Maytag Washer Not Spinning: Step-by-Step Fixes to Get It Working Today
Introduction: What this guide covers and how to use it
If your Maytag washer not spinning, you are not alone. Wet, heavy clothes, a control panel error code, or a tub that tries to spin then stops are common symptoms. This guide walks you from fast checks to full repairs, so you can try the easy fixes first, then move into diagnostic tests and part replacements if needed.
Start with quick wins, such as redistributing an unbalanced load, cleaning the drain pump, and checking the lid switch. If those do not work, follow step by step troubleshooting, with the exact tools you need, common part names, and clear safety steps. Safety first, always unplug the washer and shut off the water before you touch internal components, and use gloves and eye protection. Many issues are solvable in under an hour, while motor or gearbox faults may require replacement or a certified Maytag technician.
Quick checklist: Fast things to try before you start troubleshooting
Before you dive into repairs, try these fast wins that fix most cases of a Maytag washer not spinning. They take 1 to 5 minutes.
Make sure the lid or door is fully closed, and the lid lock engages. Top load machines will not spin with the lid up.
Run a drain and spin or spin only cycle, not a regular wash. That often clears water and restarts the spin.
Balance the load, moving a heavy item like a towel into the center or removing a single bulky piece.
Check the drain hose and pump filter for clogs or kinks. A blocked drain stops spinning.
Power cycle the washer, unplugging for 60 seconds, then restart. Watch the display for error codes and note them.
Safety first: power, water, and basic tools you will need
If your Maytag washer not spinning, stop, unplug the machine or flip the circuit breaker to kill power before you touch anything. Shut off both hot and cold supply valves, pull the washer away from the wall, and place towels and a bucket under the drain hose to catch leaks. Wear work gloves, and keep children and pets out of the area.
Minimal tools needed: Phillips and flat screwdrivers, a socket set or nut drivers, adjustable wrench, multimeter, flashlight, towels.
Fix 1: Rebalance the load and test the spin cycle
Unbalanced loads are one of the top reasons a Maytag washer not spinning. Big towels, a single heavy blanket, or a clump of clothes can make the drum wobble and the machine will refuse to spin to protect itself. Here is a fast, sure method to rebalance and run a test spin.
- Pause the cycle, open the lid or door and spread clothes evenly around the drum.
- Remove one or two bulky items if they are all on one side, for example a king comforter.
- Add a small item like a towel if the load is very light, this helps the machine find balance.
- Close the lid, restart on a spin only or Drain and Spin setting.
Listen for smooth, quiet rotation and minimal shaking. If it still won’t spin, try redistributing again or reduce the load size.
Fix 2: Check the lid or door switch and simple electrical faults
First, unplug the washer. Safety first, always. On top loaders the lid switch is usually a small plastic plunger or metal tab under the rim of the lid, on front loaders the door lock assembly contains the switch. Look for a broken actuator, cracked plastic, burnt connectors, or a loose wiring harness.
Grab a multimeter, set it to continuity or low ohms. With the plug disconnected, press the switch plunger by hand or with a screwdriver, probe the switch terminals, you should get continuity or a near zero reading when pressed, and no continuity when released. Infinite resistance means the switch is bad.
If the switch fails, replace it with the exact Maytag part. For temporary testing only, you can hold the actuator closed with tape or a stick to force a spin, but only with an empty drum and never as a permanent fix, this defeats a safety device.
Fix 3: Inspect the drive belt, motor coupling, and pulleys
Start by unplugging the washer and pulling it away from the wall. For most belt drive Maytag top load washers, remove the back panel with a socket set to expose the drive belt, motor coupling, and pulleys. Look for these signs of trouble: cracked or glazed belt, belt that slips when you spin the drum by hand, a shredded plastic motor coupling, wobbling or rusted pulley bearings. If the motor runs but the drum does not, the coupling is a usual suspect. If the drum turns freely but slowly, the belt is likely stretched or worn.
Concrete tips: take a photo before you remove parts, note part numbers stamped on the belt or coupling, replace the belt if more than 1 inch of slack shows, swap the motor coupling if any plastic teeth are missing. After replacing, test with a short spin cycle, and listen for smooth, vibration free operation.
Fix 4: Clear a clogged drain pump or hose that prevents spin
If water cannot leave the tub, the machine will skip spin to avoid damage. A clogged drain pump or hose is a common reason a Maytag washer not spinning.
Start safe, unplug the washer and turn off the water. Put a shallow pan and towels under the lower access panel. Open the emergency drain hose or coin trap to let standing water out into the bucket.
Remove the pump filter cap, pull out lint, coins, and hair. Inspect the pump impeller, wiggle it gently, make sure it spins free. Follow the hose from tub to pump, clear blockages with a flexible brush or running water.
Replace the pump when the impeller is broken, the motor makes grinding noises, it leaks, or it has no electrical continuity. Match the Maytag model number for an exact replacement.
Diagnosing control board and motor issues: what to test and expect
If your maytag washer not spinning, signs point to either electronics or the drive motor. Listen for humming or a clicking relay, watch for error codes or a burned smell, and note whether the machine drains but won’t spin. Those clues separate control board issues from mechanical failure.
Start with safety, unplug the washer, then open the control console. Look for burnt components, swollen capacitors, or melted connectors on the board. Inspect the motor for scorched windings or seized drum movement by hand.
For a practical test, restore power briefly, start a spin cycle, measure voltage at the motor leads with a multimeter. If the board sends voltage but the motor doesn’t turn, the motor is likely bad. If no voltage is present, the control board or its relays probably failed. Check motor winding continuity too; open or shorted windings mean motor replacement.
Expect costs roughly: motor $100 to $300, control board $150 to $400, plus labor. If you see visible burns or lack confidence with live testing, call a tech.
When to call a professional: cost estimates and what to tell the technician
If the problem is electrical, unsafe, or beyond basic parts swapping, call a pro. Examples: a burning smell, visible sparking, motor that hums but does not turn, repeated error codes, or a machine older than ten years with major tub or transmission damage. Quick cost guide, approximate: service call $75 to $120. Small parts and labor, such as lid switches or belts, $80 to $200. Motor or transmission repairs $300 to $700. Tub bearings or full tub replacement $400 to $900. Total replacement often beats repair past $800.
What to tell the technician, checklist:
Model and serial number
Exact symptoms, error codes, and when they happen
Any noises, smells, or visible damage
Steps you already tried, and when problem started
Photos or short video of the spin attempt
Access constraints, availability, and warranty info
This info speeds diagnosis and keeps estimates realistic.
Maintenance tips to prevent a Maytag washer not spinning again
Small habits reduce the chance your Maytag washer not spinning again. Do a quick balance check every load, spread heavy items like towels around the drum and avoid stuffing the machine. Clean the pump filter and coin trap monthly, hair and coins are common spin blockers. Run a tub clean cycle with washer cleaner or white vinegar once a month to prevent residue buildup. Keep the washer level, use a carpenter’s level on the top corners and adjust feet until stable. Inspect hoses and drive components seasonally, look for cracks, loose clamps, or a worn belt or coupler. Lastly, use the correct HE detergent and measured amounts, excess suds can stop the spin cycle.
Conclusion: Quick recap and next steps
Quick recap: If your Maytag washer is not spinning, try the easy fixes. Remove unbalanced laundry, run a spin only cycle, check the lid switch and door latch, inspect the drive belt for wear, and clear the drain pump of debris. For safety, unplug the washer before probing the motor or wiring. If those steps fail, run the machine’s diagnostic mode to read error codes and test the motor coupling and clutch. DIYers can replace a belt or lid switch. Hire a pro if the motor, control board, or tub bearings need replacement, or if you prefer warranty safe repair today.
