Kenmore Washing Machine: not spinning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore washing machine is not spinning, it may leave your clothes wet after a wash cycle. This issue can happen suddenly or intermittently, often accompanied by vibrations or error codes. Common causes include an unbalanced load, faulty lid switch, or a worn drive belt. Understanding these symptoms and causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore washers often use suspension rods, motor couplings, and lid switches that commonly fail and prevent spin.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced or overloaded load

How to Identify: Wet clothes remain and machine may vibrate or stop mid-cycle; load contains large or uneven items (e.g., blankets

Part: Load distribution system / balance sensor

Faulty or defective lid switch/door latch

How to Identify: Washer won’t spin at all; lid closure doesn’t click; continuity test fails on lid switch

Part: Lid switch / door latch assembly

Worn or broken drive belt

How to Identify: Drum doesn’t spin but can turn freely by hand; belt appears loose, cracked, or broken when inspected

Part: Drive belt

Faulty control board or motor control

How to Identify: No drive power to motor despite other systems functional; visible board damage or error codes

Part: Control board / motor control

Worn clutch or transmission components

How to Identify: Drum doesn’t spin though motor runs; gear noise; wear visible on clutch/hub

Part: Clutch / hub / transmission

DIY Solutions

Redistribute laundry and reduce load size

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Stop and open washer
  2. Redistribute laundry evenly around drum
  3. Remove some items if washer is overfull
  4. Restart spin cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before reaching inside

Check and test lid switch/door latch

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter
  1. Unplug washer
  2. Remove access panel to reach lid switch
  3. Inspect switch operation and listen for click when lid closed
  4. Test continuity with multimeter
  5. Replace switch if no continuity
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before opening washer

Inspect and replace drive belt

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Wrench set
  1. Unplug machine
  2. Remove back or bottom panel
  3. Locate drive belt around motor and pulley
  4. Check for damage or slack
  5. Replace belt with correct part
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure unplugged before work

Clear drain pump and hose blockages

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: Bucket, Pliers, Shop vacuum optional
  1. Unplug washer
  2. Place bucket to catch water
  3. Disconnect drain hose and check for debris
  4. Inspect pump inlet for blockages
  5. Clear any lint or debris
  6. Reconnect and test
⚠️ Safety First: Water may spill

Professional Repairs

Replace motor coupling

Estimated Cost: $30 - $60

Control board replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Clutch or transmission repair or replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $600+

When to Call a Professional

Spin failure persists after DIY checks (belt, lid switch, load balance)
Evidence of electrical/control board damage
Unusual noises indicating mechanical failure

Preventive Maintenance

  • Avoid overloading washer: Unbalanced loads that halt spin
    Frequency: Every load
  • Regularly inspect and clear drain pump and hoses: Clogs that can stop spin cycle
    Frequency: Every 3-6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine not spinning?
Common reasons include an unbalanced load, faulty lid switch, or a worn drive belt.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine not spinning myself?
Redistribute laundry, check the lid switch, or inspect the drive belt for issues.
How much does it cost to fix not spinning?
Professional repairs can range from $30 for motor coupling to $600+ for clutch replacement.
When should I call a technician for not spinning?
If DIY solutions fail or you suspect control board issues, it's time to consult a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

71%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Lid switch malfunction (4 mentions)
  • Clutch failure (4 mentions)
  • Transmission issues (3 mentions)
  • Door lock mechanism failure (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace lid switch

    Success rate: 10.0%

  2. Replace clutch

    Success rate: 10.0%

  3. Replace door lock mechanism

    Success rate: 5.0%

  4. Replace transmission or neutral drain kit

    Success rate: 5.0%

  5. Run heavier loads alone to avoid issues

    Success rate: 5.0%
Analysis based on 14 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Kenmore washing machine agitator won’t spin
  2. Washing machine won’t spin
  3. Kenmore front load washing machine turns but won't go into t...
  4. Kenmore/Sears 417 washing machine is not cycling properly.
  5. 20+ year Kenmore Set: Washing Machine Part Needed! Help!
  6. Kenmore 500 Washing Machine Clutch replacement
  7. Does this look right? Replacing door seal on Kenmore washing...
  8. Kenmore 110 Washing Machine Making Grinding Noise While Agit...
  9. Topload Kenmore 90 series washing machine barely spins and m...
  10. Kenmore 70 series heavy duty washing machine (top loader) ag...
  11. Update: Washing Machine Buzzes, Won't Enter Spin Cycle
  12. kenmore 110.24642300
  13. Kenmore heavy duty 60 series- broke it while trying to fix i...
  14. Kenmore Washing Machine not spinning until I open and close ...

Community Discussions

turns but won't go into the final spin cycle

The issue was resolved by replacing the door lock mechanism.

DIY View on Reddit →

wet clothes, agitates but high spin speed never kicks on

Electrical panels and wiring were damaged by roaches; decided to buy a new washer instead of repairing.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

inner drum doesn't spin

The issue was resolved after correctly installing the door seal, and the washer is now functioning without leaks.

DIY View on Reddit →

Washing machine recently stopped in the middle of the cycle and will not spin

Lid switch replacement or repair; part number W10820036

DIY View on Reddit →

barely spins and makes a belt slipping / grinding sound

The spin gear in the transmission is stripped out; replace the transmission or the neutral drain kit.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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