How to Fix a Whirlpool Washer That's Not Spinning

PDF download Download Article
Find out what to do if your Whirlpool washer won't spin
PDF download Download Article

If your Whirlpool machine isn’t spinning, start with the simplest explanation by checking to see if your clothes are clumped up on one side of the drum. If the clothes are fine, check the fuse box, outlet, and power cord to ensure there are no power issues. Lastly, make sure that the machine is level. If your drum still isn’t spinning, we’ll show you how to confirm the final two potential issues (the lid and drive belt) aren’t to blame.

Things You Should Know

  • The odds are high your washing machine is unbalanced, the load is too big, or you used too much soap.
  • Clean the lid latch and the divot where the lid latch goes with a clean cloth if your lid isn’t staying closed.
  • Check the drive belt inside the machine to determine if it’s broken, torn, or loose.

Get Product Support Solve Any Problem

wH
Hi there! Do you have a question about how to use or repair your home appliance? I’ve read the manuals so you don’t have to. Select your product, brand, and model, then ask away!
*
*
Section 1 of 2:

Quick Fixes to Common Problems

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If the drum has suddenly stopped mid-cycle, your wash load was likely too heavy or asymmetrical. If the drum is overloaded, remove half of the clothes. If they’re bunched up on one side, spread them back out. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Start with the easiest fix by checking the plug in the outlet. Then, if the circuit breaker is flipped, reset the fuse and run the cycle again. Last, check the outlet itself to ensure it’s actually working by plugging in a phone charger or nightlight. If it isn’t working, call an electrician. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Put a level on the machine to ensure it’s flat. If it isn’t, prop the machine up and set a brick or small object under the machine. Then, adjust the casters on the bottom of the front legs to change the height. Continue making minor adjustments until the machine is perfectly flat. [3]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you see a ton of soap bubbles inside of the machine and/or you see an error code like “5d,” “Sd,” or “Sds” on the machine, your Whirlpool has detected too many suds in the machine. Your machine will automatically finish the cycle once most of the soap has dissipated. In the future, use less soap in your wash cycles. [4]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Whirlpool machines should “click” when the lid is closed, so open and shut the lid a few times. If you don’t hear that clicking noise to confirm the machine is locked, the mechanism is likely stuck. If you do hear the click and there’s no error on the screen, the lid is probably fine. [5]
    • If you see “ld” or “ldl” on the screen, your Whirlpool has detected an error in the lid.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Grab a clean cloth and soak it in water. Wring the excess water out and wipe down the lid mechanism on the machine. Wipe away any gunk, lint, or dust. Then, clean the small latch mechanism on the lid. If the latch doesn’t have any resistance and it freely moves back and forth, it’s likely broken and you need a new lid. [6]
    • Contact a professional appliance repair company to have them replace the lid.
    7. Advertisement
Section 2 of 2:

Inspecting the Drive Belt

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you have a top-loading machine, remove the bottom panel. For a front loader, remove the back. Unplug the machine if you haven’t unplugged it already, then tilt it into a position where you can remove the back or bottom. Then, look for the screws running around the rim of the panel. Unscrew those fasteners and then slide the panel out. [7]
    • Depending on the model, you may need to unscrew the back panel first before you can remove the bottom panel on a top-loading washer.
    • If the lid and latch are working just fine, the drive belt is the next most likely culprit for a Whirlpool drum that won’t spin.
    • You may get an F# or F# E# error code if the drive belt isn’t working correctly.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The drive belt is a long length of rubber that connects the pulleys and gears attached to your washing machine’s motor. The easiest way to find it is to look for the largest circular gear. The pulley should wrap around that before feeding around a sequence of smaller gears. [8]
    • If you’ve ever worked on cars or looked under the engine hood, the washing machine’s drive belt is basically identical in form and function to a car’s serpentine belt.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Whirlpool-Washer-Not-Spinning-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If the belt is loose or snapped, that’s why your belt isn’t working. Purchase a replacement belt for your model and install it per your washer’s instructions . If the belt is tight and secure, it’s likely that your motor isn’t working and it’s time to call a professional repair person. [9]
    • If you don’t want to put the new belt on yourself, contact an appliance repair company.
    • If you replace the belt yourself, reattach the panels before putting the washer back in place and run a dry cycle to confirm the washer is fixed.
    4. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Replace a Washing Machine Door Seal
      How to
      Find Your Whirlpool Drain Pump Filter
      How to
      Fix a U6 Error on your Samsung Washing Machine: Guide
      How to
      Fix a Washing Machine That Stops Mid‐Cycle
      How to
      Replace a Washing Machine Belt
      How to
      Fix F5 E3 on a Whirlpool Washer
      How to
      Clean a Smelly Washing Machine
      How to
      Troubleshoot & Repair a Washer That Doesn’t Drain
      Proper Vent Drainage for a Laundry Machine: Sticking to Code
      What Does the F21 Error Code on a Whirlpool Washing Machine Mean?
      3 Easy Ways to Take Off a GE Washer Agitator
      How to
      Remove a Drum Paddle from a Washer
      How to
      Balance a Washing Machine Drum
      How to
      Fix a Shaking Washing Machine
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/washer-wont-spin/
      2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/washer-wont-spin/
      3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/washer-wont-spin/
      4. ↑ https://producthelp.whirlpool.com/Laundry/Washers/Top_Load_HE_Washers_(Oasis)/Error_Codes/Sd_or_5d_-_Error_Code_-_Washer
      5. ↑ https://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/How-To-Fix-A-Washing-Machine/49---/Washer-Door-Or-Lid-Won-T-Lock-Unlock
      6. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-a-top-loading-washing-machine-apartment-therapy-tutorials-184296
      7. ↑ https://www.whirlpool.com/content/dam/global/documents/201802/servicemanual-w11197006-27_stackedlaundrycenter.pdf
      8. ↑ https://atoz1.com/washer-repair/how-to-replace-your-whirlpool-washers-drive-belt/
      9. ↑ https://atoz1.com/washer-repair/how-to-replace-your-whirlpool-washers-drive-belt/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 23,371 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement