If your Kenmore washer isn’t spinning, it can be frustrating as it prevents your laundry from being fully cleaned and dried. One of the most common reasons for a washer not spinning is a malfunctioning motor or lid switch. These components are crucial for the washer’s spinning cycle. Fortunately, troubleshooting and fixing these issues is often straightforward and can save you the cost of calling a repair technician.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of a Kenmore washer not spinning, focusing on the motor and lid switch, and provide step-by-step instructions for diagnosing and fixing the problem.

Common Causes of a Kenmore Washer Not Spinning

When your Kenmore washer isn’t spinning, there are a few possible reasons. The most common causes include:

• Faulty Lid Switch: The lid switch is responsible for telling the washer that the lid is closed and safe to operate. If the switch fails, the washer may not spin or drain.
• Broken Drive Motor: The drive motor powers the washer’s drum and is responsible for initiating the spin cycle. If the motor fails, the washer won’t spin.
• Damaged Drive Belt: In some models, a damaged or broken drive belt can cause the washer drum to fail to spin.
• Clogged Drain Pump: If the drain pump is clogged or malfunctioning, the washer may fail to drain, which in turn prevents the spin cycle from completing.
• Overloaded Washer: Overloading the washer with too many clothes can cause an imbalance and prevent the spin cycle from engaging properly.

How to Fix a Kenmore Washer Not Spinning: Troubleshooting the Motor & Lid Switch

Step 1: Check the Lid Switch

The lid switch is one of the most common causes of a Kenmore washer not spinning. If the lid switch fails, it will prevent the washer from engaging in the spin cycle.

• Symptoms of a faulty lid switch: The washer fills with water but doesn’t spin. You hear a clicking sound when the lid is closed, but the washer doesn’t move.

What you can do:

• Test the Lid Switch: Open the washer lid and press the lid switch with a small screwdriver or similar tool. If you hear a click, the switch is engaging. If you don’t hear a click, the lid switch may be faulty.
• Inspect the Switch for Damage: Check the lid switch for any visible signs of damage, like cracks or wear. If the switch is broken, you’ll need to replace it.
• Replace the Lid Switch: Unplug the washer for safety. Remove the screws from the control panel or lid, depending on your washer model. Disconnect the wires from the old lid switch and remove it. Install the new lid switch, reconnect the wires, and reassemble the control panel or lid. Test the washer by closing the lid and starting a spin cycle.

Step 2: Inspect the Drive Motor

If the lid switch is working, but your Kenmore washer still isn’t spinning, the issue might lie with the drive motor.

• Symptoms of a faulty motor: The washer fills and agitates but doesn’t spin. The motor makes a humming sound but doesn’t engage.

What you can do:

• Listen for Noises: When you start the spin cycle, listen carefully for any sounds coming from the motor. A humming or buzzing noise could indicate that the motor is malfunctioning.
• Check the Motor Capacitor: The motor capacitor stores energy to help the motor start. If it fails, the motor won’t operate properly. To check the capacitor, you’ll need to test it with a multimeter. If the capacitor is faulty, it will need to be replaced.
• Check the Motor Coupler: Some Kenmore washers have a motor coupler between the motor and the transmission. If the coupler is broken or worn out, the washer won’t spin. Inspect the coupler for any damage and replace it if necessary.
• Replace the Motor: If the motor itself is defective, you may need to replace it. Unplug the washer and remove the control panel and top panel to access the motor. Disconnect the motor wiring and remove the motor from its mount. Install the new motor and reconnect the wiring. Test the washer to ensure it’s spinning properly.

Step 3: Check the Drive Belt (If Applicable)

For washers that use a drive belt to power the spin cycle, a worn or broken belt could be the issue. If your Kenmore washer’s drum is not spinning, the drive belt might need to be replaced.

• Symptoms of a faulty drive belt: The washer agitates but doesn’t spin. You notice the belt is visibly loose, cracked, or broken.

What you can do:

• Locate the Drive Belt: Depending on your Kenmore washer model, the drive belt is usually located underneath the machine. You may need to remove the bottom panel to access it.
• Inspect the Belt: Look for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, wear, or breakage. If the belt is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
• Replace the Drive Belt: Unplug the washer for safety. Remove the bottom panel and access the belt. Slide the new belt over the pulleys and motor shaft, ensuring it is properly aligned. Reassemble the washer and test the spin cycle.

Step 4: Test and Finalize the Repair

After you’ve addressed the lid switch, motor, or drive belt issue, it's time to test the washer.

• Plug the washer back in and set it to a spin cycle.
• Observe the machine to ensure it’s spinning properly and making the appropriate sounds.
• If the washer still isn’t spinning, there may be an issue with the control board or the timer, which may require professional help.

Tips for Maintaining Your Kenmore Washer

• Balance the Load: Avoid overloading your washer, as it can cause imbalance and prevent the spin cycle from engaging.
• Clean the Washer Regularly: Keep the drum and components clean to avoid clogs and other mechanical problems.
• Check for Objects in the Drum: Small items, such as coins or buttons, can obstruct the spinning cycle and should be removed.
• Keep the Lid Switch Clean: Regularly check and clean the lid switch to prevent any blockages or wear.

A Kenmore washer that’s not spinning can be caused by several issues, most commonly a faulty lid switch or motor. By following this guide and troubleshooting the motor, lid switch, and other components, you can often resolve the issue on your own. If the problem persists after these checks, it may be time to call in a professional technician to diagnose more complex issues. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs will keep your Kenmore washer working efficiently for years to come.

Commonly Asked Questions - Kenmore Washer Not Spinning

1. Why is my Kenmore washer not spinning but still agitating?

If your washer is agitating but not spinning, the problem is most likely with the lid switch, drive motor, or drive belt. The lid switch, for example, prevents the washer from spinning if the lid is open. If the motor is functioning but the washer still doesn’t spin, the issue could be with the motor coupler or drive belt. The motor coupler connects the motor to the transmission, and if it’s worn out, it could prevent the washer from spinning. Similarly, a loose or broken drive belt can stop the drum from spinning while the agitation continues.

Solution: Check the lid switch: Inspect it for damage and test it by pressing the switch with a screwdriver when the lid is closed. If it doesn't engage, replace it. Inspect the motor and drive belt: If the motor sounds like it’s working but the washer won’t spin, inspect the belt and motor coupling for wear or damage.

2. How do I know if my Kenmore washer’s lid switch is faulty?

The lid switch is responsible for detecting whether the lid is securely closed, allowing the washer to begin the spin cycle. If the lid switch is faulty, the washer may fail to spin or drain, but it will still agitate.

• Signs of a faulty lid switch: The washer agitates but doesn’t spin. The washer doesn’t drain. The lid switch makes a clicking sound when the lid is opened or closed, but the washer still doesn’t start spinning.

How to test the lid switch: Press the lid switch manually with a small screwdriver or similar tool while the lid is closed. If you don't hear a click or notice any movement, the switch is likely faulty. You can also test the switch with a multimeter to check for continuity.

3. My Kenmore washer makes a humming noise but doesn’t spin. What’s wrong?

If your Kenmore washer is making a humming sound but not spinning, the issue is likely related to the motor or motor capacitor. A humming sound is usually an indication that the motor is trying to start but isn’t getting enough power, possibly due to a malfunctioning motor capacitor or a stuck motor coupler.

• Common causes: Faulty motor capacitor, motor coupler issues.
• Solution: Test the motor capacitor using a multimeter. If it’s not working, replace it. Inspect the motor coupler for signs of wear or damage. If it's broken, replace it.

4. How do I know if the drive belt is the issue with my Kenmore washer?

A broken or loose drive belt is another common cause of a washer not spinning. The drive belt connects the motor to the drum, and if it becomes damaged, the drum won’t spin, but the washer may still agitate.

• Signs of a faulty drive belt: The washer agitates but doesn’t spin. You may notice the belt is loose, frayed, or broken.
• How to check the drive belt: Unplug the washer and remove the bottom panel to access the drive belt. Inspect the belt for any visible signs of damage. A loose or broken belt will need to be replaced.
• Solution: If the belt is damaged, replace it with a new one. Make sure it’s installed tightly and securely.

5. My washer is not spinning but the motor seems fine. What could it be?

If the motor appears to be working properly but your Kenmore washer still isn’t spinning, the problem could be with the lid switch, drive belt, or clutch. The clutch engages the washer drum during the spin cycle, and if it’s worn out, the drum won’t spin properly.

• Common causes: Lid switch malfunction, drive belt issue, clutch issues.
• Solution: Test the lid switch and ensure it’s working properly. Inspect the drive belt for damage and replace if necessary. If the clutch is worn, replace the clutch to ensure the drum spins properly.

6. Why isn’t my Kenmore washer spinning, even though the lid switch and motor seem fine?

If the lid switch and motor seem to be working fine, the issue may lie with the control board, timer, or transmission.

• Common causes: Control board or timer malfunction, transmission issues.
• Solution: Test the timer and control board: You can test the control board and timer for continuity using a multimeter. If either part is faulty, it will need to be replaced. Check the transmission: If the transmission is defective, it will likely need professional repair or replacement.

7. My Kenmore washer is not spinning at all. Is there an easy fix?

If your washer isn’t spinning at all, it’s usually caused by a worn-out lid switch, broken drive motor, or damaged belt. In some cases, an overloaded washer can also cause the drum to stop spinning.

• What you can do: Check the lid switch for any signs of malfunction, and replace it if necessary. Inspect the motor and drive belt for wear and tear. Avoid overloading the washer, as it can cause an imbalance and prevent the washer from spinning.

8. How do I fix a Kenmore washer that won’t drain or spin?

If your Kenmore washer isn’t draining or spinning, the problem could be due to a clogged drain pump or a malfunctioning lid switch or a motor.

• What you can do: Check the drain pump: Inspect the drain pump for clogs or damage. Remove any debris that might be blocking it, and test the pump to ensure it works. Test the lid switch and motor: If the lid switch or motor is faulty, the washer won’t spin or drain. Follow the troubleshooting steps above to diagnose these components.

9. How can I prevent my Kenmore washer from not spinning in the future?

To prevent issues with your Kenmore washer not spinning:

• Regularly check the lid switch and drive belt for any wear or damage.
• Don’t overload your washer, as this can cause the drum to become unbalanced and prevent spinning.
• Clean the washer regularly to ensure there are no clogs in the drain pump or debris in the motor area.
• Perform routine maintenance like checking for motor and clutch wear to keep everything running smoothly.

10. Can I fix a Kenmore washer not spinning myself, or should I call a technician?

Many issues with the washer not spinning can be resolved with basic tools and knowledge, such as replacing a faulty lid switch, drive belt, or motor capacitor. However, if you suspect a problem with the control board, timer, or transmission, it’s best to call a professional technician for assistance.

A Kenmore washer that isn’t spinning can be caused by a variety of issues, from a faulty lid switch to a worn-out drive motor. By following the troubleshooting steps in this guide, you can identify and fix the problem yourself in most cases. If the issue persists, it may require professional help, especially for more complex parts like the control board or transmission. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues can help extend the life of your Kenmore washer and keep it running efficiently for years.