If your Kenmore washer not spinning, you might be wondering if it’s fixable. Is it something you can do on your own? Or do you need to call an appliance repairman. The good news is that most of the time, your washer just needs a simple adjustment or minor part replacement.
You could be wondering why your Kenmore washer isn’t spinning or the simple solutions to get your washer working properly again. There are many reasons why your Kenmore washer won’t spin. One of which is incorrect spin speed selected. Our troubleshooting guide will pinpoint the most likely causes, and provide solutions so that you can get your Kenmore washing machine working like before.
| Reason | Causes | Fixes |
|---|---|---|
| Check the Wash Cycle and Spin Setting | Incorrect selection of wash cycle or spin speed | Ensure proper selection based on laundry load |
| Verify Proper Load Sizing and Balance | Overloading the washer or imbalanced load | Avoid overloading and distribute load evenly |
| Check for a Defective Lid Switch Assembly | Faulty or obstructed lid switch | Replace the lid switch if necessary |
| Inspect the Drive Belt | Worn, stretched, or broken drive belt | Replace the drive belt with a new one |
| Check for a Defective Door Latch | Broken or stuck door latch | Repair or replace the door latch |
| Inspect for a Defective Motor Control Board | Faulty motor control board | Replace the control board with a new one |
| Check for a Damaged Stator or Rotor | Cracked, dented, or defective rotor or stator | Replace the damaged parts with new ones |
Kenmore Washer Not Spinning – Troubleshoot and Diagnosis
Review the troubleshooting tips below if your Kenmore washer is not spinning properly.
1. Check the Wash Cycle and Spin Setting
If your Kenmore washer isn’t spinning, there are several reasons why this may be happening. Some washers have a gentle or delicate cycle that runs longer and spins slower than other wash cycles. Spin settings can also be changed, if available, to slow down or speed up the spin for the load of laundry being washed. Some model Kenmore washers allow you to control the spin speed yourself instead of just changing the cycle.
Starting a wash cycle is not enough — you also need to make sure that you select the right settings for your load. Setting up your machine for the wrong wash cycle will not only reduce the quality of your wash but also affect the spinning capability of your washer.
2. Make Sure the Wash Load is Properly Sized and Balanced
When loading your laundry, you should avoid overloading the washer and large items like bed sheets or towels. If you have small items that should be in their own load, separate them out. When the washer is unbalanced, it makes clothes too heavy for the agitator to spin them dry. When there are too many clothes in the wash, it makes the appliance work harder and drains energy.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when washing clothes is putting too many clothes in the washer. The weight of the clothes in the washer slows down the spin cycle and makes it take longer to get your clothes dry. This can lead to increased electricity costs and even damage your clothes.
The second reason a Kenmore washer may not be spinning clothes dry is that a single large item might be jamming up the drain pump.
You should never overload a washing machine — it could cause serious damage, and you could void your warranty. Avoid overloading by only filling the washer ¾ of the way full with each load and always using the right amount of detergent (the detergent manufacturer will tell you how much to use). Remember: You can always add small loads to these machines if they’re not full.
When large items, like king-size comforters or bulky sweaters, are placed in a front-loading washer and washed by themselves, the agitator may not be able to move them around enough to reach every part of the load. To avoid this problem, balance a large or heavy item with one of a similar size.
Some loads can be unbalanced, and it’s completely normal. If you notice an unbalanced load during the wash cycle, pause, reposition, and resume.
3. Defective Lid Switch Assembly
A faulty lid switch can prevent your Kenmore washer from spinning. When the lid is open, the lid switch assembly won’t send a signal to the washer’s control panel. The lid switch is a safety device that acts as a signal to the washer’s control panel to start spinning if the lid is closed properly.
If your washer doesn’t start spinning when you close the lid, make sure it’s not obstructed by items that may be in the way of the lid closing correctly.
When the washer lid seems to not close properly, it can be due to a faulty lid switch assembly. Multimeter testing of the lid switch may also show a lack of continuity, which could indicate that the part needs to be replaced.
4. Worn Out Drive Belt
When a motor cannot spin, the belt that it uses to help it do so may be damaged. The drive belt is a rubber belt encircling two pulleys. One of the pulleys is mounted on the motor shaft and the other on the washing machine drum. The belt connects them and supports the weight of the drum as it rotates. If these belts become stretched or worn, they will break.
If your washing machine’s drum won’t turn or is spinning more loudly than usual, the drive belt could have snapped. First, try resetting your washer. Then, if the noise continues, check that the belt hasn’t come to lose or snapped in two.
The drive belt can become stretched, frayed or torn over time, which may cause the washing machine not to perform properly. If this happens, it is important to replace the drive belt with a new one.
5. Defective Door Latch
The door latch on the washer must be in place to ensure the machine’s safety. The door latch secures the door during operation and prevents the door from opening during wash, preventing possible injury.
If the washer’s door latch is broken or defective, it will not be able to start the wash cycle. The washer can also not start if the door latch is stuck in the closed position. Inspect and fix any damage or defect to the door latch.
6. Defective Motor Control Board
If a washing machine’s motor control board fails, the washing machine may not function properly. In addition to reporting the problem to the brand and/or the agency responsible for product safety, a consumer can replace the control board with a new one after checking the model number. If a new part cannot be obtained, repairs can be made by experts or technicians who have been authorized by an authorized service team.
A control board is the electronic brain of your washing machine and provides power to the motor as well as cycles and water level. Control boards are relatively easy to replace, but there are a few working parts inside that can wear out over time. If your washing machine isn’t working properly and you don’t hear a humming sound when it’s on, the control board might be broken.
7. Damaged Stator or Rotor
When washers don’t spin, it’s usually because of a problem with the rotor — the part with blades that slings water from the tub. The rotor magnetizes the stator units and spins the tub. There could be a number of reasons for a faulty rotor, including worn-out magnets, loose or damaged parts, or a defective clutch.
Inspect the rotor for any cracks or dents; if you notice any, replace it with a new, unblemished part. If the windings on the stator have defects, replace them. Test the machine again and repeat this step if the problem continues.
FAQs
Q: Why is my Kenmore washer not spinning at all?
A: There could be several reasons for this issue. Firstly, check if the wash cycle and spin settings are appropriate for the load. Additionally, ensure the washer is not overloaded or unbalanced. If the problem persists, it might be due to a defective motor control board or a damaged stator or rotor.
Q: Can an imbalanced load cause the washer to not spin?
A: Yes, an imbalanced load can prevent the washer from spinning properly. When the load is not distributed evenly, it puts excessive pressure on the agitator and affects the spinning process. Make sure to load the washer correctly and distribute the items evenly for optimal spinning performance.
Q: How can I fix a broken lid switch assembly?
A: If the lid switch assembly is broken, it will need to be replaced. You can purchase a new lid switch assembly from a Kenmore authorized dealer or contact their customer support for assistance in obtaining a replacement part. It’s recommended to consult the washer’s user manual or seek professional help for the replacement process.
Q: What should I do if the drive belt is worn or broken?
A: A worn or broken drive belt should be replaced with a new one. To do this, you will need to access the belt assembly in the washer. Refer to the user manual or seek guidance from a professional technician to safely replace the drive belt. Ensure you have the appropriate replacement belt specific to your Kenmore washer model.
Q: Can I repair a defective motor control board myself?
A: Repairing a defective motor control board can be complex and requires technical expertise. It is recommended to consult a professional technician or contact Kenmore’s customer support for assistance. They can guide you on whether the control board can be repaired or needs to be replaced with a new one.
Hi there! I’m Sam Hendricks, and I’m a repair technician and expert. I created this website to help people like you save money and time by fixing your own appliances.
Over the years, I’ve seen people spend a lot of money on unnecessary repairs or replacements. That’s why I decided to share my expertise and create easy-to-follow guides for fixing appliances on your own.