Troubleshooting Maytag Washer That Won’t Spin

A Maytag washing machine’s most critical function is to spin. That allows the machine to loosen up the dirt and later squeeze water out from the clothes. Still, faulty washers can sometimes fail to spin.

A top-loading Maytag washer in many cases won’t spin due to a faulty lid lock, worn out transmission clutch, failed actuator switch, or worn basket drive hub kit. Front-loading Maytag models may do the same if the drain filter is clogged, the drain pump is burnt out, or the door lock has malfunctioned.

In this article, we’re going to explore common reasons why Maytag top- and front-loading washing machines won’t spin.

On Top-loading Maytag Washing Machines

Lid Lock Failed

What it is: Top-loading Maytag washing machines have something called a lid lock, and its function is pretty straightforward.

Once you’ve loaded the machine and input the settings you want, the lid lock ensures that no one can open the lid while the machine is working.

If someone was to open the lid and stick their hand inside, they might get injured.

Items falling into the machine can also cause damage. The lid lock prevents this in two ways: locking the lid so no one can open it.

The lid lock also ensures that the washer won’t start turning as long as the lid is open.

Why it fails: Your top-loading Maytag washer will not spin if the lid lock has failed.

That’s because a failed lock might mistakenly sense that the lid is still open, even though you’ve already closed it.

As a result, the machine will not begin the washing cycles.

How to fix: Lid locks can’t be repaired, so they must instead be replaced.

That usually involves opening the top panel of the washer to access the lid lock.

At the same time, you’d also need to disconnect the existing lid lock’s wire harness from the control board through the rear panel. 

Then, you’d simply place the new lid lock in the same position and reconnect it the same way as before.

Transmission Clutch Worn Out

What it is: Just like in a car, your top-loading Maytag washing machine also has a transmission clutch as well.

That clutch helps to move the washer’s tub on the inside and the agitator, which removes the dirt from your clothes inside.

As the clutch spins, the spring inside will catch on the brake release. With enough tension on that spring, it’ll help to release the washer’s brake and allow the tub to spin.

Why it fails: Over time, the transmission clutch inside your washer can get worn out, and that spring mentioned earlier can lose its tension.

That’s especially true if the machine has been in service for many years, and even more so if you use it very frequently.

When that happens, the clutch will not be able to catch on the brake release, causing your washer’s tub to stay still instead of spinning.

How to fix: In this situation, you’ll need to replace the transmission clutch.

However, it’s not a simple DIY job, so you will probably be better off hiring a professional to do it for you.

Typically, the process involves uninstalling the motor entirely. That will make it easier to tip the entire washer over and remove the transmission housing.

From there, it’ll be much easier to replace the existing clutch before reinstalling the transmission and the motor.

Actuator Switch malfunction

What it is: The shift actuator inside your washer is switching drive gear between spin and agitation cycles.

Doing so helps to control your washer’s ability to spin and allows it to switch between different spinning modes.

Why it fails: There are several reasons why an actuator switch may fail. If the machine has been in use for a long time, the problem could be that it has become worn out or faulty.

Besides that, the switch could have been exposed to excess moisture, which damages it, leading to failure.

As a result of all that, the switch could prevent the washer from spinning at all.

How to fix: The actuator switch usually sits on the transmission housing deep inside the machine.

That means replacing it requires you to open access panels and remove both the washer motor and transmission so that you can work on it much easier.

Once you’ve removed the transmission housing, it’ll make it much easier to remove and replace the washer’s actuator switch.

Basket Drive Hub Kit

What it is: The basket drive hub kit is located under the agitator. It wraps around the transmission shaft and is mounted onto the tub with several screws.

So, as the transmission shaft turns, the drive hub kit transfers that energy towards turning the tub efficiently as well.

Why it fails: Over time, the basket drive hub kit can also get worn out, and it won’t attach to the transmission shaft as it usually does.

So, when the transmission turns, none of that energy will go towards turning the tub, and the washer won’t spin at all.

How to fix: Replacing a basket drive hub kit is pretty easy and straightforward.

Firstly, you’ll need to remove the agitator from inside the tub. Underneath it, you’ll see the transmission shaft with the drive hub kit around it.

Remove any screws or bolts holding the drive hub kit in place and simply slide on the replacement.

Be sure to do so with the splines on the inside of the drive hub lined up with the transmission shaft’s splines. 

Once you’ve screwed it into place, you can then put the agitator back.

On Front-loading Maytag Washing Machines

Drain Filter Clogged

What it is: All Maytag washing machines have a drain filter. As the name suggests, this little component simply filters all the water that flows towards the drain.

It catches things like lint, dirt, coins, and anything else that shouldn’t be there.

That, in turn, ensures that none of it goes into the drain and causes a clog there instead.

Why it fails: Many people forget that the drain filter must be cleaned from time to time.

If that doesn’t happen, the drain filter will eventually get clogged to the point that no water can flow out from the washer.

When water can’t drain out, the machine will not continue spinning in during the next stage of the washing cycle.

How to fix: Thankfully, fixing this is simple. All you have to do is carefully remove the drain filter and clean it thoroughly.

Wash it with water under the sink and pick out any buildup that’s clogging the filter.

As you do this, you’ll want to place towels on the floor to clean up any spills that may occur.

To prevent this from being a problem again in the future, set reminders to clean the drain filter at least once a month.

Drain Pump Failed

What it is: Another part of the Maytag washer’s drainage system is the drain pump.

Gravity alone isn’t enough to drain all the water from the washer, which is why it relies on a pump to force the water out through the drain hose.

When the drain pump works correctly, it’ll have no problems draining all of the water from the tub completely.

Why it fails: Mechanical components like drain pumps can get burnt out at some point.

If that happens, the water inside your Maytag washer will not be able to drain out correctly.

That will prevent the machine from spinning and moving on to the next stage of the wash cycle.

How to fix: Replacing the drain pump can be pretty labour-intensive. That pump is located towards the bottom of the machine, which is why you’ll need to tip the machine on its side.

Then, you’ll have to remove the bottom panel to gain access to the pump.

To remove the existing drain pump, you’ll need to disconnect any electrical connectors, hoses, and screws, keeping it in place.

The replacement needs to be screwed in place with all of the connectors attached the same way as before.

Door Lock Failed

What it is: Top-loading washers have a lid lock, while front-loading machines have a door lock instead.

They work the same way: to keep the door locked while the machine is in operation, preventing injury and damage.

With the front-loading washer design, this lock also prevents water from flooding out of the washer by keeping the door locked.

Why it fails: A faulty door lock may not sense that the door is closed, even when it is. As a result, the machine may refuse to fill up with water or spin as it should.

How to fix: The door lock assembly needs to be replaced. It’s located right behind the door area, which is why you’ll need to remove part of the rubber gasket around the door to gain access to it. 

The mounting screws are visible from the front, which makes them easier to remove.

Once you’ve done that, reach behind the rubber gasket and remove the door lock assembly and its electrical connectors.

Reconnect the connectors on the new door lock assembly, then push it behind the rubber gasket in the same part of the door as before.

Put in the mounting screws to keep the door lock assembly in place.

Wax Motor On Maytag Neptune Washer

What it is: Maytag Neptune washers, in particular, have something called a wax motor.

That name comes from the fact that a wax motor converts heat into mechanical energy through the melting of waxes.

Simply put, the motor works by melting the wax and expanding the plunger until it presses on a switch.

You can find the wax motor as part of the door latch assembly. When the wax motor expands, it’ll push the plunger against an enable switch that signals to the machine that the door is shut so it can begin the washing cycle.

Why it fails: When a wax motor is faulty, it will not be able to expand far enough to push the enable switch on the door latch assembly.

As a result, the washer will not sense that the door is shut, and won’t spin or begin the wash cycle.

How to fix: Replacing the wax motor requires access to the door latch assembly. You’ll need to remove the top access panel on the Neptune washer to do this.

Remove the existing switch and its electrical connector before putting the replacement in its place.

The most important part of this process is to put the motor in a precise position.

If the switch is placed wrongly, the plunger will not be able to reach the enable switch.