Maytag Washing Machine: not spinning, incorrect cycle start, leaking water, agitating during spin cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag washing machine not spinning, starting incorrect cycles, leaking water, or agitating during the spin cycle? These issues can result from an unbalanced load, clogged drain hose, or a faulty lid lock. Identifying the problem early can help prevent further damage and costly repairs.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

Maytag washers can recall and error codes related to spin/drain cycles; review manual for specific codes like F5E3 lid lock failure

Possible Causes

Unbalanced load preventing spin

How to Identify: Washer stops or fails to spin when load is uneven or overfilled; clothes clumped on one side

Part: Drum/tub load distribution

Clogged drain hose or pump preventing draining and spin

How to Identify: Washer fills but fails to drain water; water remaining in tub after wash; poor spin

Part: Drain hose/pump

Faulty lid lock or door lock switch

How to Identify: Washer wonâ€™t start spin, errors related to lid not locking, no locking click heard

Part: Lid/door lock assembly

DIY Solutions

Rebalance the laundry load

Easy 5-10 minutes

Stop washer and redistribute clothes evenly in drum
Ensure not overloading beyond capacity
Select appropriate cycle with spin and restart

Clear drain hose and pump blockages

Moderate 20-40 minutes

Tools Needed: Bucket, Flashlight, Screwdriver

Unplug washer and turn off water
Disconnect and inspect drain hose for clogs/kinks
Check pump access panel and remove debris
Reconnect hose and test spin

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power OFF before access

Check and tighten hose connections

Easy 10-15 minutes

Tools Needed: Adjustable wrench

Turn off water and unplug washer
Inspect water inlet and drain hose connections
Tighten hose fittings; replace damaged washers
Test for leaks

Professional Repairs

Replace lid lock assembly

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Replace suspension rods or drive belt/clutch

Estimated Cost: $60 - $200

Drain pump replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

When to Call a Professional

Water leak persists after tightening connections or blockages cleared

Control board or electrical faults suspected

Mechanical parts (belt, motor, clutch) appear damaged

Preventive Maintenance

Clean drain hose and pump filter: Clogs that lead to spin failures and leaks
Frequency: every 3 months
Check hose connections: Water leaks at inlet and drain connections
Frequency: every 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine not spinning, incorrect cycle start, leaking water, agitating during spin cycle?

Common causes include an unbalanced load, clogged drain hose, or a faulty lid lock.

How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine not spinning, incorrect cycle start, leaking water, agitating during spin cycle myself?

Try redistributing the load, clearing clogs in the drain hose, or checking hose connections.

How much does it cost to fix not spinning, incorrect cycle start, leaking water, agitating during spin cycle?

Professional repairs can range from $50 to $250, depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not spinning, incorrect cycle start, leaking water, agitating during spin cycle?

If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue, or if the problem persists, consider calling a technician.

References & Sources

Maytag Washing Machine Not Spinning: Possible Causes And Fixes Official

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

Faulty shift actuator causing incorrect cycle initiation and spin issues
Worn or damaged tub seal leading to water leakage
Clogged drain pump or hose preventing proper drainage during spin cycle

User Suggested Solutions

Inspect and replace the shift actuator. Disconnect power, remove the control panel, access the shift actuator, and replace it with a new one. Reassemble and test the machine.
Replace the tub seal. Disconnect power and water supply, remove the outer tub, replace the tub seal, and reassemble the machine. Ensure all connections are tight to prevent leaks.
Clear the drain pump and hose. Disconnect power, check for clogs in the drain pump and hose, remove any debris, and reassemble. Test the machine to ensure proper drainage.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

Washing machine help

Community Discussions

Machine wouldn’t spin properly, starts with spin cycle or agitating instead of adding water, leaks water, agitating during spin cycle