Whirlpool Washer Not Spinning But Motor Running

Quick Answer

If you hear the motor whirring but the tub stays still, the drive belt has likely snapped or the shift actuator has failed to engage the spin gear. Check the belt first by tipping the washer back, as it is the most common mechanical failure point.

In my 15 years wrenching on these, a motor that runs without spinning the tub is almost always a sacrificial part failure. Whirlpool actually engineers the belt and splutch teeth to break before the motor does, which is smart design honestly. Don't panic. I've gotten these machines back up for under $50 in parts more times than I can count, and they'll run another five years after.

WhirlpoolWasherSeverity: highDifficulty: intermediate92% DIY Success

Time to Fix

30–90 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$15 – $85

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, 9/16 inch socket and ratchet

Whirlpool Washer Not Spinning But Motor Running

Here's the thing, this is actually one of the better failure modes you can get. The motor's alive, the control board's probably fine. You're looking for a physical break somewhere in the drivetrain, and it's usually a $20-$40 part. Most DIYers can knock this out in an afternoon with a few basic tools. Way cheaper and easier than people expect.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Broken or slipped drive belt35%

Faulty shift actuator30%

Stripped drive hub or splutch20%

Broken motor coupler10%

Drive pulley or motor fault5%

Symptoms You May Notice

Motor makes a loud whirring or humming noise
Clothes are soaking wet at the end of the cycle
Burning rubber smell during the spin portion of the cycle
Loud clicking or grinding noise when the spin should start
Agitation works fine but the tub won't rotate

Can you reset a Whirlpool washer to clear the NOT-SPINNING code?

Unplug the washer and wait a full minute, not just 10 seconds, a full minute. Plug it back in and within the next 10 seconds open and close the lid 6 times. Not 5, not 7, six. This trips the lid switch repeatedly so the control board clears its stored fault codes and runs a fresh component check. You'll hear the lid lock click when it's worked. If the code comes right back after, you've still got a hardware problem to fix.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriver9/16 inch socket and ratchet5/16 inch nut driverPutty knife or flat plastic pry toolFlashlight or headlampWork gloves (the sheet metal edges will cut you)Painter's tape to secure the lid when tipping

Service / Diagnostic Mode

With the washer in standby (plugged in but off), turn the cycle selector knob: Left (one click), Right (three clicks), Left (one click), Right (one click). All lights should flash. Turn the knob until only the 'Spin' light is on and press Start to view error codes.

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Did the fix not work?

If the problem comes back after following these steps, a component has permanently failed and needs replacement. Check the specific error code your washer is showing:

F7E1 Error →F7E5 Error →

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range2000–3500 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Drive BeltWPW10006384 · $15–$35	WPW10006384	$15 – $35
Shift ActuatorWPW10366605 · $45–$85	WPW10366605	$45 – $85
Splutch Cam KitW10721967 · $25–$50	W10721967	$25 – $50

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my washer hum but not spin?

A humming sound usually means the motor's trying to start but something's physically stopping it. Most common cause is a garment jammed between the inner and outer tubs, or a seized bearing. If the hum lasts a few seconds and then you hear a click followed by silence, that's the motor's thermal protector tripping to keep it from burning up. Don't keep running it. Let it cool down for 30 minutes, then investigate what's causing the jam before you try again.

Can I still use the washer if it won't spin?

Don't do it. If the motor's running but the tub isn't spinning, you're adding friction damage to whatever's already broken and making the repair more expensive. On top of that, clothes soaked with standing water are way too heavy for your dryer to handle efficiently, which can overheat the dryer's heating element or snap its belt too. You'd end up with two broken machines instead of one.

How do I know if my shift actuator is bad?

The classic sign is the washer getting stuck on 'Sensing' forever, or the motor running but the machine never shifting from agitate to spin. You can also pull up diagnostic mode on most Whirlpool washers and look for an F7E1 or F7E5 fault code stored in memory, which basically means the control board tried to tell the actuator to move and got no response back. If you see either of those codes, the actuator is almost certainly your problem.

Is it worth fixing a 10-year-old Whirlpool washer?

In most cases, yeah. A belt or actuator repair runs you $30-$100 in parts and maybe an hour of your time, and these machines realistically have another 5 years of life in them if everything else is solid. Where it stops making sense is if the transmission is leaking oil, the outer tub's cracked, or the bearings are growling loud enough to rattle the windows. At that point the repair bill starts climbing past $300 and you're better off shopping for a replacement.

How much does it cost to replace a drive belt on a Whirlpool washer?

The belt itself is usually $15-$30. Part number W10006384 fits a huge range of Whirlpool top-loaders so search that first and see if it matches yours. If you're calling a tech, add $75-$150 in labor on top of parts. But honestly this is one of the easier DIY appliance repairs out there. Tip the machine back, swap the belt, done. Most people finish it in under an hour the first time they do it. The hardest part is just getting the machine tipped safely without scratching your floor.

Related Whirlpool Washer Error Codes

Code: F7E1Whirlpool Washer F7 E1: Tachometer Fault Code: F7E5Whirlpool Washer F7 E5: Shifter Fault

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Whirlpool shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Maytag washerAll Maytag Washer Error Codes: Complete Lookup Guide Maytag washerHow to Reset a Maytag Washer (3 Methods That Work)Maytag washerMaytag Washer Troubleshooting: Fix 12 Common Problems Maytag washerMaytag Washer F21: Drain Pump Clog or Failure Maytag washerMaytag F03 E01: Pressure Switch or Water Level Fault Maytag washerMaytag F0 E3 Error: Pressure Switch Malfunction

Models Known to Experience NOT-SPINNING Errors

This repair applies to most Whirlpool washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WTW5000DW, WTW4816FW, WTW7000DW, WTW8500DC, WFW9150WW, WTW6120HW, WTW4950XW, WTW8600YW

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 17, 2026