Whirlpool Washer Not Spinning Out

Introduction

A washing machine that doesn’t spin out clothes properly is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a major problem. Not only are your clothes dripping wet and taking forever to dry, but they can also develop mildew and unpleasant odors. This often happens when the washer is overloaded, or something is blocking the drain. Don’t panic! Many times, you can fix this issue yourself without calling a costly repair technician. Let’s get your washer spinning again!

Common Causes of Whirlpool Washer Not Spinning Out

Here are some common reasons why your Whirlpool washer might not be spinning your clothes dry:

Overloaded Washer: Too many clothes can prevent the drum from spinning freely.
Unbalanced Load: Clothes bunched on one side can throw off the spin cycle.
Drain Hose Blockage: A clogged drain hose prevents water from exiting the washer.
Clogged Drain Pump Filter: This filter traps lint and debris, which can block the pump.
Lid Switch Failure: The washer won’t spin if the lid switch isn’t working properly (tells the machine the lid is closed).
Drive Belt Issues: If the drive belt is worn or broken, the motor won’t be able to turn the drum.
Motor Coupling Problems: The motor coupling connects the motor to the transmission. If it’s broken, the drum won’t spin.
Faulty Water Level Sensor: This sensor tells the washer how much water is in the drum. A faulty sensor can prevent the spin cycle.
Control Board Malfunction: Though rare, the control board (the “brain” of the washer) can sometimes malfunction.
Kinked Drain Hose: A kinked hose restricts flow of water.

Symptoms Checklist

Check these symptoms to pinpoint the problem:

Clothes are soaking wet after the wash cycle.
The washer makes a humming noise but doesn’t spin.
The washer stops mid-cycle.
You see an error code on the washer’s display.
Water remains in the drum after the cycle is complete.
The washer shakes violently during the spin cycle.

How to Fix Whirlpool Washer Not Spinning Out Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to troubleshoot your Whirlpool washer:

Unplug the Washer: Always disconnect the power before working on any appliance.
Check for an Overloaded Washer: Remove some clothes and try running the spin cycle again.
Rebalance the Load: Rearrange the clothes evenly inside the drum and retry spin cycle.
Inspect the Drain Hose: Make sure the drain hose isn’t kinked, crushed, or blocked. Straighten any kinks.
Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Locate the drain pump filter (usually at the bottom front of the washer). Refer to your owner’s manual to find the specific location and instructions for cleaning. Remove the filter, clean out any lint or debris, and reassemble.
Check the Lid Switch: The lid switch tells the washer when the lid is closed. Carefully inspect the switch for damage. You might need to use a multimeter to test its continuity (refer to online videos).
Inspect the Drive Belt: (Requires access to the washer’s interior) Open the washer cabinet (usually removing back panels). Look at the belt connected to the motor and drum. If its broken or slipping, it needs further investigation (see ‘Replacement’ section).
Run a Calibration Cycle: Some Whirlpool washers have a calibration cycle. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to run it. This can sometimes resolve electronic glitches.
Check the Water Level Sensor Hose: This small hose detects water level. It may be disconnected or blocked. Check the hose going to pressure switch.
Look for Error Codes: Note any error codes displayed on the washer. Consult your owner’s manual or the Whirlpool website to understand what the code means and how to troubleshoot it.
Check for a Blocked Pump: While the filter is off, feel inside the pump housing to make sure there’s nothing jamming the impeller (the rotating part inside the pump).
Check for Clogs: Ensure that there is no clog between the tub and the drain pump.
Inspect the Motor Coupler: Check for broken or worn pieces of the motor coupler. It can only be seen when the washer is disassembled.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Many times, you can fix this issue without spending any money:

Reset the Washer: Unplug the washer for 1-2 minutes and then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the control board.
Clean the Drain Hose: Detach the drain hose and flush it out with water to remove any clogs.
Regular Maintenance: Clean the drain pump filter regularly to prevent clogs. Avoid overloading the washer.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your washer still isn’t spinning, a replacement part might be necessary. Here are some common parts that fail and their approximate cost (USD):

Lid Switch: $20 – $50
Drain Pump: $50 – $100
Drive Belt: $15 – $30
Motor Coupler: $10 – $20
Water Level Sensor: $30 – $70
Control Board: $150 – $400 (Consider a repair tech for this part)

If the cost of repairs is significant, especially with the control board, it might be time to consider a new washer.

Safety Warning

Always unplug the washer before performing any repairs.
Be careful when working with water and electricity. Avoid wet floors.
If you’re not comfortable working with electrical components, consult a qualified appliance repair technician.

Tools You May Need

Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Pliers
Wrench
Multimeter (for testing electrical components)
Towels (for cleaning up spills)
Bucket

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions:

Q: Why is my washer making a loud noise during the spin cycle? A: This could be due to an unbalanced load, a worn drive belt, or failing drum bearings.
Q: How often should I clean the drain pump filter? A: Ideally, you should clean the filter every 1-3 months, or more frequently if you wash heavily soiled clothes often.
Q: Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine? A: Yes, you can use bleach to clean the washer tub and remove mold or mildew. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.
Q: My washer is still under warranty. Should I attempt repairs myself? A: No. Contact Whirlpool or an authorized service provider for warranty repairs. DIY repairs may void the warranty.
Q: How do I know if the lid switch is bad? A: The simplest test is to watch if washer spins. Otherwise, carefully check the switch for visible damage and test continuity with a multimeter (refer to online videos).
Q: Can a clogged drain cause the washer not to spin? A: Yes, if the washer cannot drain the water properly, it will not proceed to the spin cycle.

Conclusion

A washing machine that won’t spin out can be frustrating, but hopefully, this guide has given you the knowledge and confidence to diagnose and fix the problem yourself. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions. If you’ve exhausted all the troubleshooting steps and are still having issues, it’s time to call a qualified appliance repair technician. Good luck!