Imagine having loads of clothes to wash and you immediately find out that your Kenmore washer not spinning. Well, when this happens, you should first try fixing it yourself before, you seek the help of a professional, as this would save you a couple of dollars.
There are various reasons why your Kenmore washer won’t spin and your washer might need just a simple adjustment or it might need a minor part replacement. In this article, we would show you some steps on how to fix your Kenmore washer not spinning.
How to Fix Kenmore Washer Not Spinning
The following steps could serve as a way out to fix a non-spinning Kenmore washer. Ensure to exercise all the steps to find out which one that work better for you.
Check Wash Cycle And Spin Setting
Some washers are designed to have a gentle or delicate wash cycle that runs longer and spins slower than some other wash cycles. Therefore make sure the spin settings of your Kenmore washer are set correctly.
Your Kenmore washer Spin settings can also be changed by slowing it down or speeding up the spin. While some Kenmore model allows you to control the spin speed by yourself instead of you changing the cycle.
Avoid Overloading Your Kenmore Washer
If your Kenmore washer not spinning check to make sure that you didn’t overload your washer. When you overload your Kenmore washer with lots of heavy clothing or too many clothes, it will become unbalanced, and your washing machine will find it very difficult to spin.
However, when you notice an unbalanced load during the wash cycle, pause, reposition, and then resume. Well if after you have checked the Wash Cycle And Spin Setting, avoid what we listed there are (5) Basic reasons and fix why your Kenmore washer not spinning.
Broken or Loose Drive Belt
The drive belt transfers the power from the motor to the drum and the drive belt is used by most washers to spin the drum. Carefully inspect to find out if the drive belt is broken or loose on the pulley.
If you found out that the drive belt is broken or loose on the pulley, then your washer won’t spin and it is best to replace the drive belt when your find out that your Kenmore washer not spinning.
How to Replace a Broken Drive Belt
Replacing the drive belt of your washing machine will vary depending on the model. Kindly follow these steps to check if it is suitable for your washing machine:
- Lay your washing machine on its back.
- Then use a 5/16 inches socket wrench, to remove the screws from the belt cover.
- Remove the belt cover from the washer.
- Use a 1/2″ socket, to remove the bolt securing the drive pulley.
- Pull out the drive pulley and belt.
- When you are trying to install a new belt, make sure you wrap the belt around the motor and drive pulleys before you reinstall the drive pulley.
Broken Motor Coupler
The motor coupler in your washing machine connects the transmission to the drive shaft of the motor. The coupler is made of plastic and rubber, which mounts on one side of the drive shaft.
If the motor coupler is broken it can cause your Kenmore washer not to spin. However, there are different signs to determine if the motor coupler inside your Kenmore Washer is broken.
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When Agitator Doesn’t Work
On a norm when your washer is filled with water, the center agitator usually shakes or rotates forth and back. This allows all the clothes to be pushed all around in the water. Now if your washing machine fills with water and the agitator does not start to rotate forth and back, then the motor coupler could be broken or worn.
Motor Spins But Drum Does Not Rotate
The primary function of the motor is to control the transmission and rotate the drum. Therefore these 2 functions are connected by the motor coupler. Also if you hear the motor turning or spinning but the drum doesn’t rotate, then the motor coupling is worn or broken.
Through Loud Noise
If your Kenmore washer makes a loud noise which can be heard in the washer as it runs through its cycles. The noise gets louder when your washing machine operates on the spin cycle.
This noise is often caused when the motor coupler slaps against the transmission and motor drive shaft. The motor coupler will worn out or the plastic will get cracked. Then this is an indication that the coupler needs to be replaced so it won’t eventually cause your Kenmore washer not to spin.
Faulty Door Latch
The door latch ensures that the washer door is properly closed during operation. Once the door of your washer is properly shut, the washer will then begin to operate. However, if your Kenmore washer door is not properly well-closed, this will prevent the washer from spinning. The door latch can fail to close due to mechanical or electrical faults.
Therefore inspect the door latch of your Kenmore washing machine for damages. If the door latch of your washing machine is not closing properly, it is best to replace it. Well, you can also test it by using a multimeter to test the switches on the door latch. If you found out any of the switches do not have continuity when activated, then replace the switch.
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Faulty Lid Switch
The lid switch is a safety mechanism, it allows your washer to start when the lid is closed and it also stops the washer when the lid is opened. The pin on the lid pushes the lever of the lid switch to inform the machine that the lid is closed.
The parts of a lid switch assembly often come with a three-wire lead. The pin on the lid pushes on the lever of the lid switch to inform the machine that the lid is closed. A faulty or broken lid switch will cause your Kenmore washer not spinning, not to agitate or might cause it not to drain properly.
How to Replace Faulty Lid Switch
Replacing the lid switch of your washing machine often varies depending on the model. Follow these steps to check if it is suitable for your washing machine:
- Kindly unplug your washing machine from an electric power source to avoid electric shock.
- Use an adjustable wrench or a 5/16″ socket wrench, to remove the three screws from the top rear of the washer.
- Lift from the back, to gently remove the top panel.
- Set the top panel to the back facing you.
- Remove the two screws from the component cover by using the same set of a wrench,
- Grip the washer from the bottom, then pull the component cover out of the washer.
- Carefully unplug the two wires that are connected to the lid switch.
- Remove the two Phillips screws that were used to hold the bracket.
- Now remove the green ground wire.
- Using a screwdriver, now remove the single screw connecting the lid switch to the bracket.
Motor Control Board
The motor control board is designed to provide the power needed for the motor. Therefore if the motor control board is faulty, this can cause your Kenmore washer not spinning problem.
How To Replace Motor Control Board
Well replacing the motor control board of your washing machine depends on the model. Follow these steps to check if it is suitable for your washing machine:
- Use an adjustable wrench or 5/16 inches socket wrench, to remove the 3 screws from the top end of the washer.
- Lift from the back, to remove the top panel.
- The top panel is connected by wires and hoses. Then set the top panel on a flat raised surface.
- Use the same set of wrenches, and remove the two screws from the component cover.
- Pull out and remove the component cover, from the bottom.
- Then carefully remove the three wire straps.
- Use a Philips head type of screwdriver, and remove the three mounting screws, to pull out the motor control board.
In summary, sometimes your Kenmore washer might be making a loud noise without spinning, or it might not even rotate or spin at all. Then all these are signs to note and we have briefly also discussed on reasons why your Kenmore washer not spinning and possible solutions to fix it.