Whirlpool Washing Machine: not completing cycle, not spinning properly
What is this symptom?
Is your Whirlpool washing machine not completing its cycle or spinning properly? You may notice it stops midway, leaves clothes wet, or vibrates unusually. Common causes include an unbalanced load, faulty lid switch, or drainage issues. Learn how to troubleshoot and resolve these problems effectively.
Important Tips for Whirlpool Models
- Whirlpool official troubleshooting acknowledges multiple common causes from settings to mechanical issues for spin problems.
Possible Causes
Unbalanced or overloaded laundry load
How to Identify: Machine shakes or vibrates excessively during spin; clothes remain very wet; spin cycle pauses.
Part: Drum/Load distribution
Faulty lid switch or door lock safety mechanism
How to Identify: Washer refuses to spin though water fills and drains; lid/door lock doesn’t register closed.
Part: Lid switch assembly
Drainage issues (clogged pump/hose) preventing proper water removal
How to Identify: Water remains in tub after wash; washer stops mid-cycle; spin not initiated.
Part: Drain pump and hose
Worn or broken drive belt
How to Identify: Drum won’t spin; belt appears loose, cracked, or missing when inspected.
Part: Drive belt
Worn suspension rods/springs or shock absorbers causing imbalance detection
How to Identify: Washer consistently vibrates and stops spin; component wear visible on inspection.
Part: Suspension rods/springs
Faulty electronic control board or sensor errors
How to Identify: Error codes displayed; no response after reset; other mechanical parts check good.
Part: Control board/Spin sensor
DIY Solutions
Redistribute Laundry and Reduce Load
- Pause machine and open lid/door
- Redistribute clothes evenly around drum
- Remove items if overloaded and restart cycle
Clean/Unblock Drain Pump and Hose
- Unplug machine
- Locate and remove drain pump access panel
- Catch water in bucket and clear blockages in hose/filter
- Reassemble and test
Test and Replace Lid Switch
- Unplug washer
- Access lid switch assembly
- Use multimeter to check continuity
- Replace switch if no continuity
- Reassemble and test
Inspect and Replace Drive Belt
- Unplug washer
- Remove back/service panel
- Inspect belt for wear/break
- Replace belt if damaged
- Reassemble and test
Next step
Choose the next step for not completing cycle, not spinning properly
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Drain Pump
Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.
- Typical part-only price
- $35 - $80
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated time
- 15-30 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Drive Belt
Transfers rotational power from the motor to turn the drum or tub.
Washer Suspension Rod Kit
Supports and stabilizes the washer tub during agitation and spin.
Main Control Board
The central brain of the appliance that controls all components, cycles, and timings.
Model-compatible Washing Machine parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.
Braided Washer Inlet Hoses
A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.
Washer Drain Hose Holder
Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Replace Suspension Shocks/Springs
Control Board or Sensor Replacement
Motor or Transmission Repair/Replacement
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Clean drain pump filter: Clog-related spin and draining issues
Frequency: Monthly -
Level the washer and check load distribution: Unbalanced load interruptions
Frequency: Every use
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Whirlpool Washing Machine not completing cycle, not spinning properly?
How do I fix Whirlpool Washing Machine not completing cycle, not spinning properly myself?
How much does it cost to fix not completing cycle, not spinning properly?
When should I call a technician for not completing cycle, not spinning properly?
References & Sources
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Clogged drain pump or hose
- Faulty lid switch
- Malfunctioning motor or motor control board
User Suggested Solutions
-
Check and clear any obstructions in the drain pump and hose. Disconnect the washing machine from power, remove the drain hose, and inspect for clogs. Clean any debris found and reassemble.
-
Test the lid switch for continuity using a multimeter. If it shows no continuity, replace the lid switch. Ensure the machine is unplugged before performing this test.
-
Inspect the motor and motor control board for any signs of damage or burning. If damaged, replace the motor or control board. This may require professional assistance if you're not familiar with electrical components.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
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