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Whirlpool Washer Won’t Spin

One of the greatest advancements of modern technology is the invention of washing machines. Gone are the days of handwashing due to the spinning force within these items to clean even the filthiest of items. If you have a Whirlpool washer, what do you do if it won’t spin?

If your Whirlpool washer won’t spin, it may be caused by a defective switch, a failed switch actuator, an unbalanced load, a tub sealing and bearing kit that needs to be replaced, a garment added too late in the cycle, or an unlevel washer.

Clothes being put into washing machine

Whether you are someone with an older Whirlpool washer model or have just upgraded to a new highly rated top loader, there is one function that all of their models must do in order to complete the task they are designed to tackle: spin. From time to time, washers encounter functionality issues that may have you running to call a repairman, but with a few tools and a bit of initiative, you may be able to fix the problem on your own.

Whirlpool Washer Won’t Spin

Washing machine with linens hanging out of door

The reason that a washer spins rather than utilizing any other motion is the effectiveness of agitation this movement brings. Agitation is the most important aspect in producing items that are sparkling clean, which is why spinning is so essential to stain-free and thoroughly cleansed laundry. Spinning also plays a role in draining your laundry well enough to rid them of excess water so they can be dried. What, then, do you do if your Whirlpool washer won’t spin?

If your Whirlpool washer won’t spin, it is likely that the lid switch is defective. Unplug the washer and unscrew the two screws that hold the control panel in place. Hinge the control panel up and locate the case with three wires, then unplug it. Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity.

If you do not have continuity between the two outside wires on the female plug end, the lid switch is bad and needs to be replaced. To do this, remove the two clips on each side of the case and remove the wires from the case. You will then install a new lid switch and attach the wires to it, which will likely solve your issue of a washer that will not spin.

Whirlpool Washer Skipping Spin Cycle

Washing machine in spin cycle

More specifically than your washer not spinning is the issue of a Whirlpool washer working properly, but then suddenly skipping the spin cycle altogether. When this happens, not only are clothes not agitated properly, but they are not drained of excess water that remains in the drum once the laundry has been cleaned and rinsed. This makes it impossible to dry soaking wet clothes, leaving owners wondering how to resolve such an issue.

If your Whirlpool washing is skipping the spin cycle, it could be that the shift actuator has failed. The actuator switches transmission gears between the agitating and spin cycle, therefore, if it fails, the washer will be stuck in an agitating cycle and will never move forward into the spin cycle.

Whirlpool Washer Makes Noise and Does Not Spin

Washing machine in wash spin cycle

With any washer, when it is being used, you are going to hear some type of noise that indicates that the washer is doing as it should. This noise may be quiet for some models and louder for others, but you will hear sounds of water running, machines agitating, and at the end, rapid spinning. If you notice that your Whirlpool washing machine is making noise, but is not spinning, what is the solution, and is there a way to repair it on your own?

If your Whirlpool washer makes noise but does not spin, it could be that the tub sealing and bearing kit may need to be replaced. This is an involved repair, but can be done so long as you follow proper instructions. This problem will get worse over time if not repaired once noted.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on June 7, 2021.

Whirlpool Washer Agitates but Doesn’t Spin

Towel being placed into washing machine

Spinning is a portion of agitation which helps to aid the actual agitation process. To be most specific, your Whirlpool washers will typically agitate your clothes in one direction, then spin them in the opposite direction to further agitate and then release all the remaining dirt and water from your laundry. When agitation occurs, you can consider your laundry to be clean, but if there is no spinning, you are left with a washer full of water and considerably soaked items.

If your Whirlpool washer agitates but does not spin, it’s a good bet that the reason is because of an unbalanced laundry load. If your clothes have shifted and are stuck to one side of the drum, it will cause the motion of the washer to be uneven and lopsided, which will cause its overall speed to slow down.

When your washer is not able to reach a high enough speed for the spinning portion of the wash, it will simply stop its action and pause until things are sorted. Therefore, to fix this issue, simply even out the weight of your load within the drum and close the lid to allow your Whirlpool washer to commence spinning.

Whirlpool Washer Not Finishing Spin Cycle

Washing machine tub being filled with water

If you notice that your whirlpool washer is agitating as it should and then goes into the spin cycle, you may be thinking you are free from any mishaps. However, some Whirlpool owners have found that although their washer will enter into the spin cycle, it will not finish. This often will come in the form of the washer being drained of excess water, but items in the washer are still completely water logged and soggy. How can you fix such a problem?

If your Whirlpool washer is not finishing the spin cycle, it may be caused by a garment added too late in the washing cycle. When adding items after the cycle has started, only add garments when the “Add a Garment” indicator light is on, which will prevent future problems.

When the “Add a Garment” indicator light is lit up, you can open the lid without problem, add an item, and ensure that the spin cycle will not be negatively affected.

Whirlpool Washer Not Doing Final Spin

Water washing machine spin cycle

At the very end of the cycle with your Whirlpool washer, there should be one final spin that is intended to free your clothes of as much excess water as possible. This is an essential process as it aids in keeping your garments from retaining excess water, which can be problematic when you put them in the dryer. If you go to pull your laundry load out and notice that the final spin has not been completed, what could be causing the issue?

If your Whirlpool washer is not doing a final spin, one of the most common problems is an unlevel washer. This can be caused by uneven items within the washer pulling to one side, or can also be caused by the washer itself being unlevel. Level the drum or washer and the final spin should complete.

Whirlpool washers not completing the final spin can also be caused by a washing load that is too oversized. If you have filled your washer with heavy items such as towels or have filled it to the lid with a large clothes load, your washer may not be able to reach the maximum speed that is required for the final spin. This will cause the washer to stop spinning until items have been removed and lesser weight is present.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on June 7, 2021.

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