Maytag makes some of the most popular washers in the market that are well-known for their reliability and functionality. Yet despite all the praise Maytag washers receive, users have reported running into a problem where their washers will suddenly stop spinning.
Needless to say, this is a big problem as you’re now left with wet and dirty clothes and no means to clean them.
So in this article, I’m going to explain what causes this issue and show you all the best methods to get it fixed as quickly and easily as possible.
Why is your Maytag Washer Not Spinning?
While this can certainly seem like a catastrophic failure, don’t worry; it’s usually not that serious. It’s typically caused by simple and easily fixable problems such as loading too many clothes or picking the wrong setting.
1. The Washer Load is Uneven
Sometimes the clothes can bundle together on one side of the washer. This uneven weight distribution will make the washer struggle to spin as it’s throwing all the weight from one side to the other.
Not only does this affect how well the drum can spin, it also puts excess stress on the mounting components and can potentially damage the washer.
In this case, you’ll need to even out the load for better spinning performance.
2. The Laundry is Overloaded
Maytag recommends only filling the washer drum to 75% of its maximum capacity.
This is to ensure the clothes have enough room to agitate and wash correctly and so that there isn’t too much weight on the drum. Otherwise, it will have trouble spinning.
By removing some of the weight, the drum will be able to spin more freely.
3. The Washer isn’t Level
When your washer isn’t completely level with the floor, it will rock from side to side and vibrate excessively.
This not only puts additional wear on the components but can affect how well the washer can spin.
We’ll need to identify which corner of the washer is not stable and then adjust the height of the washer, so it’s securely leveled with the floor.
4. The Drive Belt has Detached
Most washers utilize a drive belt that connects the drum to the motor; as the motor spins, the attached drive belt spins the drum.
Sometimes, the belt can work itself loose due to excessive vibration and require re-attaching.
But these belts also wear down over time, so the belt should also be inspected for wear, which will look like cracking or fraying.
If the belt looks pretty old, then the best option is to replace it.
5. A Drive Motor Problem
Even if there are no issues with the belt, when the motor isn’t working, the drum will not spin regardless.
The most common issue a drive motor faces is that it burns out through overuse. Sometimes this is just age, and other times, it’s due to a mechanical problem such as overloading the drum.
You’ll need to inspect the drive motor; if it’s faulty, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
6. The motor coupling has worn
The motor coupling connects the motor shaft to the direct-drive transmission. If the drive was to seize up for any reason, the flexible coupling would break and protect the motor from damaging itself.
Once the motor coupling has broken, it cannot be repaired, so the only option is to replace it with a new one.
7. A Failed Bearing
The drum sits on a bearing system that allows it to rotate. This bearing is subject to many forces and stresses, especially when the washer isn’t level or has an uneven load.
This can cause the bearing to wear down over time. You’ll usually be able to identify this by listening to it. When it’s failing, you will usually hear very loud and unnatural sounds coming from the washer.
Once a bearing has worn down, it will need to be replaced.
8. A Power Supply Problem
For a Maytag front load washer to function, it needs to receive stable and consistent power.
Sometimes the power may have been shut off at the circuit breaker due to a power surge, which should be turned back on.
Additionally, Maytag recommends not using the Maytag front load washer on a multiplug or powerstrip as these inherently do not supply a consistent power supply.
9. The Wrong Wash Settings are being Used
There are specific wash cycle settings that can be selected to prevent the Maytag washing machine from spinning.
This is most commonly due to the ‘delay start’ cycle setting, which will commence the wash cycle after the chosen amount of time has passed. The idea is that you can set your clothes to be finished washing by a specific time of day.
If you’ve accidentally chosen this setting or forgotten it’s turned on, the Maytag washing machine won’t immediately start.
You’ll need to double-check the washer settings to make sure this mode isn’t enabled.
10. The Control Board has Failed
The control board acts as the brain of the load washer, taking instructions from the panel and then telling the relevant components to execute the command.
The control board is a pretty complicated device and, as such, is quite difficult to repair. So the usual course of action here is just to replace the whole unit.
11. Too Much Detergent is being Used
When too much detergent or the wrong type of detergent is used, it can cause excessive suds to form, and soap deposits will accumulate in the drum.
You’ll need to ensure you’re using both the right type of detergent for your load washer and only use the amount instructed on the detergent packet.
How to Fix a Maytag Washer Not Spinning
As you can see, many of these issues are simple user errors that can be fixed by adjusting how we use the machine.
In some cases, a component failure will cause the problem, usually requiring the failed part to be replaced.
1. Re-distribute the Clothes
When the washer load is uneven, it can cause spinning issues.
The easiest way to fix this is to pause the wash cycle and manually re-distribute the clothes by hand so the drum can spin evenly.
If the problem keeps recurring, consider removing a few items from the dryer. Ensure any delicate or laced items are placed in netted bags to help prevent the clothes from tangling together.
2. Lighten the Load
If the dryer is more than 75% full, then you will need to remove some of the clothes to help the drum spin better.
Likewise, if there are any heavy items, washing them in a separate cycle may be a good idea.
While it’s more trouble to wash multiple loads, it’s well worth the extra time to prevent the stress overloading put on the machine.
3. Level the Washer
For optimal performance, the Maytag bravos washer must be perfectly level with the floor, or there will be excessive vibration and spinning problems.
Start by taking a spirit level and identifying which corners of the Maytag bravos washer are too low. Once you know which corners to raise, you can simply adjust the feet to bring that corner level.
You should see a significant increase in performance once this is done.
4. Re-attach the Drive Belt
If the drive belt has come loose, you will need to re-attach it.
- Start by unplugging the washing machine from the power.
- Remove the back access panel from the washing machine to gain access to the belt.
- Loosen the adjustment screws to add some slack to the belt; then, it can be re-threaded onto the pulleys.
- Tighten the adjustment screws back up to bring the belt under tension.
- Re-attach the back panel and turn the power back on.
If you notice the belt is already very worn, it’s a good idea to replace it with a new one.
5. Replace the Motor
If the motor is making unusual noises or just isn’t working at all, the best thing to do is replace the motor with a new one because it’s such a vital component to the operation of the washer.
Unfortunately, this needs to be done by a trained professional. We recommend contacting Maytag customer support, who will arrange for a technician to replace your motor.
6. Replace the Motor Coupler
As the coupler physically shears when it breaks, the only option is to replace it with a new one.
While replacing the coupler itself isn’t that difficult, it does require the complete removal of the motor, making it quite challenging.
Once again, you should contact Maytag and arrange a trained technician to do this for you.
7. Replace the Failed Bearing
If your Maytag centennial washer is excessively noisy, there’s a good chance the bearing is faulty and will need to be replaced.
You should first contact Maytag to ensure you order the correct replacement bearing for your model.
They can also assist with installing it, although you can do this yourself fairly easily; just be aware that it’s quite a tough job!
8. Restore the Power Supply
The first thing to check is that the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped due to a power surge; if it has, flip it back onto the on position.
Next, you should ensure the washer’s being used on its dedicated wall outlet and not sharing a plug with other devices.
9. Turn the Delay Wash Cycle Off
The delay wash cycle will make it appear as if the dryer is not spinning when in fact, it’s just waiting for the allotted time to pass before it starts.
Here the best option is to change the cycle type back to ‘normal,’ which will enable the Maytag centennial was er to start up and spin immediately.
10. Replace the Control Board
If the control board has failed, the best solution is just to replace the whole unit, as repairing it is very difficult.
This is too difficult to service yourself, so you should once again have a trained technician replace this for you.
11. Follow the Correct Detergent Instructions
When the wrong detergent or too much detergent is used, it can cause problems with excessive suds accumulation.
The first thing to check is that you are using the correct detergent type for your washer. For example, if you use a HE (high-efficiency) washer, then you should only use HE detergent.
Likewise, you should use the correct amount of detergent as indicated on the packet. Using more will not make the clothes cleaner and often causes more problems.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
