Whirlpool Washing Machine: not spinning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Whirlpool washing machine not spinning? When the drum fails to spin during the wash or spin cycle, it may fill with water or produce motor noise. Common causes include an overloaded load, a faulty lid switch, drainage issues, or problems with the drive belt or motor coupling. Understanding these issues can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

  • Whirlpool support specifically links not spinning to drain and unload errors and suggests basic checks.
  • Direct drive coupler failures more common on HE tops without belts

Possible Causes

Overloaded or unbalanced load

How to Identify: Machine stops or fails to spin when heavily loaded or clothes are clumped on one side; redistributing load allows spin.

Part: Drum/Load distribution

Lid switch/door lock safety interlock failed

How to Identify: Machine won’t start spin cycle; door lock indicator may not engage; similar symptoms in top and front loaders.

Part: Lid switch/door lock assembly

Drainage issue/clogged drain pump or hose

How to Identify: Water remains in drum; manually draining allows spin to proceed; possible pump noise or weak draining.

Part: Drain pump/drain hose

Drive belt broken or slipped (belt-drive models)

How to Identify: Motor runs but drum does not spin; belt may appear worn, loose, or broken under the washer.

Part: Drive belt

Motor coupling or transmission failure (direct drive units)

How to Identify: Motor runs in agitation but not spin; clicking noises may be present; no belt present on direct‑drive units.

Part: Motor coupling/transmission

DIY Solutions

Redistribute or reduce load

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Stop the cycle and open lid/door when safe
  2. Redistribute laundry evenly and remove excess items
  3. Restart the machine
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force machine open when locked

Check and clean drain hose/pump access

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Bucket, Towels, Screwdriver
  1. Unplug washer and turn off water
  2. Locate and detach drain hose from standpipe/drain
  3. Clear clogs and flush hose
  4. Access pump filter (if present) and clean debris
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug power before access

Professional Repairs

Replace lid switch/door lock assembly

Estimated Cost: $40–$120

Replace drive belt or motor coupling

Estimated Cost: $30–$150

Service drain pump or internal transmission

Estimated Cost: $100–$300+

When to Call a Professional

No improvement after cleaning drain and redistributing load
Unusual noises (grinding, banging) during attempted spin
Electric door lock or control board faults indicated

Preventive Maintenance

  • Level machine and balance loads: Unbalanced load spin issues
    Frequency: Every use
  • Clean drain hose and pump filter: Drain blockages that prevent spin
    Frequency: Quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Washing Machine not spinning?
Common causes include overloaded loads, a defective lid switch, drainage issues, or a broken drive belt.
How do I fix Whirlpool Washing Machine not spinning myself?
Redistribute your laundry or check for clogs in the drain hose and pump.
How much does it cost to fix not spinning?
Professional repairs can range from $40 to $300+, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not spinning?
If troubleshooting doesn't resolve the issue, or if it's a complex problem, contact a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

71%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty Washer Pulley Clutch Kit (4 mentions)
  • Faulty Shift Actuator (3 mentions)
  • Loose or Worn Drive Belt (2 mentions)
  • Faulty Lid Switch (1 mentions)
  • Faulty Control Board (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace Washer Pulley Clutch Kit

    Success rate: 12.0%

  2. Replace Shift Actuator

    Success rate: 6.0%

  3. Replace Clutch Slider Gear Kit

    Success rate: 6.0%

  4. Check and Replace Drive Belt

    Success rate: 6.0%

  5. Replace Lid Switch

    Success rate: 0.0%
Analysis based on 7 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Whirlpool Ultimate care ii Agitating but not spinning [SOLVE...
  2. Whirlpool washing machine
  3. Whirlpool washing machine
  4. Washing machine doesn't engage spin cycle, how to fix?
  5. Whirlpool WTW6157PW0 F7E3 and F7E4 code help
  6. Whirlpool washing machine always gets stuck on final spin
  7. Whirlpool Direct Drive WTW5700SW0 -- Spin Cycle Sometimes Do...

Community Discussions

Washer would not go into high spin mode

Replaced clutch with part #285785

DIY View on Reddit →

keeps rinsing, never goes to fast spin, always 'out of balance'

Stripped spin basket bearing; requires replacement of the basket.

DIY View on Reddit →

not spinning

The Motor Control Unit (MCU) was replaced, resolving the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

won't spin

The lid switch may be loose or broken, which is preventing the spin cycle from starting.

DIY View on Reddit →

drum does not want to spin when the agitator is rotating, audible clicking sounds

Replacing the clutch slider gear kit should resolve the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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