hose is old or has been damaged in some way and needs to be replaced.
• Look For Any Particular Marks Or Cuts – These may indicate a manufacturing defect in the hose, and now may you need to replace it.

If there are no obstructions found when shaking the hose, then you may need a technician to come out and inspect the system.

Watch this video guide on how to unclog the drain pump in your Whirlpool washer.

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• Bosch Washing Machine Won’t Spin
• Hotpoint Washing Machine Not Spinning: (13 Proven Fixes)

2. Check for items on top of the washer

The Whirlpool washer can be a problem when it won’t spin. You may have items on top of the washer, which will stop the spinning process.

Check to see if there are any items sitting on top of the washer or anything blocking your view into the drum.

If there are items inside, remove them carefully without tipping over or dragging them over onto other clothes in the load.

If this is not your issue, let’s move on to troubleshooting.

3. Make Sure You Have Enough Clothes For a Full Load of Wash

If this is your first time experiencing this problem, it may be due to not having enough clothes for a full load of washing.

In order to solve this problem, you should add more clothes to the washer and then re-run the wash cycle.

If the problem persists, then you might want to go into your front loader and clean out any hair or other obstructions that may be causing this issue.

Here is a checklist for this:

• Make sure you have enough water in the machine and that there is no soap residue blocking the water flow
• Check if there is enough detergent in the drum and that it’s not expired.
• Check if there are any loose items inside or outside of the machine that could cause an issue with the washing process

4. Check For Shift Actuator

Another reason for the whirlpool washer not spinning is the failure of the shift actuator.

Actuators are located on the top of the control panel. They are designed to shift detergents or softeners into the washing machine.

Failure of the shift actuator can result in inadequate amounts of cleaning chemicals being delivered to the machine during each cycle.

Eventually, this can cause the motor to burn out.

If this is the problem, contact a competent appliance repair person immediately.

However, here are a few things you should look for when examining the shift actuator:

• Examine The Shift Lever – It should move freely back and forth. If it does not, there is probably a mechanical problem with the mechanism that allows the shift lever to move.
• If it will not move at all, check the wiring to the control panel for continuity and make sure there is power to the control panel.
• Shift Lever Binding – This means the mechanism that allows the shift lever to move has become frozen in place.

To avoid this big trouble it is important to review the list of washing machine brands to avoid before buying a new washer.

5. Defective Lid Switch

This is another common reason for a whirlpool washer won’t spin.

A lid switch is an electrical device that opens and closes the circuit to the motor whenever the lid of the washer is closed.

Normally, when the lid is closed, the lid switch will close the circuit and energize the motor.

However, if the washer has a defective lid switch, then the lid switch will always be open, the circuit will remain open, and the motor will never get energized.

This can cause the motor to burn out very quickly. So, you need to replace the lid switch to fix the issue.

If your washer still doesn’t agitate check out the next step.

6. Defective Drain Valve

Whirlpool washers are famous for their stability and long-lasting performance.

However, there may be times when the washer is not spinning due to a defective drain valve.

A defective drain valve can cause the water to accumulate in the tub and not reach all areas of the clothes.

This can be dangerous as it can lead to mold or mildew growth in your clothes over time.

To troubleshoot the issue, you need to see if any of these items are true:

• The washer is draining but is not agitating
• The wash cycle is not working properly
• The lid switch may be defective

7. Defective Float Switch

If your washer isn’t filling up with water or spinning, it might be due to a malfunctioning float switch.

The float switch is responsible for starting the wash cycle when the water level is high enough in the tub.

It also shuts off the motor when the water level gets too low.

A faulty float switch can prevent your washer from filling with water or spinning out clothes.

To troubleshoot this problem:

• You should first check to see if there’s power going to your washer and make sure it’s plugged in if there isn’t any power coming from the outlet.
• You should then look at your circuit breaker panel and make sure that nothing else has tripped it. If there are no problems with these two things, you’ll want to examine all of your connections near the breaker box.

8. Defective Drive Belt

A Whirlpool washer, not spinning can be caused by a defective drive belt.

The belt should be replaced immediately if it is degraded, broken, or does not turn the drum or agitator.

The first step is to inspect the drive belt and make sure that it is properly installed and not too loose or too tight.

If the drive belt looks fine, then the problem could be caused by a defective bearing.

In this situation, you need to inspect the bearing for any signs of defectiveness manually.

In case you find any defects at this stage, replace them with a new one, and your machine should start spinning again.

9. Check for engine noise

A noise coming from the engine is a sign of a problem. It could be anything from bearings going bad or a belt that has snapped.

There are two common reasons for an engine to make a loud noise:

1) The belt has slipped off its pulley.
2) A bearing is failing or broken.

If there’s any engine noise coming from it or the area near it. If you do hear a noise, try pulling out the agitator to see if you can determine where precisely in the motor it’s coming from.

If there’s no engine noise, then you will want to check for water leaks under your washer or around its base.

If you don’t find any leaks and nothing else seems amiss, try changing your detergent and fabric softener for one that you haven’t used yet.

Well, these were the most common problems for a washer not spinning.

However, if you have problems with your dishwasher, you can check out our detailed Whirlpool Dishwasher Troubleshooting guide to fix the problem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot a Whirlpool washer that is not spinning.

These include inspecting the drain hose, checking for items on top of the washer, making sure you have enough clothes for a full load of wash, checking for shift actuator failure, checking for an uneven load, and checking for an unlevel washer.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to call a professional appliance repairperson for further assistance.

Proper maintenance and regular cleaning and inspection of your washing machine can help to prevent problems and extend its lifespan.

Steven Settles

Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.