Kenmore 600 Washer Won T Spin

Introduction

A washing machine that refuses to spin leaves you with soaking wet clothes, disrupting your laundry routine and potentially leading to mildew or unpleasant odors. When your Kenmore 600 washer doesn’t spin, it’s a sign that something is preventing the drum from rotating at the high speed needed to extract water. This often happens after a large or unbalanced load, but can also occur seemingly out of nowhere. Addressing this issue promptly can prevent further damage and get your laundry back on track.

Common Causes of Kenmore 600 Washer Won’t Spin

Here are some of the most frequent reasons why your Kenmore 600 washer might not be spinning:

Overloaded Washer: Too many clothes can prevent the motor from engaging the spin cycle.
Unbalanced Load: Clothes clumped on one side can trigger a safety mechanism that stops the spin cycle.
Lid Switch Malfunction: The lid switch tells the washer the lid is closed; if it’s faulty, the washer won’t spin for safety reasons.
Drive Belt Issues: A worn, loose, or broken drive belt can prevent the motor’s power from reaching the drum.
Motor Coupling Problems: The motor coupling connects the motor to the transmission; if it breaks, the drum won’t spin.
Drainage Problems: If the washer can’t drain the water, it won’t start the spin cycle. A clogged drain hose or drain pump is often the cause.
Faulty Motor: The washer motor itself could be failing, preventing it from generating the necessary power for spinning.
Worn Carbon Brushes: If your Kenmore 600 uses carbon brushes on the motor, these may be worn down.
Control Board Issues: In rare cases, a problem with the control board can disrupt the spin cycle.

Symptoms Checklist

Use this checklist to help identify the cause of the problem:

Washer fills with water but doesn’t spin.
Washer makes a humming noise but the drum doesn’t rotate.
Washer stops mid-cycle, leaving clothes soaking wet.
The lid lock light is flashing or not illuminated.
Washer displays an error code related to spinning or draining.
You hear a loud banging or grinding noise during the attempted spin cycle.
The machine drains the water, but refuses to spin.

How to Fix Kenmore 600 Washer Won’t Spin Step-by-Step Guide

Unplug the Washer: Safety first! Disconnect the washer from the power outlet.
Check for Overloading: Remove some clothes if the washer is packed tightly. Aim for the drum to be about 75% full.
Redistribute the Load: Make sure the clothes are evenly distributed in the drum. Untangle any clumped items.
Check the Lid Switch: Open and close the lid firmly. Listen for a click, indicating the switch is engaging. If there’s no click, the switch might be faulty. (Testing requires a multimeter, skip this step if you don’t have one).
Inspect the Drain Hose: Make sure the drain hose isn’t kinked, clogged, or crushed. Detach it and check for any obstructions.
Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Locate the drain pump filter (usually at the bottom front of the washer behind a small access panel). Remove it and clean any lint, debris, or small objects that may be blocking it.
Listen for Motor Noise: With the washer unplugged, try manually spinning the drum. Does it spin freely? If not, something may be blocking it, or the motor could be seized.
Check the Drive Belt (If accessible): Some Kenmore 600 models have a drive belt. (Consult your user manual for location). Inspect the belt for wear, cracks, or looseness. If it’s loose, try tightening it (if adjustable). If it’s broken, it will need to be replaced.
Check the Motor Coupler (If applicable): Some models use a motor coupler. These are designed to break to protect the motor. Consult your user manual or online resources to see if yours uses one, and how to inspect it.
Run a Test Cycle: After checking these items, plug the washer back in and run a short spin cycle to see if the problem is resolved.
Check for Error Codes: Note any error codes displayed on the washer’s control panel. Look up the codes in your user manual or online to help pinpoint the problem.
Check the Carbon Brushes (If applicable): If your Kenmore 600 uses carbon brushes, locate them (usually on the motor) and inspect for wear. They should be at least inch long.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Here are some things you can try before considering replacement parts:

Reset the Washer: Unplug the washer for 1-2 minutes, then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the control board and resolve minor glitches.
Level the Washer: Ensure the washer is level. Use a level on the top of the machine and adjust the leveling feet as needed. An unlevel washer can vibrate excessively and cause spin cycle problems.
Maintenance Wash: Run an empty wash cycle with a washer cleaner to remove any buildup of detergent or fabric softener.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your Kenmore 600 still won’t spin, you might need to consider replacing parts. The most common culprits are the lid switch ($20-$50), drive belt ($15-$30), motor coupler ($10-$20), drain pump ($50-$100), or the motor itself ($100-$300). If the control board is faulty, replacement can be expensive ($150-$400), and it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire washer.

Safety Warning

Always unplug the washer before performing any repairs.
Avoid working on electrical components with wet hands or in a damp environment.
Be careful when handling sharp tools or removing parts.
If you’re uncomfortable performing any of these steps, consult a qualified appliance repair technician.

Tools You May Need

Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Pliers
Adjustable wrench
Multimeter (optional, for testing electrical components)
Shop towels
Work gloves

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Kenmore 600 washer spin cycle problems:

Q: Why is my washer humming but not spinning? A: This often indicates a problem with the motor, motor coupling, or something obstructing the drum.
Q: What does an error code related to spin mean? A: Refer to your washer’s user manual to decipher the error code. It will give you a more specific idea of what’s wrong.
Q: How do I know if my lid switch is broken? A: If the lid switch doesn’t click when you close the lid, or if testing with a multimeter shows no continuity, it’s likely faulty.
Q: Can I replace the motor myself? A: Replacing the motor can be complex and requires some mechanical skill. If you’re not comfortable, it’s best to call a professional.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a Kenmore 600 washer that won’t spin can seem daunting, but by following these steps, you can often diagnose and fix the problem yourself. Remember to start with the simplest solutions, like checking for overloading or obstructions, before moving on to more complex repairs. If you’re unsure about any step, don’t hesitate to seek help from a qualified appliance repair technician. Good luck!