How to Fix a Wash Machine that Won't Spin, Agitate or Drain - You will Learn A Lot

How to Fix a Wash Machine that Won't Spin, Agitate or Drain. After watching this, you will learn a lot about washing machine repairs saving you time, money and frustration!
I made a cardinal mistake on this repair... not following my own rule to Diagnose, Diagnose, Diagnose then buy the parts you need so you aren't wasting money throwing parts at your washing machine until you get it fixed.
This wash machine would fill with water and then just buzz. Whether you tried the wash cycle, spin cycle or drain cycle...none of them would work.
Walk with me through checking just about everything on this washing machine (pump, motor, transmission, timer, capacitor, etc.) and how to identify, test and replace each one.
After watching this video I think you will be able to QUICKLY repair your washing machine in no time and you will minimize wasting time and money.
#washingmachine #washingmachinerepair #washmachine
*If this video was a help to you give it a "thumbs up". If you have not already done so, please consider subscribing to this channel.
Disclaimer:
Although I have been following these procedures for many years; I assume no liability for any damage that may occur to any person or property as a result of the information provided in this video. I take necessary precautions (that I am aware of) when working on these projects but that in no way implies or creates any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any kind of particular result. Any injury, damage or loss of any kind to anyone or their property or anything related to information in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Helping U Online (this video).

[@tightflight24]

Great video. Especially the honesty between the seller to return the money and when you stated that " I need to get back to him to make it right" In my case, I'm going to check the capacitor first. Thank you for posting this.

[@helpinguonline]

Thanks for watching!

[@R.Akerman-oz1tf]

@@helpinguonline(Hum is the give-away). Is there a video on rigging a motor for test? I suspect the Mother Board is intermittent on our washer.

[@craigfrancis9578]

You so real brother by getting back with this guy

[@andrewmunchkin7212]

Good work. I bought a car once that all the computer needed was a cap, and I saved big money 👊🤓👍

[@crystaldawn9188]

Thank you so much for this video. Just finished replacing the coupler and running the first load since it broke. Runs like a champ now!

[@helpinguonline]

Great to hear!

[@abrahamvaro5482]

Super very nice video ,thanks!!!

[@JP-Plisskin]

This is one of the best, most educational videos I have watched. The explanation coupled with precise camera shots (picture tells a thousand words) was excellent! Your narration / commentary was very good! You are a great teacher! Thank you for saving me the trouble of replacing (and cost) of a new motor - which was the direction I was headed.

[@helpinguonline]

Thank you for your feedback and kind words. Glad I could help!

[@COWBOYZNATION]

I agree with "JP"

[@ricardosepulveriza898]

Checked for jammed pump?

[@guygong]

Great video. I had a capacitor blow on a garage door opener. Replaced it and works just fine.

[@R.Akerman-oz1tf]

Mine would hum; because it didn't know the words(ha-ha).

[@thisislilraskal]

Thanks heaps for making this video. Sending power and blessings from Melbourne Australia

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it was helpful!…thanks

[@KittyCatWalk]

Great video! Capacitor fix is new information on YT. Worked for me. Thanks.

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it helped

[@rizalinocanezo4404]

Thanks for ur patience I learned from you today.

[@helpinguonline]

Glad to hear that

[@layonel64]

Gracias

[@emian722]

This video will save me money😂😂 . My Washing is humming, right now, and I ordered a capacitor without checking the old capacitor . I will follow up if it fixes my washing machine soon.

[@helpinguonline]

Wishing you the best and yes let us know how it goes

[@averagejoes9218]

Did it work?

[@angeldaniel2640]

Thank you so much. Worked like a charm

[@helpinguonline]

You're welcome!

[@richardscott4082]

What a great educational video. Thank you so much!

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jamesschwamberger7958]

Sir, you are a GENIUS! That was exactly what my problem was. The Wife's washer is now back on line and my drawers will be clean. Thank you so much.

[@helpinguonline]

Way to go!

[@786otto]

Good video have same problem. 😅

[@austincunningham2618]

Really great video!!! Thanks--Good diagnostics & testing!

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it was helpful!

[@HonkyTonkHellraiser]

That's a wonderful tip, turning the screw until you hear the click, then turn it the correct way.

[@bashiruosman473]

I learned more from you today. ❤❤❤

[@helpinguonline]

Glad to hear that

[@aapsprintingsigns4702]

great work. clear video

[@helpinguonline]

Glad it was helpful!

[@280813jb]

Years ago on my Mom's washer, I had the same problem and it was a small finishing nail wedged in the pump preventing the pump from turning. took pump apart and removed nail and all was good.

[@mohammadnayum4210]

Great video. Learned a lot. Fixed my issue

[@helpinguonline]

Great to hear!

[@williamhanna5224]

Excellent !

[@helpinguonline]

Thank you!

[@USCgEEk]

I have a 25yo Kenmore Elite with the same symptoms...I have changed over the years every main part except this capacitor....going to try it now...if it works, I will cancel the new one thats coming this Friday...

[@world2see]

Your correct about the capacitor holding a charge, and did the discharge effectively.

[@imaxfli]

If a capacitor is "blown" apart , does that mean the motor is no good????

[@apmorales7187]

Good job amigo 👏 gad bless you

[@helpinguonline]

Thanks 👍…God bless you!

[@misbahhaq6616]

Dobra Great learning experience Thank you Sir

[@helpinguonline]

Good to hear And hope it helps you now or in the future

[@condor5635]

Great video and great job. Interesting design that the pump is driven off the main motor. I think I like my GE with its separate motor for the pump. If I’m not mistaken, your impeller would be driven constantly whenever your agitating or draining or anything. Regardless excellent video and good job on the repair. Even though my designs different on the GE it’s interesting to see other approaches and other models. One great design on yours is that all three sides and top come off as one piece exposing the entire unit, which is very cool. Thanks for posting.

[@helpinguonline]

Thanks for visiting

[@DG-fe4ht]

A humming electric motor is always a bad start capacitor. Good job.

[@R.Akerman-oz1tf]

We had a reversible "attic fan" the needed the proper twist to vent or suck. Didn't need a cap; it was manual.(true story)

[@jerrymaushard3835]

Not true cap is good. New used motor still hums. Something else. Driving me nuts

[@breakingbadheisenberg9703]

​@@jerrymaushard3835have you found the problem and a solution?

[@Msleelee9487]

I’ve changed the pump out and I’ve changed the timer switch out and the temperature switch before mine was stopping at the rinse cycle it worked when I changed it☝️

[@helpinguonline]

way to go!

[@808ecobeast7]

For those old manual washers, do whatever you can to save them! Those new computerized ones ... water and electronics don't play well together ... don't last long. My old manual Whirlpool out lasted my sister-in-laws 3 to 1. Her circuit boards go out. Even if I had to buy a motor for $300, that's 10 more years of service! ... lol

[@COWBOYZNATION]

🎯

[@craigfrancis9578]

For I have this old here it not washing because I try out a next controller unit or timer

[@ridgebackpups]

My fried use to fix washers & said the new ones are garbage

[@Msleelee9487]

Absolutely I will keep on fixing mine but I buy new parts I priced the new washers no thanks my daughter and aunt has the fancy one they have degrees I don’t 🤣🤣🤣

[@lorinpatton3075]

That is a Whirlpool Design 2000 washer. It was desinged by a repair man insted of an engineer It had 30% fewer parts than their previous washer. They were expecting 30% fewer call insted they got 90% fewer calls. It is the most fixable washer made if parts are avalible.

[@johnbelote9647]

I got a pair just like them, mine are 2002 and are still doing great

[@HonkyTonkHellraiser]

After watching your videos I bought a multimeter so many different uses

[@helpinguonline]

they are very helpful in diagnosing a problem

[@cynthiahudson7056]

Hi, my Maytag Performa will not agitate. It fills up fine then hums and we get a burn smell instead of agitating. Husband check water pump ? pulley no blockage, moter pully was seized up. He replaced moter, still doesn't agitate and still get an immediate burn smell and hum after it fills with water. Any ideas?

[@lawrenceklein3524]

Great video, my friend! You checked all the boxes and made the repair flawlessly! But what I can't figure is, when lining up the motor coupler without being able to see it, how can you be sure everything is properly aligned?

[@helpinguonline]

There are 3 holes that the coupler slides into... you can't really miss it and you can look and feel to make sure it is seated in the holes. Also the clips won't fit right if it is not seated properly.

[@dennisbrown4966]

great video. i have a maytag model la9400 and the 7 amp line fuse is blown im not sure if the cause is a lid switch or a motor capacitor. grounded.can you please help me with this problem? thank you, dennis brown

[@toddsmith4327]

Hello 🤗 And thank you for this very thorough video. I have used you tube videos in the past to fix my last washer three times and it was successful all three times. Hiwever yhat was in a house i was renting and had to keave it. Now I have a Maytag having the exact same signs and symptoms as yours, even the hum. Only thing is.... I do smell a slight burning. Did yours have that when you first found it was not agitating and spin/draining? I appreciate any help or advice you can give. Take care ✌🏻

[@helpinguonline]

I spoke with the homeowner whose wash machine that was and they don’t recall smelling anything. The key is to do some testing to diagnose the problem as I did in the video. Lots of people just throw parts at it until it finally gets working and waste quite a bit of money. I hesitate to guess and lead you in the wrong direction

[@dell177]

Wel done video that shows how important it is to check off all the possibilities. To be honest I've done the same thing myself - live and learn. Be careful with the motor coupling, if it's really cold in can break. DO NOT FORCE IT ONTO THE SHaft, Put the coupler in a cup of boiling water for a bit to warmm the coupling up and then gently tap it onto the motor shaft,

[@patriciamariemitchel]

Electric motor... I would have checked the capacitor first. 👀

[@ausseamore8386]

Your correct. The capacitor circuit also contains the starting coil without which the motor just stay in "lock rotor" position and may eventually burn up. All other things being equal locate and replace capacitor with an equivalent and that should be solution to this problem🤓🤓

[@Sharkie626]

Yeah, when I first heard the motor just humming, I immediately suspected the Start capacitor. Even though it wasn't the problem, Whirlpool direct drives are absolutely worth the price of a new motor, no matter how old they are. You CANNOT get a machine today that is as good as those. It is one of the most reliable and easy to service machines out there.

[@Zainz834]

Hello, Thanks for making these videos for this washer. I will try the fixes you mentioned for the washer not draining issue. Also I noticed that you are doing the fix on the same machines and some part of these videos are also same. Is it you showing all the issues on one machine? or the same machine all these issue over the years? Thank you!

[@helpinguonline]

As I recall… The only other repair to this particular machine is a bad lid switch

[@indigameriseminalindian]

Nice walk through. Hey where is your drive belt located on that washer?

[@helpinguonline]

That particular washer is a direct drive with a coupler in between the motor and transmission

[@indigameriseminalindian]

​@@helpinguonlineokay, thanks

[@user-kg9el1jf7u]

Great informational video. Any chance you can put a link to where you got the capacitor for the washer. All I am finding is ones for $50-60

[@helpinguonline]

Not sure this is the one I ordered but it has the same capacitance. There are a number to choose from around this price. You will also see measurements if you want it to fit into the bracket you have. www.amazon.com/Motor-Capacitor-189-227-125VAC-Single/dp/B07H28CRSJ/ref=asc_df_B07H28CRSJ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309768150198&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15312233087365503979&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009941&hvtargid=pla-597143190125&psc=1&mcid=af950ae4dd813f5aad6c1a4bc5eaa4b0&gclid=CjwKCAiAtt2tBhBDEiwALZuhAEjAOj4IypirCI_gw5q--Sqx9IQGF0Tq6nulq0P4N59zwcY6ksPlBhoCrSMQAvD_BwE

[@world2see]

not a short circuit, it's a open continuity wire or grounding, which is why your screwdriver created a capacitive discharge.

[@world2see]

If you return the money on the refund with the eBay seller your doing everyone Right! Honest is always best, while many would blame the seller than admit to the factor being the starter electrolytic capacitor. The breakdown on the electrolytic capacitor is based on the load people force the machine to handle as well as clothes/socks/etc getting caught under the agitator/impeller.

[@seeya205]

Word has it that the Ebay seller is still waiting for his money. 🤣

[@markrybas6507]

I have a 8 year Old Maytag Commercial top load washing machine. Vibrates real bad on medium loads. Was going to replace the suspension springs. Do you think it is worth fixing ? Thanks

[@helpinguonline]

Not sure about your machine but the older direct drive washer are longer lasting in more reliable than newer machines

[@angelisone]

Yes, ATG and I suggest you to buy all four & remove all old four. And install all brand new four suspension springs. Be very careful many areas are sharp & you can get cut.

[@RandyHill-hx7jy]

Good video ,,but you dont have to take your whole washer apart to change that ,,,all you have to do is flip your washing maching on its back and you have access to the motor ,i just changed the cuppler that spins the washer took me ten minutes to change it by flipping it on its back to access it from the bottom of the washer

[@CesarioAgado-ni4zg]

SIR I NEED HELP WHAT WEB SITE DID U BUY THE CAPACITOR ? THANK YOU.

[@helpinguonline]

That one was ordered from Amazon...but they are available all over the internet. Just make sure you match the uf/MFD (microfarads) for your washer.

[@CesarioAgado-ni4zg]

@helpinguonline THANK YOU SIR U ARE A GREAT HELP. I HAVE THE SAME WASHER PROMBLEM . THE CAPACITOR . GOING ONLINE TODAY. MY THANKS AGAIN.

[@nyrainman4897]

I have a Kenmore series 80 washing machine. It filled up and then nothing. After testing it, it seems that the tab on the lid that pushes the safety switch down must have broken off some of the tip and is now too short to push the switch down. I'm not even sure what that part is called to look up any information. Any idea how to take that tab off and replace it?

[@helpinguonline]

Very common problem. It is called a lid switch. You can do a quick five minute temporary repair or a more permanent one by replacing the switch. I have videos on how to do both. Here is the video on how to replace it: Washer won't Drain or Spin - Most Common Cause - How to Replace the Lid Switch kzbin.info/www/bejne/navUZnmFebqop6c

[@nyrainman4897]

@@helpinguonline Thank you for your quick response. What I need to replace is not the lid switch, but the strike, a plastic piece that protrudes from the lid and "strikes" the switch. That is the broken part, but I cannot figure out how to remove it nor even find one that is available.

[@offplanetevent]

You should have used the new coupler. The old one could have been cracked. You can't see micro cracks nor fatigue.

[@alyciaholloway2151]

What if it’s FULL of water & 2 blankets!?😭

[@allstarshotta]

So what else can be the problem if it humming without spinning like in the video, but it drains sometimes and the lid stays locked?

[@mbatista5891]

The clutch. It needs to either be reconditioned (if it still has a coating on it) or replaced.

[@afya07]

Mines is doing thus but the difference is mines drain

[@cbretz2578]

Should have checked the resistance of the original motor.

[@jennifermuschiano1070]

What if you are not even getting a humming sound

[@helpinguonline]

Could be a number of things… Start with the simplest like did the breaker tripped in your main panel?… Do you have power at the outlet? Could be a bad timer… could be your motor burned out?… Sorry I can’t be specific but maybe that would get you started looking around. If you bought an inexpensive multimeter you can trace the power to help diagnose your problem. You can buy A real inexpensive one at Harbor freight for around five dollars. Let us know what you find out.

[@HonkyTonkHellraiser]

New multimeter?

[@helpinguonline]

Yes. The one I had did not measure capacitance.

[@COWBOYZNATION]

I thought our timer went out. Bought a used one off ebay from a reputable appliance guy. Same issue. Our 1995 Kenmore washer is filled with water. It will just not advance after rise. I can hear and see the new timer slowly move and kick off rise, then nothing. No draining. Spin cycle does nothing either. Moving the timer to any load setting does nothing. I know I have power. But I have no multimeter to test with either- I have never used one before. I can also spin the motor very freely & smoothly by hand, with the water drain pump still attached and clamped up to the transmission. Could a bad capacitor cause this??? We bought this washer new and have never had an issue until now. Oh, I did install a new Kenmore brand lid switch last year- Dang kids kept letting the lid slam down. It still clicks on and off fine. I can add, the last 4 weeks, and only under heavy loads, the washer would very slowly start to spin. The extra weighted loads sometimes required me to kind of hand spin the agitator by hand to help get it going. Bad capacitor?

[@helpinguonline]

Could be a bad capacitor. They are sometimes called start capacitors because they give a boost of power to help start the motor. I would recommend you get a multimeter that can also test capacity and you will know if that is your problem... but if you don't want to make the investment of a multimeter you could buy a capacitor for around $10 and see if that fixes your problem. I use my multimeter quite often with my cars, riding lawn mowers, appliances... etc. very handy tool that will save you money in the long run if you work on things.

[@COWBOYZNATION]

@@helpinguonline thanks. I am "very weak" with electrical repairs. My late father used to handle/test all of that stuff. I never learned. I have been trying to find a capacitor locally here this morning in TX. No luck as of yet.

[@COWBOYZNATION]

$10 capacitor off Amazon fixed her!! She is raring to wash cloths again!!! Thanks so much for talking the time to make these helpful videos. 🙂

[@helpinguonline]

Way to go!

[@COWBOYZNATION]

@@helpinguonline YOU, WTG!!! 🙂

[@jjohnston7837]

This guy needs to learn to use a multimeter. Still, I got to see how the machine is put together. My first guess would have been the capacitor.

[@user-ew9lz8iy5p]

😂❤

[@Gen_Kael]

My grandpa had the same washer and dryer until the day he died. Me, I gotta work on mine or replace it altogether every few years. Evil business models I'll tell you.

[@helpinguonline]

The old simple direct drives are the most reliable and last the longest

[@guirolain2319]

Rookie

[@joeybaltz582]

my brother... please buy some shoes. i can see your toes

[@imaxfli]

The motor wouldn't spin that freely when in place after the pump removed right???

[@imaxfli]

If the motor capacitor is "blown" apart, does that mean the motor is shot too?

[@helpinguonline]

No. When capacitors go bad sometimes they bulge, leak or push apart. The capacitors are quite inexpensive and if you have a nice washer it is worth trying

[@imaxfli]

@@helpinguonline Yea, thanks. Gonna replace the Capacitor and I think it will work.

[@SkipSpotter]

@@imaxfli let us know if it worked?