Maytag Washing Machines Washer Not Spinning: How to Fix It Yourself
When your Maytag washer fills with water and agitates but will not spin, the most common cause is a broken lid switch (on top-loaders) or a worn drive belt. The lid switch is a safety device that tells the washer the lid is closed — if it breaks, the washer will not spin. This is a fix most people can handle.
⚠️ Safety First
- Unplug the washing machine before starting any repair.
- Do not reach into the drum while the machine is plugged in.
- If the tub is full of water, drain it first using the drain hose.
Parts You May Need
Step-by-Step Repair
- 1
Unplug the washer and check the basics
Pull the power cord from the wall. First, check if the load is unbalanced — open the lid and spread the clothes evenly. Also make sure you are not overloading the machine. An overloaded washer often will not spin.
- 2
Test the lid switch
With the washer plugged back in, open the lid and look for the small plastic piece that sticks up near the lid hinge — that is the lid switch actuator. Press it down with your finger. If you hear a click and the washer starts trying to spin, the lid switch is probably fine. If nothing happens, the lid switch is likely broken.
- 3
Replace the lid switch (if faulty)
Unplug the washer again. On most Maytag top-loaders, the lid switch is under the top panel. Use a flathead screwdriver to pop the clips at the front corners, then lift the top panel up. Disconnect the wire harness from the old lid switch, remove the screws holding it, and install the new one in reverse order.
- 4
Check the drive belt
If the lid switch is good, tilt the washer back and look underneath (have someone help you hold it). You should see a rubber belt connecting the motor to the drum. If the belt is broken, frayed, or has slipped off, that is your problem.
- 5
Replace the drive belt (if worn or broken)
Slide the old belt off the pulleys. Put the new belt around the drum pulley first, then stretch it onto the motor pulley. It should be snug but not overly tight. Set the washer back upright.
- 6
Test the repair
Plug the washer back in and run a spin cycle with a small load. The drum should spin up to full speed. If it still does not spin, the motor coupler or transmission may be the problem — those are harder fixes.
If That Didn't Work
- Broken motor coupler (direct-drive models)
- Worn clutch assembly
- Faulty motor
- Bad transmission (rare, expensive)
When to Call a Professional
If replacing the lid switch and belt does not fix the problem, the motor coupler or clutch assembly may be worn out. These are doable DIY jobs but require taking more of the machine apart. If you are not confident, a tech will charge $150–$300 depending on the part needed.
Related Repairs
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. All repairs are performed at your own risk. RepairItFree.com is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, device damage, voided warranties, or other losses resulting from the use of this information.
If you are unsure about any step — especially anything involving electricity, gas, water, or refrigerant — stop and consult a qualified professional. Your safety is more important than saving money.
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