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HomeRepair HelpWhirlpool Washer RepairWhirlpool Washer won't spin or agitate Repair
Whirlpool Washer won't spin or agitate
If your Whirlpool washer won't agitate or spin, the drive system or a safety component is usually at fault. Start with the rotor and stator kit, which powers the direct-drive motor. Wet or shorted stator coils may also produce a burning smell and can be tested with a multimeter. Next, inspect the motor coupling, which connects the drive motor to the transmission and may break from overloading or normal wear. If the motor is not receiving voltage, check the control board after confirming the lid or door switch works correctly. A broken or loose drive belt can also leave a washer not spinning or agitating. The timer is a less common cause and should be considered only after the other parts test good. Finally, test the lid switch assembly for continuity, since a failed switch prevents the washer from spinning even when the lid is closed. These checks apply whether you have a top load washer not spinning or a front load washer not spinning. Enter your Whirlpool washer's model number to find the exact replacement rotor and stator kit, motor coupling, control board, belt, timer, or lid switch assembly for your specific machine.
01 - Whirlpool Washing Machine Rotor and Stator Kit
The stator is part of a direct drive motor that electrically drives the outer rotor. If the stator coils become wet or the coated wires on the coils short out, they can produce a burning smell. You can test the stator coils with a meter. If the stator is smoking, or smells burnt, it will need to be replaced.
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02 - Whirlpool Washing Machine Motor Coupling
The motor coupling connects the motor to the washer transmission. If the washer is overloaded, the motor coupling will fail in order to protect both the motor and transmission. The motor coupling can also fail due to normal wear. Inspect the motor coupling to determine if it is broken. If the motor coupling is broken, replace it.
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03 - Whirlpool Washing Machine Control Board
Since a washing machine control board provides voltage to nearly all of the washer's electrical components, a faulty board may not be sending power to the drive motor during the wash or spin cycle. If power is not reaching the drive motor, you should first confirm the lid or door switch test properly with a multimeter. If the lid or door switch is working properly, the control board is likely at fault. You can inspect the board for signs of burning or a shorted-out component. You can also use a multimeter to test the power output terminals on the board after reviewing the appliance's wiring diagram.
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04 - Whirlpool Washing Machine Drive Belt
Inspect the drive belt to determine if it is broken or if it is loose on the pulleys. If the drive belt is broken or loose, replace it.
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05 - Whirlpool Washing Machine Timer
If a washer is not spinning or agitating, you should first determine if the drive motor is running and if power is reaching the drive motor. If no power if reaching the drive motor, and the lid swith assembly or door latch test appropriately with a multimeter, then the timer is likely malfunctioning. Since this is rarely the case, you should confirm all of the other likely defective components are functioning normally before considering a timer replacement.
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06 - Whirlpool Washing Machine Lid Switch Assembly
The lid switch assembly prevents the washer from spinning when the lid is open. If the lid switch assembly fails, the washer will not spin. To determine if the lid switch assembly is defective, use a multimeter to test the lid switch for continuity. If the lid switch does not have continuity, replace it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Whirlpool washer not spinning or agitating?
How do I test a Whirlpool washer lid switch when it won't spin?
Could the motor coupling or drive belt cause my washer not to agitate or spin?
What should I do if my Whirlpool washer has a burning smell and will not spin?
How do I find and buy the correct Whirlpool washer replacement part?
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