Whirlpool Ultimate Care II Washer Not Spinning- Why & How To Fix?

Whirlpool has undoubtedly been one of the most loved household names when it comes to purchasing washing machines. However, most consumers have reported Whirlpool Ultimate Care ii washer not spinning when it begins the spin cycle. Are you also facing the same problem?

Whirlpool Ultimate Care ii washer doesn’t spin due to faulty lid switch and door lock latch, broken motor coupling or drive belt. Additionally, an imbalanced, overloaded washer with a clogged drain hose or pump can also be the reason for this spinning issue.

Now, let’s dive down deeper into knowing exactly why and what causes the Whirlpool Ultimate Care ii washer to not spin. You will also find out how to get rid of this issue no matter what the source of the problem is in this guide.

7 Reasons and Fixes For whirlpool ultimate care ii washer not spinning

Whirlpool washers need a steady rotation and spin cycle to be completed for a proper, functional wash. Without the agitation provided by the rapid spinning, the washer will fail to remove all the stains and dirt from the clothes.

To save you from this very predicament, we have accumulated all of the possible reasons and their fixes for this problem below:

1. Problematic Lid Switch

One of the most common and basic reasons for the whirlpool washer not spinning can be a malfunctioning lid switch.

Most top loaders have a lid switch built in them as a safety precaution. The function of this switch is to prevent the washer from running when the lid is open.

There is a piece of metal underneath the washer lid which activates the lid switch when you close the lid.

When the lid is not properly closed, the switch is not activated, so the spin cycle doesn’t run. You won’t be able to hear the motor if that is the case.

The lid switch could have a mechanical fault in it, leading to the switch not activating.

Even if you can activate the lid switch, the motor still might not supply the washer any power. As a result, the spin cycle doesn’t start due to the defective lid switch.

In order to check the lid switch functionality, open the top control panel by removing the two screws holding it together.

Use a multimeter and check for continuity between the lid switch and the case. If you can’t find any connection, the lid switch is faulty and needs a replacement.

2. Broken Motor Coupling

Motor coupling is a vital component in order to complete the whirlpool washer spin cycle. This element connects the motor to the transmission of the washer.

There is a rubber isolator in between two white plastic components that make up a motor coupling.

This rubber and plastic part of the motor coupling can get damaged very easily for different reasons-

• Regular wear and tear
• Imbalanced loads
• Overuse
• Overloaded washer

In order to check if your motor coupling is broken or not, reset the washer to the spin cycle.

You will be able to hear the motor running but there will be no agitation in the washer drum. Then, during the draining process, the drum won’t spin even if the motor is working.

Thus, we can come to the conclusion that the motor coupling has broken. Replacing the broken coupling is the only fix for this. You can get a new motor coupling in just $20 if you know how to install it yourself.

However, if you have no previous technical knowledge, it is best to leave the replacement job to a professional. In that case, along with the labor cost, this replacement will cost you around $120.

3. Faulty Washer Door Lock

Similar to the lid switch, the door lock is also a prevention feature which keeps the whirlpool washer from operating when the door isn’t closed.

Coincidentally, when this door lock is faulty, the washer does not go into the spin cycle.

A catch on the washer door along with a locking mechanism makes up the washer door lock system.

If the door lock has a mechanical fault in it, the door lock switch doesn’t engage or click in when you close the door. Therefore, the washer control board can’t start the spin cycle.

On the other hand, if there is an electrical fault in the door lock switch, you need to locate the door lock on your washer first.

Use a screwdriver to remove the boot and the door seal. Take the door lock assembly off the mounting bracket.

Once you get to the door lock switch itself by removing the surrounding wires, test it with a multimeter. If it doesn’t have continuity, it’s facing an electrical fault.

Additionally, if you see visible damage on the switch, it could be broken. In both cases, you’ll need to replace the switch with a new one.

4. Loose or Worn Out Drive Belt

The function of a whirlpool washer drive belt is rotating the drum for the spin cycle and water circulation. It is located at the bottom of the tub and the other end of it is connected to the water pump.

Over time, this drive belt can become too loose or accumulate cracks and damages. This damage can render the belt useless and unable to spin the drum. 

To check if the drive belt is okay, remove the back panel of the washer. Look for external damages and check for tension by pulling the belt.

In order to fix this, remove the damaged belt by pulling it to one side while spinning the pulley. Next, put a new drive belt through the tub drive pulley and rotate it to install the new belt.

5. Overloaded Washer

Sometimes, the sole reason behind your Whirlpool washer not spinning can just be a regular user error such as overloading. Putting excessive laundry into the washer in one cycle is detrimental to the washer.

When the washer is overloaded or the load in it is too imbalanced on one side, it can’t spin properly. There will be loud shaking noises and vibrations that indicate your load is not evenly distributed.

You can easily fix this problem by remembering to put in the right amount of clothes in one cycle.

Make sure the load is well below maximum capacity. Wash all your laundry in two different cycles if there is too much clothes.

Another thing you should do is, put the clothes around the center or the agitator in an even manner. They shouldn’t just lean at one side as it also disrupts the spin cycle.

6. Clogged Drain Hose and Pump

Without a clear way through the drain hose and pump, the water fails to completely drain out. As a result, the load takes more time to dry and the spinning process is disrupted too.

The drain hose can be clogged up due to lint, coins, debris getting stuck in the hose. The hose might have excessive bends or kinks which get in the way of the water flow.

In order to fix this-

• Check the drain hose and pump for blockages and clear them off completely.
• Straighten out the kinks of the drain hose.
• Make sure the washer is positioned at least 4 inches away from the wall to avoid more bends in the hose.
• If needed, shorten the drain hose by trimming a necessary amount.

7. Level The Washer

If you are dealing with excessive unnatural noises and vibrations during the spin cycle, the whirlpool washer might not be leveled.

Without proper leveling to the ground, the spin cycle can’t continue due to gravitational difficulties.

To diagnose this issue, check the bottom of the washer to see if all the feet are touching the floor. If not, adjust the level of the washer feet so that it becomes perfectly level.

You can also use the dial to manually make the front of the washer to make it the same level as the floor.

FAQs

Let’s answer a few of the most asked questions regarding the spinning issue of the Whirlpool Ultimate Care ii washer for your convenience.

Final Words

Whirlpool Ultimate Care ii washer is a renowned top loader with a very strong agitator and a good track record of cleaning.

However, Whirlpool Ultimate Care ii washer not spinning is also a recurring problem for this model.

Following this guide will perfectly help you to diagnose and fix this problem by yourself. If you can complete the replacements by yourself, it will save you the extra labor cost.

But don’t take any unnecessary risks that could harm the washer permanently if you’re not sure of your ability.