Whirlpool Washing Machine: not spinning properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Whirlpool washing machine not spinning properly? This issue often manifests as a slow spin, complete lack of spinning, or clothes remaining excessively wet after the cycle. Common causes include unbalanced loads, lid switch failures, drainage issues, or worn drive belts. Addressing these problems promptly can restore your machine's functionality.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

  • Some Whirlpool models use direct drive or specific clutch/coupling systems; refer to model manual for exact part numbers

Possible Causes

Unbalanced or overloaded load

How to Identify: Clothes unevenly distributed or too many/heavy items in one side; machine vibrates or shifts during cycle; indicator lights error codes for unbalance (e.g., UB, UL.

Part: Load distribution and control sensors

Lid/Door lock or switch failure

How to Identify: Front-loaders won’t spin if door lock not engaged; top-loaders won’t spin if lid switch fails; washer may not attempt spin or stops early.

Part: Lid switch / door lock assembly

Drainage issues (clogged hose or pump) preventing water removal

How to Identify: Water remains in drum at spin start; slow or no drainage; possible noise from pump or blockage; clothes very wet.

Part: Drain pump, drain hose

Drive belt wear or breakage

How to Identify: Washer agitates but drum fails to spin; belt may appear worn, cracked, or broken when inspected.

Part: Drive belt

Motor coupling or clutch assembly failure

How to Identify: Top‑loader may hum or try to spin but fail; visible wear at coupling/clutch; machine may spin slowly or intermittently.

Part: Motor coupling / clutch

Control board or sensor failure

How to Identify: No error codes with correct loads and drain; inconsistent behavior; other cycles may also malfunction.

Part: Main control board / speed sensor

DIY Solutions

Redistribute and reduce load

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Pause machine and open door/lid
  2. Evenly distribute clothes around drum
  3. Remove some items if overloaded
  4. Restart and select appropriate spin speed
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure door/lid fully closed before restarting

Clean drain hose and pump filter

Moderate 10–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Bucket, towels, screwdriver (if needed)
  1. Unplug washer
  2. Locate and detach drain hose
  3. Check for kinks or debris and clear
  4. Open pump filter access (if provided) and remove debris
  5. Reconnect and test spin cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Wear gloves; watch for residual water

Inspect and replace lid/door switch

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, multimeter (optional)
  1. Unplug washer
  2. Remove panel to access lid/door switch
  3. Test switch continuity (optional)
  4. Replace faulty switch with OEM part
  5. Reassemble and test
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before servicing

Inspect and replace drive belt

Advanced 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, wrench set
  1. Unplug washer
  2. Remove back or bottom panel
  3. Inspect belt for wear/cracks
  4. Replace with matching belt
  5. Reassemble and test spin
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure correct belt alignment

Professional Repairs

Replace motor coupling or clutch assembly

Estimated Cost: $80 - $180

Control board or sensor repair/replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

When to Call a Professional

Drum fails to spin after trying DIY fixes
Unusual noises (grinding, burning) during spin cycle
Electronic error codes indicating internal faults

Preventive Maintenance

  • Avoid overloading and evenly distribute laundry: Unbalanced spin cycles and excess wear
    Frequency: Every load
  • Clean drain filters and hoses: Drainage‑related spin issues
    Frequency: Monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Washing Machine not spinning properly?
Common causes include unbalanced loads, lid switch failures, drainage issues, or worn drive belts.
How do I fix Whirlpool Washing Machine not spinning properly myself?
You can redistribute the load, clean the drain hose, or inspect the lid switch and drive belt.
How much does it cost to fix not spinning properly?
Professional repairs can cost between $80 - $180 for motor coupling or clutch assembly and $150 - $350 for control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not spinning properly?
Consider professional help if DIY solutions don't work or if the issue involves complex components like the control board.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

25%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Motor issues (2 mentions)
  • Drive belt problems (2 mentions)
  • Shaft or actuator failure (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the shaft the tub rotates on

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

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

  1. Whirlpool WTW5000DW2 Washing Machine hits spin cycle, then r...
  2. Whirlpool HE washer decode flashing lights
  3. Whirlpool washer smoking on spin cycle
  4. Whirlpool Washing Machine. Clothes still very wet. Is my ass...

Community Discussions

hits spin cycle, then repeats rinse/spin cycle attempts

The issue was with the shaft the tub rotates on, leading to the decision to replace the washer instead of repairing it.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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