The spin cycle is one of the most important functions of the Maytag washing machine. After a high-quality spin, drying things takes a minimum of time. But sometimes household appliances begin to act up, and the drum stops rotating. Fortunately, solving this problem is not so difficult, and now we will figure out how to do it.
The drums of Maytag top-loading washing machines in most cases stop rotating for the following reasons:
- Faulty lid lock.
- Deterioration of the transmission clutch (yes, washing machines have their own gearbox). The clutch connects the tank to the transmission.
- Faulty drive switch.
- Worn basket drive hub kit.
Front-loading machines stop working if there is a blockage in the drain filter, a failure of the pump or a door lock.
Problems with Top Loading Washing Machines
To begin with, consider the problems of top-loading washing machines, leading to a lack of rotation of the drum. After we consider the problems of frontal machines.
Lid lock problem
The door of any washing machine is equipped with a block lock. It ensures its position in the locked state during the entire wash cycle. The appliance will not work with the door open. Automation blocks its launch after a signal arrives at the control board. Similarly, it happens if there is a closed door, but a faulty lock that does not provide a snug fit.
The lid lock needs to be replaced, there is no point in repairing it. If you are going to do it yourself:
- Turn off the power to the machine, remove the top panel (for machines with top loading) to get to the lock.
- Remove the rear panel, disconnect the wiring harness from the lock to the control board.
- Install a new lock and connect the power contacts.
Not confident in your abilities – call the experts. A simple repair at first glance may seem complicated after the first steps. If you do something, remember how and in what order you did the dismantling, so that you can easily assemble everything later.
Gearbox clutch wear
The Maytag top-loading washing machine has a transmission clutch that assists in rotating the tub and moving the agitator to remove dirt from laundry. The principle of operation is as follows:
- As the clutch rotates, a spring inside engages the brake.
- After tensioning the spring to a certain level, the blocking of the tank stops, it starts to rotate.
After several years of operation of the washing machine, the clutch wears out, the spring loses its tension, as a result of which the tank stops rotating.
To restore the performance of the machine, replace the gearbox clutch. This is a difficult job, entrust it to professionals. The specialist will dismantle the engine, remove the crankcase from the box, perform other work and eventually replace the clutch. The only thing that is required from you is to deliver the machines to the service center.
Drive switch failure
The shift actuator performs a simple task – shifting gears between agitation and spin modes. Over time, it may fail. The part costs about 2-3 thousand rubles, and its replacement is not as complicated as replacing the transmission clutch.
There are several reasons why a switch breaks: normal wear and tear, exposure to excess moisture, etc. The longer you use the washing machine, the more attention you need to pay to the switch when looking for reasons that led to the lack of rotation of the drum.
The gear (mode) switch is located inside the machine on the gearbox housing. To replace it, you will have to remove both the engine and transmission, as well as the water hoses and drain line. This is a difficult job, we do not recommend doing it yourself. Contact an authorized service center for additional diagnostics.
Drive hub kit with a basket
This kit is located on the floor of the agitator. It is attached to the tank and the transmission shaft, torque is transmitted through it. When the shaft starts to move, the tank starts to rotate after it. Replacing the kit is simple, its price is also low.
The drive hub kit wears out over time and is no longer securely attached to the gearbox shaft. Torque is not transferred to the tank. The machine does not perform its function, it becomes useless.
To replace the basket hub kit, you need to remove the agitator, unscrew all the screws and bolts holding it to the transmission shaft and fix a new assembly kit in its place. The longitudinal protrusions on the shaft must necessarily be aligned with the grooves of the hub. Be attentive and careful. After replacing the part, assemble all the elements in reverse order and check the operation of the washing machine.
Problems with front-loading washing machines
Now let’s look at the main reasons why the drum stops spinning in Maytag front-loading washing machines. A lock malfunction is also present here, but the problem is also often associated with the drain filter, pump and wax engine.
Clogged drain filter
Each washing machine is equipped with a drain filter. Water, passing through it, is purified before entering the sewer, preventing its blockage. Fluff, coins, threads and any other debris that has fallen out of clothes settles in the filter.
The drain filter needs to be cleaned periodically. If it becomes very clogged, the water will stop leaving the machine, the spin cycle will not start. Moreover, opening the lid will be very problematic due to interfering coins.
Cleaning the filter is easy. It is located at the bottom of the car, covered with a plastic panel, which is also dismantled without any problems. Instead of a panel, there may be a small hatch.
Lay a rag under the machine when you unscrew the filter, as a lot of water will pour out. If you have never unscrewed it, keep in mind that a black liquid with an unpleasant, very corrosive odor will come out with water, which is difficult to wash off even with soap. Better wear gloves.
How to clean the filter:
- Remove the bottom panel from the front of the machine or open the hatch. You will see a round lid with a handle. Turn it counterclockwise. Unscrew the filter until it comes out completely.
- Remove all debris from the hole where the filter was, clean it with a rag and warm water. Look inside the hole, you will see the impeller. Rotate it left and right to make sure nothing is blocking it and it is not blocked.
- Screw the filter back, wipe the floor. Repeat the procedure periodically.
If you have never taken out the filter, it will be difficult to do this due to the coins blocking its rotation. You will have to turn the handle left and right several times and pull the filter towards you. This may take about 5-10 minutes.
Drain pump malfunction
The drain pump drains water from the Maytag washing machine after the washing process is completed. If it fails, the water will remain inside the machine and it will not move on to the next cycle.
Replacing the drain pump is a simple procedure. It is located at the bottom of the machine, where the drain filter, which was discussed above.
Drain pump replacement:
- Lay the machine on its side, unscrew the bottom panel.
- Remove the panel covering the pump filter, unscrew the 2 screws next to it.
- Grab the pump and turn it clockwise along with the filter.
- Disconnect the power contacts by gently pulling the cable towards you.
- Loosen the screws that hold the pump. Set it aside and screw a new one in its place.
Reassemble everything in reverse order and test the operation of the washing machine.
Door lock malfunction
The door lock keeps the lid in the locked position throughout the washing process. Its breakdown provokes the appearance of the “door open” error, as a result of which the wash does not start. To fix the problem, you need to replace the door lock assembly. It is located behind the door and in order to gain access to it, it is necessary to remove the rubber gasket around the door.
Remove the door lock block, disconnect the power contacts. Install a new lock and make the necessary connections. Assemble everything in reverse order. Run the wash cycle to check the operation of household appliances.
Wax motor on Maytag washing machine
The engine is called a wax engine because it converts heat into mechanical energy by melting the wax. Such an engine is installed, in particular, on Maytag Neptune washing machines. During its operation, the wax melts and the piston expands until it presses the switch.
The wax engine is an integral part of the door latch assembly. After the motor pushes the piston, the switch sends a signal to the main control board that the door is closed and the wash cycle can begin.
If the engine is out of order, the switch on the door latch will not be able to be pressed, as a result of which the automation will “think” that the door is open, and with the door open, washing is impossible in principle.
To replace the wax engine, you need to access the door latch assembly. This requires the removal of the top panel of the washing machine. Once you’ve done that, you can get to the item you want and remove the existing switch. To do this, you only need to disconnect the electrical connector.
It is more difficult at the stage of installing the engine. It must be positioned as accurately as possible so that the switch falls into place, otherwise it will not work, because the piston will not reach it. As a result, the problem will not be solved and the drum will remain motionless.