Whirlpool Washer Won’t Spin? Let’s Find The Cause & Fix It

Is your Whirlpool Washer refusing to spin?

You’re not alone. A washer that stops spinning can be quite a common problem – and can usually be linked back to one of several issues.

While these can sound complicated, don’t worry. We’re here to walk you through this step by step, so you can get your Whirlpool Whirlpool Washer spinning smoothly again in no time.

If that sounds good, then let’s dive in.

6 Reasons Why Your Whirlpool Washer Isn’t Spinning

There are multiple reasons that could explain why your Whirlpool washer won’t spin, but the most common ones are:

1. An overloaded washer.
2. A clogged or damaged drain pump.
3. A broken motor coupling.
4. A loose drive belt.
5. A faulty door lock.
6. There’s a problem with the lid switch.

The good news is that you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to solve these issues.

#1 An Overloaded Washer

Before doing anything else, I’d like us to make sure that you’re not washing more clothes than your Whirlpool washer can handle.

Moreover, please check if you distributed your clothes evenly around the agitator.

You see, if your washer is unbalanced, it won’t be able to spin, and you’ll end up with soaking wet clothes.

To fix this issue, I recommend rearranging your clothes. Then, try running the cycle again to see if your washer is spinning.

If it’s not, chances are you have a clogged drain pump filter. Read on to learn how to solve this issue.

#2 A Clogged or Damaged Drain Pump Filter

Your washer’s drain pump is in charge of directing the water through the drain hose. But, if a foreign object gets trapped in it, your Whirlpool washer won’t spin.

To solve this issue, you’ll need to unclog your drain pump filter. Follow this quick guide to do it:

1. Unplug your Whirlpool washing machine and keep the front elevated by placing blocks under each foot.
2. Unscrew the three screws at the bottom of your washer to remove the panel and access the drain pump. Store them somewhere safe because you’ll use them later.
3. Drain the water that is left in the hoses by placing a container under the drain pump and turning the knob counterclockwise.
4. Turn the knob over and check the filter. Please remove any foreign objects or debris.
5. Put the drain filter on the pump again and take your washer off the blocks.

Once you’ve completed the steps above, try starting a new cycle to see if your Whirlpool washer spins. If the issue persists, chances are the drain pump damaged, and you’ll need to replace it.

#3 A Broken Motor Coupling

Moving on, I’d like us to check the motor coupling.

You see, if your washer is old, the motor coupling can be broken or damaged. This could explain why your Whirlpool washer doesn’t spin.

But, don’t worry. You can replace the motor coupling by calling a professional or by following this quick guide:

1. Unplug your appliance and turn off the water supply. Then, disconnect the supply lines located in the back of your Whirlpool washer.
2. Check your Whirlpool’s manual and disassemble it to access the interior of the machine.
3. Remove the pump to access the motor by unclipping the retainer clips and pulling the pump off the motor shaft.
4. Unplug the motor’s wiring harness.
5. Use a nut driver to remove the screws at the top and bottom of the motor that are holding the retainer clips. Bear in mind that the motor is heavy.
6. Remove the old coupler parts and replace the motor couple with a new one.
7. Reassemble the washing machine and plug it back in to the water supply and wall outlet.

#4 A Loose Drive Belt

If the motor coupling wasn’t broken or damaged, there’s a very good chance your washing machine has a loose drive belt.

You see, your washer drive belt allows the drum to turn during a wash cycle. So, if it’s loose or broken, your Whirlpool washer won’t be able to spin.

Follow this quick guide to fix the drive belt:

1. Unplug your washer from the wall outlet and turn off the water supply. You’ll need to disconnect the water supply lines.
2. Remove the back panel of your appliance to check the drive belt (wide black rubber strip). Please make sure it’s not damaged.
3. If you need to replace it, rotate the tub drive pulley. The belt will fall off.
4. Slide one end of the new drive belt over the motor pulley and place the other end on the tub drive pulley. Rotate the pulley to secure the belt.
5. Reconnect your Whirlpool washer and start a wash cycle to see if the issue was solved.

#5 A Faulty Door Lock

If you have a front load Whirlpool washer that doesn’t spin, the door lock might be damaged.

To check if that’s the case, you’ll need to.

1. Unplug your washer.
2. Unscrew the three screws of the top panel located at the back of your washer. Lift the panel off.
3. Open the door and remove the bellow spring by placing a flat screwdriver on the loop where the water attaches.
4. Pull back the boot to access the door lock and remove the screws that hold the door lock.
5. Reach inside the washer and lift the door lock assembly. Then, disconnect the wires attached to it, remove it.
6. Test the door lock with a multimeter. If it’s damaged, please replace it.

If you’re a visual learner, there are multiple videos on YouTube that can guide you.

#6 There’s a Problem With the Lid Switch

If you have a top load washer, you might want to keep reading.

As you may already know, the lid switch allows your washer to automatically start when the lid is closed. However, if there’s an issue with it, it may think that the lid is open. This could explain why your Whirlpool washer isn’t spinning.

But, don’t worry. You can easily solve this issue by installing a new switch lid. Keep reading to learn how to do it:

What You’ll Need

• Screwdriver
• Ohmmeter
• New Lid Switch (You can typically buy these cheaply on Amazon, just make sure that it’s compatible with your Whirlpool washer’s model #)

#1 Turn Off All Electricity

When plugged in, the wires in your Whirlpool washer have currents of electricity running through them at all times. Some of the work you’ll be doing involves steel tools, and running them into live wires will get you electrocuted.

Turn off and unplug your machine to be completely safe. This will kill all electricity issues, but will still allow you to test your lid switch later in the process.

#2 Unscrew the Control Panel

You won’t be able to test out your lid switch unless you take off the control panel.

The problem in the control panel rests across the entire front of your washer. You can remove it by taking off two screws that rest on either side of the machine.

After removing the screws, you will pull the panel straight off your washer. It may take a little more effort if this is your first time. Manufacturers will try to make the panel as tight-fitting as possible to avoid any future issues.

#3 Unplug the Lid Switch

Once the control panel is up, you’ll see the lid switch attached to the base of the washer. The part that plugs into your lid switch will come from the control panel and will have three wires coming out of one side.

The lid switch is the piece that is connected to the base of the washer. You might only see a small piece of it sticking out or the entire piece exposed. It will depend on which model you have.

Unplug the lid switch from the washer so you can test its status.

#4 Test Your Lid Switch

The three wires that come from your lid switch will have different colors. There is always a green color included in the three. Avoid the green color when testing because this color plugs into the washer and not the actual lid switch.

Take your ohmmeter and plug the red and black ends into the appropriate ends of the lid switch. If you hear a buzzing sound, then you have a closed circuit. This means the lid switch is in good condition.

No sound means your lid switch needs replacing because it doesn’t recognize when your Whirlpool washing lid is locked and secure.

#5 Replace your Lid Switch

Removing your lid switch from the Whirlpool is going to need some more effort. You want to open the lid and begin to unscrew the top panel that goes around the base of the washer.

Again, make sure your washer is unplugged.

Your lid switch wires should be wound in between the crevice of the top panel and base. Now, take the lid switch out of the base of the washer completely so you can replace it.

Remove the old switch and replace it with your new one. Reverse the order of steps you used to uninstall the piece to put everything back together again.

FAQ