Whirlpool Washer Drum Not Turning

Is your Whirlpool washer not spinning? Then this article is for you. When a washer stops spinning, it usually means that one or multiple components within your washer are defective and will need to be repaired or replaced.

To find the cause of the problem, simply check each of the components listed below, and hopefully you’ll be able to get your washer working again.

Lid Switch

The first component to check is the lid switch. The purpose of the lid switch is to turn your washer off when the lid is not closed correctly. If it turns your washer off when it shouldn’t, then the washer will stop spinning.

Here’s how to check the lid switch:

1. Make sure that the power to the washer is switched off.
2. Locate the lid switch (check your manual if necessary).
3. Once located, you will need to remove the lid switch and then check it for continuity with a multimeter.
4. If the lid switch has no continuity, it is defective and will need to be replaced. However, if the test shows continuity, it is working correctly, and you can reconnect it to the washer and move on to checking the next component.

Drive Belt

The second component in your Whirlpool washer to check is the drive belt. The drive belt helps your washer to rotate during a cycle, and when it becomes defective, your washer won’t be able to spin.

To check the drive belt:

1. Make sure the power is still turned off.
2. Locate the drive belt (consult your manual if necessary). You will have to remove the top and side panels to access it.
3. Inspect the drive belt to see if it is broken or loose. You also need to check that it is connected to the pulleys correctly.
4. If the belt is damaged or broken, it will need to be replaced. If the drive belt is fine, you can move on to checking the next component.

Drive Pulley

The drive pulley works with the drive belt to make the washer spin around. If the drive pulley becomes worn out or defective, the washer won’t be able to spin correctly.

To check the drive pulley, you need to:

1. Make sure the power is switched off.
2. Locate the pulley (the drive belt goes through it).
3. Inspect the pulley for any signs of wear and tear.
4. If it is defective, it will need to be replaced. However, if it is working correctly, it is not the source of the problem, so you can move on to checking the next component.

Motor Coupling

The next component to check is the motor coupling. The coupling connects the washer motor to the transmission. If your washer is overloaded, the coupling helps to protect the transmission and motor.

Here’s how to check the motor coupling:

1. Make sure the power to the washer is still switched off.
2. Locate the motor coupling (check your manual if necessary). You will also have to remove the top and side panels of the washer to access it if you haven’t already.
3. Inspect the motor coupling to see if it is cracked or broken.
4. If it is broken, it will need to be replaced. If it is not defective, you can move on to checking the next component.

Door Latch

The door latch is what ensures the door on your washer stays closed while it is running through a cycle. If you turn your washer on and the door is not shut properly, it will not start or may stop spinning if it becomes open during the cycle. Some washer models have mechanical door latches, while others have electronic ones (check your manual to find out which type your specific model has).

Here’s how to check the door latch:

1. Make sure the power is still switched off.
2. Check your manual to find out if your washer has a mechanical or electrical door latch.
3. If your washer has a mechanical door latch, you need to manually check it is working by checking if the door is shut properly when you turn your washer on to a cycle. If the door doesn’t shut properly, it will need to be replaced.
4. If you have an electrical door latch, you’ll need to check it for continuity with a multimeter. If the door latch doesn’t have continuity, it will need to be replaced.
5. If your door latch is working correctly, then you can move on to checking the next component.

Clutch

The next component to check is the clutch. The clutch connects the transmission and the inner tub and helps the tub to get up to its correct spin speed. If it gets worn out, the washer might not be able to spin correctly.

To check the clutch, you need to:

1. Turn the washer on to a cycle.
2. Check to see if the tub is rotating. If the tub doesn’t rotate at all, then the clutch is most likely defective and will have to be replaced. If the drum does rotate, check to see if the spin speed goes up and down intermittently. If the drum doesn’t spin at a consistent speed, this is another sign that the clutch is defective and will need to be replaced.
3. If the clutch is working correctly, then move on to checking the next component.

Rotor

The next component to check is the rotor. The purpose of the rotor is to work with the stator to help the tub rotate around. The rotor has multiple magnets on it that when damaged will stop the tub from working correctly.

Here’s how to check the rotor:

1. Locate the rotor (consult your manual if necessary).
2. Inspect the magnets for any signs of damage and the rest of the rotor for signs of wear and tear.
3. If the magnets or any other part of the rotor is damaged it will need to be replaced. If it is fine, you can move on to checking the next component.

Stator Assembly

Another possible cause of your Whirlpool washer not spinning is a faulty stator assembly. The stator works with the rotor to help the tub rotate.

To check the stator assembly, you need to:

1. Locate the stator (consult your manual if necessary).
2. Check the windings on the stator for signs of damage.
3. If they are damaged, replace the stator. If the stator is fine, you can move on to checking the next component.

The Drive Motor

The next component to check is the drive motor. The drive motor helps the washer to spin. If it becomes defective, the washer won’t spin.

Here’s how to check the drive motor:

1. Locate the drive motor (consult your manual if necessary).
2. First, check the power source to the drive motor by testing it with a multimeter (before checking it, make sure the power is switched off).
3. If the power source is fine, the next thing to do is turn the washer on to a cycle and then listen to the drive motor to see if you can hear a humming sound coming from it.
4. If you can hear an obvious humming sound or if it is overly noisy when operating, you will have to replace the drive motor. If the drive motor is working correctly, you can move on to checking the next component.

Motor Control Board

The motor control board provides power to the motor, and when it becomes defective, power is not supplied and your washer won’t spin.

Here’s how to check the motor control board:

1. Make sure the power to the washer is switched off.
2. Locate the motor control board (consult your manual if necessary).
3. Inspect the control board for signs of burned-out components.
4. If you can find burned-out components, then the control board will need to be replaced. If it doesn’t have any burned-out components, you can move on to check the transmission.

Transmission

The final component that could be causing your Whirlpool washer to not spin is the transmission. However, the transmission very rarely gets worn out and should only be replaced if you have checked every other component listed above first. If you do decide to replace the transmission, you will need to plug your washer back into the power source once the repair has been carried out and check if the problem has been solved.