Quick answer
A Whirlpool or Maytag washer that will not spin most often could not lock the lid or door (a flashing lid lock light or F5E2), still has water in the tub because it did not drain (F9E1 or LD), or detected an unbalanced load (UL). Redistribute the load, clean the drain pump filter if your model has one, check the drain hose, and run Drain and Spin. If it still will not spin, the drive belt, motor coupling or, on many top-loaders, the shifter has failed. HomeAdvisor puts typical washer repairs at $125–$450. Call (888) 217-0236 to reach an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP; the line is answered 24/7.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
Whirlpool and Maytag washers share a lot of design, so the same short list explains most that will not spin. The washer protects itself: it will not spin unless the lid or door is locked, the water has drained, and the load is balanced.
Check These First
- 1Balance the load. One heavy item, like a rug or a single towel, makes the washer stop spinning and may show UL. Spread the load and run Drain and Spin.
- 2Watch the lid lock light. If it flashes, the washer could not lock. Close the lid firmly and check nothing is caught in the latch. A code such as F5E2 means the lock failed.
- 3Look for water in the tub. If water remains, it did not drain, and it will not spin. Clean the drain pump filter behind the lower front panel on front-loaders, and check the drain hose for kinks. A code such as F9E1 or LD means a long drain.
- 4Power-cycle. Unplug for a minute and try again.
What Usually Fails
| What you notice | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Spins, then stops with UL | Unbalanced load, or worn suspension on top-loaders |
| Lid lock light flashing | Lid lock assembly or latch |
| Water left in the tub | Drain pump, filter or hose; see washer won't drain |
| Hums, drum does not turn | Belt, motor coupling or shifter |
| Agitates but will not spin, top-loader | Shifter (actuator) or the lid lock |
| Code on the display | See Whirlpool and Maytag washer codes |
Talk to an appliance repair technician
One call reaches an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP, answered 24/7.
Top-Loaders With a Shifter
Many Whirlpool and Maytag top-loaders switch between agitate and spin with a shifter on the bottom of the tub. When it fails, the washer may agitate but not spin, or the reverse. That is a technician repair.
What a Repair Costs
HomeAdvisor puts typical washer repairs at $125–$450. A lid lock or a belt is lower cost; a shifter or motor costs more. See washer repair.
The Call
Call with the model number and any code when balance, lock and drain are ruled out. (888) 217-0236 is answered 24/7 and connects you to an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP for washers, dryers, ovens, stoves, cooktops and freezers. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my Whirlpool washer spin?
Most often the lid or door did not lock, water did not drain, or the load is unbalanced. If those are fine, the belt, motor coupling, shifter or control may have failed.
Why is the lid lock light flashing on my Whirlpool washer?
The washer could not lock the lid, often because something is in the latch or the lock assembly has failed. It will not spin until it locks.
Are Maytag and Whirlpool washers the same?
Many share parts and codes because both come from the same manufacturer. Match parts to the model number.
Sources
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.