A good washing machine is nothing less than a good friend to people of our generation. Kenmore washers are very popular as an option. So, one day you just put your clothes in it and wait for them to get washed. But your Kenmore washer won’t spin! This can be a really frustrating experience.
So, now you might be wondering if you can fix it yourself or if you need to call an expert. You are confused because you are not sure exactly why the Kenmore washer won’t spin. Sit back and relax. We are here to help you find out what’s going on with your washer.
There can be several reasons for a Kenmore washer to not spin. But the good news is most of the time the cause behind it is quite simple and easily fixable. So, after going through this you will be able to identify the problem and solve it yourself, or at least you will know if the technician is overcharging.
Reasons why Kenmore washer won’t spin
Let’s go through some of the reasons why the Kenmore washer won’t spin. There can be a lot of reasons but these are the most common ones.
Damaged or worn-out drive belt
Washing machines these days no longer use pulleys, instead, they use belts. And when the belt is not in its best shape anymore, the washer starts to have problems spinning. It will stop spinning completely when the belt is really damaged or worn out. So, check out if the belt drive is alright.
Problematic motor
When the drive motor has served for quite a long time, especially in an older model there is a good chance that the motor has become weak. And if the drive motor is not serving correctly then the drive belt is stuck and the washer won’t spin.
Broken water pump
If the water pump is broken then the washer cannot spin because there is no water to work with. This is quite a common problem. Check out the pump to make sure if it needs to be replaced or a repair does the job.
Broken stator or rotor
These are the components that are responsible for an electric component to spin. So, obviously if one of them or both of them are not working for some reason the washer is going to spin. So, check them out.
A broken lid switch assembly
The lid switch assembly makes sure that the washer doesn’t run when the lid is open. If the lid switch assembly is not working properly then it is going to prevent the washer from spinning even when the lid is closed.
Clogged drain hoses
If the drain hoses are clogged, it means the water cannot enter or get out properly. Which prevents the washer from further proceeding. So, definitely check out if the drain hoses are clear.
Broken door latch
This component here makes sure the washer doesn’t run with an open or partially shut door. Because that can create a huge mess. But a broken door latch will prevent the washer from spinning even when you think the door is fully closed.
Motor coupling problem
The motor coupling is used to connect the motor to the rotating parts of the machine. And this component will not let the motor run if the machine is overloaded. But a broken or problematic motor will do the same even when the machine is not overloaded.
A damaged motor control board
This is the brain that controls the behavior of the motor. And it is an electronic component that can easily be defective. And if it has defected then it will send wrong signals to the motor and the motor will not run when it needs to stop the machine from spinning.
Broken transmission system
The transmission system ensures the power transmission from the motor to other moving parts. This system consists of gears. And gears wear out after a long time. If that is the case then the power transmission is hampered and the washer cannot spin.
Solutions to Kenmore washer won’t spin
We have discussed some of the most common reasons why your washer won’t spin. Now let’s see what you should do when one of these problems occurs. We will go through them by their order.
Damaged or worn-out drive belt
If you have made sure that the belt is not in its usual condition and it is damaged, then you must replace it to make your machine run again.
Problematic motor
The first thing you need to do is make sure the motor is receiving enough electricity. And then check if the connection is going through a circuit breaker. If these are fine then search for any loose wire. But if there is no problem with all of these and anything else then call the company to inspect the motor.
Broken water pump
Search for any leaks in the faucet. If not then turn off all the valves and turn them back on. Maybe the water heater is broken and that’s why no water is coming out. Check out the manual to find out which system is driving the machine. And also check for corrosion. Finally, you might have to replace it.
Broken stator or rotor
Check the rotor to make sure there are no cracks or dents. If there is then it needs to be replaced with a new one. And for the stator the problem can be broken or damaged windings. If you find any defect, you need to repair it or if not possible then change it.
A broken lid switch assembly
Check out the power supply to the assembly or search for any damage or defect in the lid switch assembly. If everything is fine then there is some other problem in the machine. But if you find anything unusual then try replacing it with a new one and see if that solves the problem.
Clogged drain hoses
If you find the drain hoses are actually clogged with debris, then this is the problem you were looking for. To solve it try cleaning the debris with a small nozzle vacuum cleaner. If that is possible then run a good amount of hot water through the drain hoses and it will melt the debris and clean the drain.
Broken door latch
If this component is really broken then the only solution to the problem is to change the door latch with a new one and your machine should spin now.
Motor coupling problem
First, make sure the coupling is really broken. If it is, then replace it and install a new one. The washer should run smoothly now.
A damaged motor control board
If you find no other problems in your Kenmore washer and you hear a humming sound there is a possibility that the motor control board is damaged. Call the agency and let them find out if they can repair it. If not then check out the model number and replace the board with a new one.
Broken transmission system
Check for all the other possible reasons for which the washer can stop spinning. And then see if the motor is turning the transmission. If the answer is yes but still the washer won’t spin then try changing the transmission and see if that does the job.
Note: If you have another brand’s washer and face the spinning problem, you can visit the following.
Maintenance tips so your Kenmore washer always spin
- Make sure the washing machine drains are clean. Don’t let any debris, dust settle down there and clog the hoses.
- Use enough detergent but don’t overdose on it. Too much detergent can damage the drain pump because detergent is a chemical.
- Do not put all your clothes on at the same time. This can damage the control system which will stop the washer from spinning.
- Make sure the washer is sitting on the floor surface at the level. All four legs of the machine should touch the floor.
- Keep the interior, the drum, the door clean to get the best service.
- Don’t leave the washed and dried clothes in the washer for too long.
FAQ
Have a look at the section below in case you have any questions in mind.
Why does my washer wash but not spin?
The spinning cycle only if the draining system is working. So, if the washer is washing but not spinning, it means the water is not draining properly. Check out the drain hoses. Make sure they are not clogged with debris. Vacuum them clean or run hot water through them to clean them. It should solve the problem.
Why my Kenmore washer won’t spin and makes loud noise?
You have a broken motor coupler in your washer if this is the case. The coupler makes sure the power is transmitted to the washer to make it spin and if it is broken then that is not going to happen. A broken coupler also makes noise. So, change the motor coupler to solve the problem.
We discuss another Kenmore washer related problems and solutions at howtofixup
F21 Error Code Kenmore Washer: The Meaning & Its Solution
How to Take Apart a Kenmore Washer Model 110 : 6 Easy Steps
Conclusion
If you have come this far, you should now have a pretty good idea why your Kenmore washer won’t spin. And you have also understood that this phenomenon can be caused by a lot of reasons. But you shouldn’t be worried that much because most of the possible reasons can be solved very easily.
Remember this, before changing any part, or trying to troubleshoot it make sure that the part is actually broken. And this is the reason that is causing the washer to stop spinning. Go through our guidelines to find out the actual problem. And if you cannot solve it yourself then definitely take professional help.
Hope your problem is solved, your Kenmore washer is spinning and your clothes are washed. Good luck.