Maytag Washing Machine: not spinning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag washing machine not spinning? You might notice that your clothes remain wet after the cycle, and the drum may not initiate or complete the spin cycle. This issue can occur due to an unbalanced load, incorrect cycle settings, or mechanical faults. Let’s explore the common causes and solutions to get your washer back to optimal performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Some models retain spin settings from last cycle; low/no spin selection will be recalled. Adjust to proper spin cycle.
  • Some top‑load models use suspension rods that, if worn, can cause imbalance leading to no spin.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced or overloaded laundry load

How to Identify: Washer senses imbalance, may pause or skip spin; heavy items clump on one side; clothes still wet.

Part: Load distribution / weight sensors

Incorrect spin cycle or cycle settings

How to Identify: Low/no spin selected or delicate cycle chosen results in reduced spin speed and wet clothes.

Part: Control panel / cycle selection

Faulty lid switch or door latch assembly

How to Identify: Washer acts as if lid/door is open; no click when closing; spin doesn’t start.

Part: Lid/door switch or latch

Drive belt worn, loose, or broken

How to Identify: Drum doesn’t spin though motor runs, belt visibly frayed or broken upon inspection.

Part: Drive belt

Drainage issues/clogged pump or hose preventing complete spin

How to Identify: Water remains after cycle, slower or no spin; debris seen in pump filter or hose kinks.

Part: Drain pump or drain hose

Motor coupling failure

How to Identify: Motor runs but drum doesn’t spin; inspection shows broken coupling pieces.

Part: Motor coupling

Control board or electronic fault

How to Identify: No spin even after checking mechanical causes; visible board damage or error codes.

Part: Main control board

DIY Solutions

Redistribute and Balance Laundry Load

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Pause washer
  2. Open lid/door and redistribute items evenly
  3. Remove some items if overloaded
  4. Restart and select appropriate spin cycle

Select Correct Spin Cycle

Easy 1–2 minutes
  1. Check current cycle settings
  2. Choose higher spin speed cycle suited for load
  3. Start cycle and observe spin

Clean Drain Pump Filter and Hose

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: towel, bucket, screwdriver
  1. Unplug washer
  2. Locate and remove drain pump filter or access panel
  3. Clear debris and inspect hose for kinks
  4. Reassemble and test spin cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before servicing

Inspect and Replace Drive Belt

Advanced 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, wrench
  1. Unplug washer and tip back
  2. Remove rear panel
  3. Inspect belt for wear or break
  4. Install compatible replacement belt
  5. Reassemble and test spin
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before servicing

Test and Replace Lid Switch

Advanced 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver
  1. Unplug washer
  2. Remove control panel to access lid switch
  3. Test for continuity with multimeter
  4. Replace switch if defective
  5. Reassemble and test
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before electrical testing

Professional Repairs

Motor Coupling Replacement

Estimated Cost: $40–$80

Control Board Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150–$350

When to Call a Professional

Persistent electrical issues indicated by error codes
Unusual burning smell or smoke
Internal mechanical failures beyond DIY comfort
Spin still fails after all DIY checks

Preventive Maintenance

  • Run balanced medium loads: Unbalanced spin issues
    Frequency: ongoing
  • Clean drain pump filter periodically: Drain clogs affecting spin cycle
    Frequency: every 3–6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine not spinning?
Common causes include unbalanced loads, incorrect cycle settings, and faulty lid switches.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine not spinning myself?
Redistribute laundry, select the correct cycle, or clean the drain pump filter.
How much does it cost to fix not spinning?
Professional repair for not spinning can range from $40 to $350, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not spinning?
If DIY solutions fail or if you suspect complex issues like motor coupling failure.

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: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clutch slipping or shift actuator/cam gear assembly failure (1 mentions)
  • Capacitor failure (1 mentions)
  • Loose wire on the drain pump (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced the capacitor, which resolved the issue.

    Success rate: 4.0%

  2. Loose wire on the drain pump.

    Success rate: 4.0%

  3. Replace clutch kit or shift actuator/cam gear assembly.

    Success rate: 4.0%

  4. Replaced motor connection coupling assembly.

    Success rate: 4.0%
Analysis based on 12 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Fix 11 year old Maytag Neptune front washer or buy a new was...
  2. Maytag top load washer not doing spin cycle
  3. At my wit's end with Maytag Washer!
  4. Maytag washer help.
  5. How to remove cabinet from Maytag W10140921B washer
  6. 10 year old Maytag washer won't spin. Should I try to get it...
  7. Commercial maytag washer repair question
  8. Which part/problem makes my old Maytag centennial W10089728 ...
  9. Maytag Centennial Commercial Technology Washer (MVWC360AW0) ...
  10. Maytag Washer troubleshooting
  11. Maytag 2022 Topload Washer MVW5430MW1 F7E1 error code
  12. Maytag front loading washer not spinning fast enough

Community Discussions

F7E1 error code, not spinning

Replaced the capacitor, which resolved the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Both the agitator and drum were not spinning

The motor connection coupling assembly was replaced, likely referring to part # 285852A.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

stops after wash (doesn't go into spin mode)

Resetting the machine seemed to resolve the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

getting off balanced and not spinning dry

Replaced bucket, bottom driver, belt, and control board.

DIY View on Reddit →

not wringing out a load of laundry

The clutch may be slipping or the shift actuator/cam gear assembly may need replacement.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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