Washing machines use the dual processes of spinning and agitation, or shaking, to fully clean your clothing. Failure of one of these forces can lead to clothes that simply sit in the tub marinating in soapy water.

There are a few different reasons the spinning and agitating on a washing machine can act up. If you have some appliance repair experience, you might be able to perform the fixes yourself. Otherwise, leave the fixes up to the appliance repair professionals.

Lid Switch Malfunction

There is an electronic switch assembly in the lid of the washing machine that checks for whether or not the lid is raised. If you raise the lid during washing, the spinning and/or agitating is supposed to stop until you put the lid back down.

If the lid switch is malfunctioning, your washing machine might read the lid as being open even when the lid is closed. The machine will then fail to spin or agitate because the machine will never read the lid as closed.

You can check the health of the lid switch with a multimeter, but a malfunction means the assembly will need to be replaced. Consult your owner's manual for instructions on ordering a new assembly and install according to its included directions. Make sure you unhook both the power and water from the machine before completing the fix.

Don't have appliance repair or electrical experience? Leave the fix to an appliance repair technician.

Motor Issues

A few different motor issues can cause spinning and agitating problems in your machine. The motor control panel is a good starting point because problems there are going to ensure that the motor doesn't work and the washer doesn't spin. You can check the health of the panel using a multimeter and the guidelines outlined in your user's manual.

Control panel check out fine? Time to check the motor coupling that connects the machine's motor and transmission and protects the mechanics from overstress due to an oversized load in the washer. The coupling will turn off the washer if the overloading occurs, but the turning off can also happen if the coupling fails.

Use your owner's manual to locate your coupling as the location can vary between models. Check that the fittings are secured and look for signs of damage or deterioration. If you see damage, you will need to replace the coupling.

The motor itself can sometimes fail but this should be apparent from the washing machine failing to function at all not just spinning and agitating issues.

Remember that only a qualified person should perform repairs on your machine or you run the risk of causing permanent damage to the entire unit.

To learn more, contact a company like A OK Appliance Service. 

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