Maytag Washer Not Spinning? 5 Simple Solutions

Have you noticed your Maytag washer isn’t spinning properly? Perhaps it makes strange clunking sounds when it spins, or maybe it’s not spinning at all. Either way, a washer is pretty useless if it can’t spin. 

Before you go researching replacement washing machines, have a look at this guide. We’ve found five simple DIY fixes that can solve the issue of a Maytag washer that isn’t spinning. 

This guide applies to all major models of Maytag washers, including:

A101

A102

A102S

A103

A103S

A104

LAT9416AAE

MAH3000AWW

MAH4000AWW

MAH5500BWW

MAH8700AWW

MAV6200AWW

MAV7600AWW

MHWE200XW00

MVWC300VW1

MVWC415EW2

MVWC6ESWW1

MVWX655DW1

PAV2200AWW

PAV2300AWW

PAVT234AWW

1. Make sure the load is balanced

An unbalanced load happens when your laundry is unevenly distributed inside the machine. This can cause loud vibrations or thumping noises during the spin cycle, and even prevent the machine from spinning altogether. If your Maytag washer detects an unbalanced load, it will stop spinning to prevent the machine from being damaged by an off-kilter spin. 

Follow these tips to ensure a balanced load:

• Proper loading: Make sure you evenly distribute items in the drum when you load your washer.
• Mix item sizes: If you’re washing large, bulky items like towels or sheets, try to add some smaller items as well, as this helps balance the load. 
• Adjust spin speed: Choose a slower spin speed for bulky items that have a tendency to unbalance the machine.
• Untangle clothes: Make sure you’re not adding tangled items to the drum. If your clothes are already tangled when you put them in the drum, your load is more likely to clump and become unbalanced. 
• Group fabrics with similar weights: If you’re washing heavier fabrics, such as denim, don’t mix them with lighter fabrics, as this can cause clumping. 

By following these rules, your Maytag washer won’t get unbalanced, and the spin cycle will be able to complete. 

2. Reset your washer

If your Maytag washer has experienced a power surge or is stuck in an error code, it can cause all functions to stop working, including the spin cycle. If this is the case, resetting the washer can be a quick and easy fix. 

The most simple reset method is to disconnect the power from the washing machine (don’t just turn off the switch—pull the plug) and wait three minutes. This will allow the electrical charge to dissipate and the washer to reset. 

If this doesn’t work, follow these steps:

• Press the power/cancel button.
• Choose a new cycle to run.
• Press the start/pause button.

This should reset your washer, but run a test cycle to confirm that all the functions are working again. 

3. Replace the drive belt

The drive belt in your Maytag washer connects the motor to the drum (where the clothes go) and enables it to spin. If the belt has worn out or become stretched, frayed, or broken, the drum may not spin; or it may spin unevenly and make a loud banging noise. 

If your belt needs to be replaced, it will be visibly damaged or worn. New drive belts can be easily sourced from online appliance parts stores—just make sure you buy one that is compatible with your model of washer. 

To replace the drive belt:

• Unplug the washer.
• Access the drive belt. Consult your manual for exact instructions—in some cases, you may have to remove the back panel of the washer. 
• Check the old belt for damage or wear; once you’ve confirmed it is damaged, remove it from the drum pulleys. 
• Place the new belt that you’ve purchased in place on the motor and the drum pulleys, ensuring it is properly tensioned. 
• Put the machine back together.
• Plug the washer back in and run a test cycle to see if it spins. 

4. Replace the lid switch assembly

The lid switch works to stop your washer from operating when the lid is open. If the lid switch is faulty, it may be incorrectly sensing that your washer is open, which prevents the wash and spin cycles from starting. 

When your lid switch is the culprit, you may notice your washer no longer clicks when you close the lid. If you test the lid switch with a multimeter, you may also find that it has no continuity. As with the drive belt, you can purchase a replacement lid switch assembly online. 

To replace the lid switch:

• Unplug the washer.
• Locate the lid switch underneath the washer lid. 
• Remove and disconnect the broken switch. You’ll need to disconnect it from its wiring and also unclip or unscrew the entire assembly. 
• Put the new lid switch in place, ensuring it is wired in correctly. 
• Reassemble the washer, turn it back on, and run a test cycle. 

5. Replace the motor coupling

The motor coupling is the part that joins the transmission and the motor, and is the piece that enables the drum to spin. It is designed to be a sacrificial part—if your machine is overloaded, the coupling may break to protect the motor. When it’s broken, the drum won’t be able to spin at all. 

If the coupling appears to be broken, cracked, or damaged in any way, you’ll need to replace it. As with the above repairs, you can purchase the new part online. 

To replace the motor coupling:

• As always, unplug the washer before beginning repairs.
• Remove the back panel to access the coupling.
• Remove the motor, ensuring you take careful note of how it is put together so you can return it to the correct state.
• Remove the broken coupling pieces from the shafts of the motor and transmission.
• Align the new coupling in place on the shafts, making sure they fit properly. 
• Put the motor back into place, securing the bolts. 
• Secure the back panel. 
• Plug the washer back in and run a test cycle.