Nothing is more fulfilling in the world than seeing your laundry basket empty. However, it can be difficult to achieve that if your Whirlpool washer suddenly stops spinning.
Whirlpool washers are dubbed as durable and high-quality appliances, so it’s understandable why you may be worried about their sudden malfunction.
Keep reading as we try to decipher why your Whirlpool washer stopped spinning and ways we can try to repair it. Let’s go!
Why is my Whirlpool washer not spinning?
Your Whirlpool washer isn’t spinning because the water level sensing system is damaged due to a broken water hose. Other causes include an overloaded washing tub, defective motor parts, and enabled smart features.
Why Your Whirlpool Washer Won’t Spin And How To Fix It
There are a number of reasons why your Whirlpool washing unit won’t spin. Get your toolbox ready as these problems will require the use of a nut driver, screwdriver, pliers, and many more.
| PROBLEM | SOLUTION |
| Overloaded Washing Tub | • Put your hand between the laundry and the washing tub. If your hand can move, there is an appropriate amount of laundry and this might not be the issue you’re facing. • However, if you can’t move your hand, you need to take some of the garments out as the tub is overloaded. • Fill your washing tub only up to two-thirds so as not to overwhelm the washer’s agitators and motor. |
| Unbalanced Washing Tub | • Use a leveling tool to check the balance of your Whirlpool washer. • The washing machine is leveled if the bubble of the leveling tool is in the middle and otherwise if the bubble is on the far right or far left. • If you’re using an electrical leveling tool, it will beep once if the machine is balanced. The tool will beep multiple times if not. • If your washer’s legs are adjustable, twist them one by one until the washing unit isn’t wobbly. Proceed to check the other parts if the problem remains unchanged. • Check the shock absorbers for leakage, tears, and breaks on the case itself. The absorbers are located between the tub’s exterior and the washer’s base frame. • Unscrew the faulty absorbers from the panel and press their lock tabs and pin to fully remove them from their positions. Use an adjustable wrench to pull the base of the shock absorbers. • Place the new shock absorber’s arrowhead into one of the designated openings. Use an adjustable wrench to pressure the absorbers until they’re in the proper position. • Replace the shock absorbers one by one to prevent the washer from collapsing. |
| Faulty Lid Switch | • Check your Whirlpool washer’s door hinges if they’re still intact. Call your technician if otherwise. • If the hinges are still in great condition, then proceed to the lid switch. • It can be found underneath the washer door’s frame. • Start a wash cycle and note if the washer makes a rattling noise but the tub isn’t moving. • Then, remove the top or side frame to physically assess the switch if it’s misaligned, bent, or broken. Re-align the switch and run another short cycle. • If the washer still possesses the same noise and lack of movement, check the lid switch’s continuity flow using a multimeter set on the continuity setting. • Unscrew the switch from its position and put the multimeter’s prongs on the switch’s wire terminals. • A usable lid switch should have a reading of infinity or zero ohms. • However, the switch is faulty if the reading is one ohm or higher. • If your lid switch is faulty, put a new switch in position and connect its wires properly. Make sure to put the washer frames back. |
| Broken Washer Belt | • Unplug your Whirlpool washer before starting. Access the pulley system at the back of the machine and remove the motor cover. • Once the system is exposed, assess the belt’s condition. A functional belt has no visible tears or cracks and fits nicely in the system. • The belt needs to be replaced if otherwise. • Replace the damaged belt by rotating it towards the drive pulley. Pull on the belt until it’s completely removed from the system. • Install a new belt by putting one end on the motor pulley and the other on the drive pulley. Rotate the tub drive pulley to secure the belt in place. • Remember to put the motor cover back. |
| Malfunctioning Shift Actuator | • Unplug your washer and lay the machine on its back to access its bottom panel. • Remove the panel and the motor cover and unscrew the motor from its position. The shift actuator is placed beside the motor. • Disconnect the actuator wire connector from the motor. Use a screwdriver to remove the shift actuator. • Use a multimeter to check the actuator’s continuity flow. Set the device in its continuity setting before putting its prongs in the wire terminals of the actuator. • A good shift actuator should have a reading of either OL or near zero, which should be followed by an audible beep. The actuator should be replaced if the readings result otherwise. • Replace the faulty actuator by screwing a new one in its original position. Connect the new actuator to the washer motor. • Make sure to put the motor cover back before securing the bottom panel in its position. |
| Damaged Drainage System | • Run the washer for a few minutes to assess the drainage system, which consists of the drainage pump and hose. • Inspect the drain hose, located at the back of the Whirlpool washer. The hose is broken if there are visible tears, cracks, or kinks. • Unfasten the broken hose’s clamp from the machine’s rear-end panel using pliers and pull the hose to remove it. Install a new hose by connecting it to the rear-end panel and securing its clamp using pliers. • If the hose doesn’t have any damage, clean it using a snake tool or submerge the hose in lukewarm water, white vinegar, and baking soda mixture before scrubbing it with a brush or a sponge. • If the washer still won’t spin, take a peek at its drain pump. Start by running your washer for a few minutes to check if the washer is too loud or too quiet during the whole duration of the cycle. • Either way, unplug your Whirlpool washer from its electrical and water sources. Use pliers to detach the drain hose so you can lay the machine on its back to access the bottom panel. • Unthread the pump’s screws using a nut driver. Disconnect the pump’s wire connector and inlet and outlet valves from the motor to fully remove it. • Use a multimeter to check the pump’s condition. Set the multimeter to two kilohms and put its prongs into the pump’s wire terminals. • A usable drain pump should register 160 to 260 ohms, with the lowest possible reading of 152 ohms. The pump needs immediate replacement if the reading is less than 152 ohms. • Replace the faulty pump by connecting the new pump to the washer’s inlet and outlet valves. Tightly screw the pump in position before putting the motor cover, bottom panel, and drain hose in their positions. |
| Impaired Control Board | • Check if your Whirlpool washer is properly plugged in. • Do a hard reset on the machine by unplugging it from the electrical socket and waiting for at least two minutes before plugging it back in. • Check if the child feature is enabled, which is indicated by a lit-up child lock button or indicator. Simply push the button to disengage the feature. • Proceed to open the control board console using a nut driver. Use a putty knife to release the console from the machine. Disconnect the board’s user interface control wire connector. Note the wirings and orientation of other board parts before total disconnection. • Inspect the capacitors for black or arcing marks and loose or broken wirings on the board. If found, the board needs to be replaced immediately. • Change the faulty circuit board by connecting the user interface control wire connector, other wirings, and components to the new board. • Make sure to screw the board in place before putting the console back. |
| Failed Water Level System | • Unplug your Whirlpool washer from the electrical source. Unthread the control board housing using a nut driver and unclasp it using a putty knife. • Inspect the tub that goes from the level switch to the bottom of the washing tub if it’s loosely connected or damaged. • Change the faulty water tube by removing it from its fittings and connecting a new tube as a replacement. • If the tube isn’t damaged, clean it with a snake tool or submerge the water tube in a mixture of warm water, soap, and white vinegar to get the gunk out. • Check the water level switch’s electrical flow using a multimeter with an OHMS x 1 setting. Put the multimeter’s prongs in the switch’s wire terminals by pair. The reading should range from infinity (no continuity) to digits close to 0.0 (continuity). Any other findings mean that your switch needs to be replaced ASAP. • Disconnect the old switch from the wire harness and release the pressure tube using pliers. Use a flat screwdriver to release the last tabs as you rotate the switch counterclockwise. • Situate the new water level switch by putting it on the panel and rotating it clockwise to lock it in position. Connect the wiring systems and tubes afterward. • Remember to screw the console back on properly before checking if the washer is functioning. |
| Failing Motor Coupling | • Unplug your washer from the electrical source and release the drain hose by unclamping it from the back panel using pliers. • Set the washing unit down on its back to gain access to the bottom panel. Remove the bottom panel using a screwdriver and use a nut driver for the motor cover. • Disconnect the wires and other connectors before releasing the coupling from the motor. • Check if the coupling and its parts have any breakage, cracks, or • missing pieces. It needs immediate replacement if it’s physically damaged or lacks some parts. • Remove the coupling using a nut driver and screwdriver. Be mindful while removing the part as it may require some force. • Install the new motor coupling by pushing its cogs into the driveshafts one at a time. Then, push the insulator into the motor shaft. • Make sure to secure everything properly before putting the frames back on and doing another test run on the washer. |
Overloaded Washing Tub
An overloaded washing tub is one of the most common reasons why your Whirlpool washer can’t spin. Too much laundry prevents the tub from moving properly and can even damage the agitators of the washer because of the weight.
Solution: Check if you’ve overloaded your washing tub by putting your hand between the laundry and the tub. There’s the right amount of laundry in the tub if your hand can move, but you need to take a few garments out if otherwise.
It’s important to note that regardless of your washing machine’s size, it’s highly recommended that you only fill two-thirds of the tub. This is so the washing machine, especially its motor, won’t struggle with completing a wash cycle.
If the problems still persist, move forward with the other procedures.
Unbalanced Washing Tub
It’s no secret that washing machines vibrate during a wash cycle. However, too much weight in the tub can cause the tub to move too much and eventually lose its position.
Solution: Check the balance of your Whirlpool washer using a leveling tool.
Place your leveling tool on top of the Whirlpool washer. The machine is balanced if the bubble of the leveler is in the middle, but otherwise if the bubble is in the far right or left of the leveling tool.
If you’re using an electronic leveling tool, it should beep once to indicate that the washer is leveled and will beep several times if it isn’t.
Assess if the unit’s legs are adjustable and twist them around until the washer isn’t wobbly.
Another washer part to inspect is the shock absorbers, which cushion most of the movements and vibrations during the wash cycles. The absorbers must be replaced if there are loud bangings during the cycle.
You can locate the absorbers between the washing tub’s exterior and the washer’s base frame.
Assess if the shock absorbers have been detached and reattach them accordingly. However, the absorbers need immediate replacement if the lubrication oil is leaking from them and if there are other signs of damage.
Remove the faulty absorbers by unscrewing them from the panels they’re attached to and pressing the lock tab and pin. Pull the rest of the shock absorber out with an adjustable wrench.
Position the new shock absorbers’ arrowhead into one of their designated openings and use an adjustable wrench to apply pressure onto the absorbers until they’re properly mounted. Do this procedure one at a time to prevent the tub from caving in.
If your Whirlpool washer is still unbalanced, inspect the suspension rings. These keep the tub in position and lessen the noise during wash cycles.
However, the rings need replacement if the machine is noisier than usual. It also needs to be removed from the unit if it has tears, has worn out, and isn’t retracting to its original position when pressed down.
The rings are either on the top (for top load washers) or at the bottom (front load washers) of the washing tub. Remove the top or side frames to fully access the suspension rings.
Use pliers or an adjustable wrench to carefully remove the suspension rings one by one. Then, install the new suspension rings in the same position.
Make sure to put the frames back properly and secure them in position using their designated tabs and screws.
Faulty Lid Switch
A broken lid switch is a common problem for any washing machine because they’re frequently used during the wash cycles. The constant stress on the switch can cause it to bend or break.
While the type of lid switch depends on your Whirlpool washing machine’s model, most Whirlpool units utilize a lid switch that detects whether or not the washer door is opened.
Solution: Assess if the door itself is still properly aligned to the washer. Check if its hinges are still intact or in place.
Worn-down hinges can further damage your door because they may cause the door and the frame to become brittle over time.
Call your technician if the hinges appear misaligned or broken. Replacing them without professional supervision may create more damage to the appliance.
But if the washer door and its hinges are in mint condition, then move forward with the lid switch. You can easily locate the switch underneath the frame of the washer door.
To start the process, set up a wash cycle. If your Whirlpool washer makes a rattling noise but the washer tub isn’t moving, inspect if the switch is misaligned, bent, or broken.
The lid switch can be accessed by removing the top frame (for top load washers) or the side frame (front load washers).
If there is no physical damage to the lid switch, inspect its continuity flow. Unscrew the lid switch from its position and use a multimeter in the continuity setting.
Put the prongs on the switch’s wire terminals and wait for the multimeter to finish its reading.
The lid switch is still usable if the results are either infinity or zero ohms. The switch is faulty and needs immediate replacement if the readings are one ohm or higher.
Get a new switch and screw it in place before putting the frames back in position.
Broken Washer Belt
Another frequently used part of your Whirlpool washer is the washer belt, otherwise known as the driver belt. It’s responsible for the tub’s rotation during its wash cycles.
The washer belt is very crucial to the washing machine because it connects the washer motor and washing tub. It also connects your washer’s pulley system.
A good indication that your washing machine’s belt is worn out is when the washing tub isn’t spinning during a wash cycle, but can agitate. A noisy washing machine during a cycle is also a sign of such abnormality.
Solution: The washer is part of the pulley system. To access the belt, you must access the pulley system located at the back of your Whirlpool washer.
Unplug your washer before removing the back frames to reach the pulley. Access the washer belt by removing its cover.
Once the pulley system is accessible, visually assess the belt.
Your Whirlpool machine’s washer belt can still be used if there are no visible tears or cracks on the belt and if it still fits perfectly in the pulley system. However, the belt needs immediate if there are tears and cracks, or if the belt fits loosely.
To replace the washer belt, rotate the belt towards the drive pulley while pulling on it until it’s completely removed. Install a new driver belt by putting one side around the motor pulley and the other on the tub drive pulley.
Rotate the tub drive pulley to secure the washer belt in place. Put the belt cover back and screw everything properly.
Malfunctioning Shift Actuator
The washer’s shift actuator transmits the signals that enable the tub’s agitation and spinning of clothes during the wash cycle. It’s a common sign that the actuator is broken if the washer can’t change from agitating the clothes to spinning them, and vice versa.
This can result in your clothes staying wet despite completing the duration of the wash cycle.
Solution: Unplug your Whirlpool washer and lay it on its back to access the bottom panel. Remove the panel and take off the motor cover by unscrewing it from its place.
The shift actuator is located just beside the washer motor. Disconnect the actuator wire connector from the motor and use a screwdriver to dismantle the shift actuator from its position.
Use a multimeter in its continuity setting to check the continuity flow of the actuator. Put the multimeter’s prongs in the wire terminals of the actuator and wait for the device to finish its reading.
The actuator is still usable if the multimeter’s reading is either OL or near zero, followed by an audible beep. The shift actuator needs immediate replacement if the reading says otherwise.
Simply replace the faulty actuator by screwing a new one in its position and connecting the new actuator to the washer motor. Put the motor cover and the bottom panel back in their position and secure both housings with their respective screws.
Damaged Drainage System
Your Whirlpool washer’s draining pump expels water during the whole wash cycle. If the pump fails, then your laundry will not be cleaned.
A damaged drainage pump is a surefire way for your Whirlpool washer not to spin. This is because the pump’s own motor and mechanism accommodate high spin speeds, and most Whirlpool washing units won’t spin if they’re not properly drained.
Solution: Run your Whirlpool washer for a few minutes to assess the drainage system, which mainly consists of the drainage pump and hose.
First, inspect the drain hose which is located at the back of the Whirlpool washer. The hose is broken if there are visible tears, cracks, kinks, and other forms of breakage.
Use a pair of pliers to unfasten the damaged hose’s clamp from the washer’s rear-end panel. Install the new hose by connecting it to the outlet port at the rear-end panel and secure its clamp by using pliers.
If the washer hose has no visible damage, clean it instead as it may have accumulated debris due to constant usage.
You can use either a snake tool to remove the clog inside, or you can submerge the hose in lukewarm water mixed with a bit of white vinegar and baking soda before scrubbing it with a brush or a sponge.
Next, inspect the drain pump by running the washer for a few minutes. The pump needs replacement if the washer is too loud during the process or produces no sound at all.
Unplug your Whirlpool washer and disconnect it from its water source. Use pliers to detach the drain hose from its position so you can put the machine on its back and access the bottom panel.
Use a nut driver to unthread the screws that keep the pump in position. Disconnect the pump’s wire connector and inlet and outlet valves to fully remove the drain pump.
Set a multimeter to two kilo-ohms and put its prongs in the wire terminals of the drain pump to start a reading.
A usable drain pump should have a reading of 160 to 260 ohms, with 152 ohms as its lowest possible reading. Your drain pump needs immediate replacement if its reading is lower than 152 ohms.
Simply connect the washer’s inlet and outlet valves to the new drain pump, followed by the wire connector to the motor. Make sure to tightly screw the new drain pump in position before putting back the motor cover, bottom panel, and drain hose.
Impaired Control Board
While most of the reasons your Whirlpool washer won’t spin can be attributed to some washer parts, the control board, otherwise known as the circuit board, can also malfunction due to the water it’s exposed to during wash cycles.
It’s important to check the control board’s condition as it affects the overall performance of the washer. In fact, the machine will not work properly if its board has the slightest problem.
Solution: To start, check if your Whirlpool washer is properly plugged in. The control board will not properly register any commands if it does not receive the wattage it needs.
If the washer is properly plugged in, do a hard reset on the unit by unplugging it from its electrical source and waiting for at least two minutes before plugging it back in.
If the problem persists, check if the Whirlpool washer’s child lock feature is enabled. The feature is engaged if the child lock button or indicator is lit up.
Simply push the child lock button to disengage the feature. Check if other features are enabled and disable them as well.
If there are no changes to the machine, open up the control board console by using a nut driver to unthread the screws. Then, use a putty knife to release the frame from the rest of the machine.
Proceed to disconnect the control board’s user interface control wire connector to fully access the circuit board. Then, take note of the wiring and orientation of other parts of the board before disconnecting each one.
Proceed to inspect the capacitors for any black or arcing marks as well as the wiring for any loose or broken ones connected to the board. If there are any discolorations or loose connections, then the circuit board requires immediate replacement.
Simply replace the faulty circuit board by connecting the user interface control wire connector to a new board and connecting the other wiring and components before putting it in its position. Make sure to screw everything tightly before running a cycle.
TIP: Use your Whirlpool washer’s user manual as you work on the control board. If the problem continues, contact your service technician.
Interrupted Water Level System
The water level switch of your Whirlpool washer is responsible for controlling how much or how little water enters the washing tub.
Aside from this, it also sends a signal to the motor if it’s time to begin the wash cycle.
A water level switch fails for several reasons, the common ones being electrical malfunction and debris blockage from the water pumping system. If the water level switch is faulty, then the motor won’t know when to start the washer cycle.
Solution: Make sure to unplug your Whirlpool washer before anything else. Proceed to unthread the control board housing using a nut driver.
Unclasp the control board housing one at a time using a putty knife. Inspect the tube that runs from the level switch down to the bottom of the tub.
Check if the water tube is loosely connected to both ends and adjust them accordingly. Also, assess if the tube is kinked or torn.
If you spot visible damage, replace the water tube by removing it from its fittings and putting a new tube in its place.
Another option is to clean the water tube for any gunk or debris using a snake tool or by soaking it in warm water, soap, and a white vinegar mixture.
Apart from reviewing the water tube, you can also check the switch for electrical failure using a multimeter set into OHMS x 1. Put the multimeter’s prongs on the level switch’s three wire terminals two at a time.
Every reading must be either infinity, which signifies no continuity, or digits close to 0.0, which represents continuity. Any other findings mean that the water level switch needs immediate replacement.
Do another round of testing using the multimeter, where the pairs that show continuity in the first reading should show no continuity in the second testing and vice versa. If the results indicate otherwise, then the switch needs to be replaced.
Remove the old switch by disconnecting it from the wire harness and releasing the pressure tube using pliers. Use a flat screwdriver to release the last tab while rotating the switch counterclockwise for complete removal.
Install the new water level switch by placing it on the panel and rotating it clockwise to lock it in. Properly connect the wiring systems and necessary tubes to the new switch before clasping everything back into place.
Failing Motor Coupling
Your Whirlpool washer’s motor coupling enables the machine to spin and agitate because it connects the motor and transmission. The washer won’t know if it needs to start or end the wash cycle if the coupling isn’t working properly.
There are obvious signs that your washer’s coupling needs to be checked. These include loud noises during a wash cycle, the clothes remaining wet after being spun, and the tub not spinning with the motor.
Solution: Before anything else, unplug your washer from the electrical source. Then, release the drain hose from its position by removing its clamp with pliers.
Lay the machine flat on its back to access the bottom panel. Remove both the bottom panel and motor cover by using a nut driver and a screwdriver when necessary.
Once the covers have been taken off, disconnect the wires and other connectors in the motor before releasing it from the bottom clip. Once the wirings are removed, access the motor coupling.
Check if the coupling has any breakage, cracks, or missing pieces. The coupling needs immediate replacement if it’s physically damaged or lacks some parts.
Manually check the motor coupling by rotating it clockwise and counterclockwise. The coupling is still usable if there is little to no resistance or grinding sounds during the process.
Also, check the coupling’s rubber bushings for any damages as it needs immediate replacement if the rubbers have tears.
The coupling’s transmission shaft also needs assessment as it connects the coupling to the motor. The coupling must be replaced if there are no changes to the washer after ensuring that the transmission shaft is properly connected to the motor.
Remove the coupling by unthreading it from its position using a nut driver and screwdriver. Be careful as its removal may need some physical force.
Install your Whirlpool washer’s new coupling by pushing its cogs into the driveshafts one at a time. Push the new insulator into the motor shaft and make sure to line everything up before screwing the parts and the frames in.
There are a plethora of reasons your washing machine isn’t spinning.
These problems range from a simple overloaded tub to assessing and possibly replacing the washing machine parts such as the lid switch, water level switch, and even the washer motor itself.
Cleaning the water and drain tubes is also a good option to try in order to get the washer spinning again.
But if all else fails, it’s best to contact your service technician to get a more thorough inspection of your Whirlpool washer.
