You expect a Maytag washer to spin and drain harmoniously. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Sometimes a Maytag washer drains but won’t spin, and you wonder why.
Your Maytag washer drains but fails to spin due to a wrong setting selection, washer overload, uneven load, or unstable washer. Other times, your washer won’t spin due to a faulty drive belt, worn-out bearings, defective motor coupling, a dead motor, or a defective control board.
While one of these nine issues could be what’s ailing your washer, we will discuss all the possibilities and give an immediate fix that you can perform DIY. Later we will also answer some questions regarding the topic.
Let’s get started!
In a hurry? Below are the nine probable reasons for a Maytag washer draining but not spinning and the quick fixes.
Maytag Washer Drains But Won’t Spin – Quick Troubleshooting Guide
| – | Possible Reason | Quick Fix |
| 1. | Wrong Washer Setting | Select the correct spin setting |
| 2. | Washer Overload | Remove some clothes and ensure your washer is ¾ full |
| 3. | Uneven Load | Redistribute your laundry |
| 4. | Unstable Washer | Move your washer to a more stable ground |
| 5. | Faulty Drive Belt | If the drive belt is loose, try to tighten it. If it’s frayed or damaged, replace it |
| 6. | Worn-Out Bearings | If the bearings are rusty and worn out, change them |
| 7. | Defective Motor Coupling | Replace a defective motor coupling |
| 8. | Dead Motor | If the motor is dead, call an expert to replace it for you |
| 9. | Defective Control Board | Replace a defective control board |
Why Your Maytag Washer Drains But Won’t Spin
Below are the nine probable reasons to explain a Maytag washer that drains but won’t spin:
1. Wrong Washer Setting
Sometimes we look so hard at a failing component while the solution for a washer that drains but won’t spin is just by touching a button on the control panel.
When your washer fails to spin, it’s wise to evaluate the cause by checking if you have chosen the correct cycle and spin setting.
While Maytag washers have broad settings, you should know the selection to make for your washer to spin the clothes flawlessly.
To educate you more on this, select the hand wash setting when washing small items like housewares and baby clothing. Also, choose a gentle setting when washing clothes prone to stretching and a delicate setting when washing bulky laundry.
You should also select the right spin speed in each cycle selection. The speed dictates how much water drains.
The rule of thumb says you should choose a faster spin speed when washing small items and a slower spin speed when washing bulky items. When you do the opposite, the likelihood of your washer not spinning clothes but draining is much higher.
Quick Fix
Check your Maytag washer cycle setting. If the change is required, do it at the control panel. Also, note that the cycle speed setting depends on the size of your laundry.
2. Washer Overload
Another reason why your washer drains but won’t spin is due to an overload. One thing you should know is that overloading the washer can damage its internal components and also causes inefficient usage of detergent.
As most manufacturers recommend, you should fill your washer up to ¾ full. This ensures there is enough space left for efficient spinning.
Another tip is to wash the heavy laundry, like the sheets and blankets, together with small items. This is because washing heavy clothing alone makes spinning harder, and your machine may fail to turn completely.
Quick Fix
Check if your washer is filled above the brim or beyond 3⁄4 full. If so, remove the excess laundry. Also, wash the heavy laundry in combination with the lighter ones.
3. Unbalanced Load
When you have an unbalanced load in the washer drum, there’s no doubt that the motor will struggle to spin or may fail to spin altogether and may remain in sensing mode.
Too much weight on one side will also give you a wobbly wash experience or may negatively impact washer components that may break or bend trying to spin.
Quick Fix
Spread and rearrange the laundry. But what can you do to ensure an even laundry when loading your washer? This simple tip goes a long way.
Place large items like blankets and sheets at the drum’s center, and the lighter clothes should fill the spaces left. Once done, slam the door, and your washer will spin smoothly.
4. Unstable Washer
If your washer is standing on an uneven surface, it could likely be why it won’t spin but will drain. If the washer rests unstable, it will vibrate when running or may even not run.
Again, even if the washer runs, the laundry will likely move to one side, causing an unbalanced load and other washer problems.
Fix
Ensure you position your Maytag washer on a stable or even ground. You can try relocating the washer to a more stable ground.
Also, adjust the washer’s feet and ensure they touch the ground. If all four legs touch the floor, your washer will spin and drain as it should.
5. Faulty Drive Belt
The drive belt is a component that is associated with your washer spin. If the belt is frayed, broken, stretchy (loose), or damaged, your washer won’t spin. Or when it does, it will be too noisy.
Usually, the drive belt loosens over time and may also wear naturally. But how can you know your washer is not spinning due to a damaged or lost belt?
You can perform a visual inspection by turning off the washer, removing the side and top panels, and inspecting the belt for damages and looseness when you get ahold of it.
Quick Fix
After getting hold of the belt, check if it’s damaged, broken, or loose. If it’s loose, try tightening it. If it’s damaged, there’s no doubt that you need to replace it.
6. Worn-Out Bearings
Have you ever heard your washer sound like a jet engine? If so, it’s likely due to worn-out bearings. Over time, the bearings may rust and wear out, making your washer sound like a jet engine.
When this happens, your washer will start failing and may not even spin.
Quick Fix
Check your washer bearings. If there is visual rustiness or wear, replace them.
7. Defective Motor Coupling
Is the Maytag washer spin cycle not working properly? You can’t overlook the motor coupling. The motor coupling connects the motor to its transmission and thus plays a role in the washer spinning.
The coupling wears naturally with time but may also become defective, especially if you overload the washer regularly.
To determine if the motor coupling is defective, turn off your washer power supply, locate the motor coupling, and check for signs of wear or damage.
Quick Fix
If the motor coupling shows any sign of wear, it’s the culprit to why your washer drains but won’t spin, and the only way out is to replace it.
8. Dead Motor
If all the above suspects tick the box, your last resort should be the motor. The motor initiates a spin cycle. If it’s dead or defective, it won’t spin your laundry.
Most times, your washer motor may burn out due to overworking.
To know you are dealing with a dead motor, check if it’s receiving power. If it is, now listen to the sound it produces once you start your washer. If it’s too noisy or hums, then it’s faulty.
Quick Fix
Unfortunately, if the issue is with the motor, you need to call a professional to change it for you.
9. Defective Control Board
The control board transmits power to your washer’s electrical parts. If the control board is defective, your washer won’t spin as the motor won’t receive power.
You can first check out burning signs on your washer control board. If you can’t figure out the issue, perform the fix below.
Quick Fix
Test your washer control board terminals using a multimeter. If terminals do not show continuity, you must replace the control board.
Answered – How Do I Fix My Maytag Washer That Won’t Spin?
Here’s how to fix the spin cycle on a Maytag washing machine:
- Start by ensuring you fill your washer ¾ full (not more than that)
- Choose the correct cycle and spin settings
- Balance the load if it’s uneven
- Move the washer to a more stable ground.
- If the issue is with a defective component, such as the bearings, drive belt, motor coupling, or control board, change it
- If nothing works, call a pro to change the washer motor
And How Do You Reset the Spin Cycle On a Maytag Washer?
You can reset your Maytag washer by unplugging the washer cable from power for 5 – 10 minutes and plugging it back in.
If it doesn’t reset, try resetting your Maytag washer by lifting and closing the lid quickly six times. You should complete this in under 30 seconds and ensure the door closes appropriately in each close.
People Also Ask
1. Why Is My Washer Draining But Not Spinning?
Your Maytag washer drains but won’t spin because of a wrong setting selection, washer overload, uneven load, or unstable washer.
Don’t overlook faulty components like the bearings, drive belt, motor coupling, motor, and control board. If any of these components is defective, your washer won’t spin.
2. Why Won’t My Maytag Washer Agitate or Spin?
Your Maytag washer fails to spin or even agitate if it’s overloaded or the load is uneven. Not only will it struggle, but it is likely to bend or break your washer components.
A faulty lid lock, a clogged drain, or a dead control board can explain a washer that won’t agitate or spin.
3. But How Do I Reset My Maytag Washer That Won’t Spin?
Start by disconnecting the washer from power and waiting 5 – 10 minutes before plugging it back in. If your washer won’t reset, disconnect the cable and wait 30 minutes before connecting it back.
Concluding Thought:
Above are the reasons your Maytag washer drains but won’t spin. The reasons include a washer overload, uneven load, wrong setting, or standing the washer on uneven ground.
And if it’s not that, it could be a failed component such as a faulty drive belt, worn-out bearings, defective motor coupling, a dead motor, or a defective control board.
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