Maytag Washing Machine: not spinning properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing issues with your Maytag washing machine not spinning properly? This could manifest as the drum failing to spin, spinning slowly, or leaving clothes excessively wet. Often, these problems occur during the spin cycle or with heavier loads, and can be accompanied by unusual noises or an unbalanced operation. Identifying the cause is crucial for effective troubleshooting.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag front-load washers can remember previous cycle spin settings; if Low/No Spin cycle was last used, spin may be slow or not occur until appropriate cycle selected.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced or overloaded load

How to Identify: Machine stops spin or runs unevenly when heavy items clump to one side; error messages about imbalance; clothes soggy.

Part: Load distribution / sensors

Lid lock or door latch malfunction

How to Identify: Washer won’t spin at all; no lock sound at start; lid not detected as closed.

Part: Lid lock switch/door latch assembly

Clogged drain pump or filter

How to Identify: Water not draining properly; spin cycle cancelled or incomplete with remaining water; possible pump noise or blockage signs.

Part: Drain pump/filter

Drive belt wear or breakage

How to Identify: Drum does not spin but motor may run; visible belt damage or slack when inspected.

Part: Drive belt

Faulty motor or motor coupling

How to Identify: No drum movement even with proper load; humming or unusual sounds from motor area.

Part: Motor / motor coupling

Control board/electrical faults

How to Identify: Intermittent spin issues, error codes, no response from spin commands.

Part: Control board/electrical system

DIY Solutions

Redistribute or balance laundry load

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Pause washer mid-cycle
  2. Redistribute clothes evenly in the drum, mixing large and small items
  3. Restart the spin cycle
  4. Ensure load size matches machine capacity
⚠️ Safety First: Do not overload beyond capacity

Clean drain pump filter and hoses

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, bucket, towels
  1. Unplug washer
  2. Locate and remove drain pump filter access panel
  3. Place towels and bucket to catch water
  4. Remove and clean filter and any debris
  5. Reassemble and run a rinse/spin cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure unplugged before access

Inspect and replace drive belt

Advanced 45-90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, wrench set, replacement belt
  1. Unplug and move washer
  2. Remove back or front access panel
  3. Locate drive belt
  4. Inspect for wear, cracks or slack
  5. Replace with correct OEM belt
  6. Reassemble and test spin cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power

Professional Repairs

Replace lid lock or door latch assembly

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150 (parts) plus labor

Motor or motor coupling replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Control board repair or replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500

When to Call a Professional

No improvement after load balancing and cleaning filter
Lid lock/latch tests fail or are difficult to access
Drive belt visibly broken or motor hums but no drum movement
Electronic control issues or error codes persist

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean drain pump filter: Drain blockages that inhibit spin cycle
    Frequency: monthly
  • Level washer on floor: Unbalanced loads that stop spinning
    Frequency: as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine not spinning properly?
Common causes include unbalanced loads, lid lock malfunctions, clogged filters, or worn drive belts.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine not spinning properly myself?
Redistribute laundry, clean the drain pump, or inspect the drive belt for wear.
How much does it cost to fix not spinning properly?
Professional repairs can range from $50 to $500 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not spinning properly?
If DIY solutions fail or if the problem seems complex, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged hose (1 mentions)
  • Belt issues (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Clean clogged hose

    Success rate: 25.0%
  2. Replace actuator

    Success rate: 25.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

Community Discussions

clothes still wet after cycle

The issue was due to an almost clogged hose, which was cleaned, allowing the machine to spin at full RPM and dry the clothes.

struggling to spin properly

Actuator replaced; drum sounds smoother but still noisy.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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