Whirlpool Washer does not Spin-up in Spin cycle

[Jeff M.]

Hi,

I've been having a problem with my whirlpool washing maching, model LSN1000JQ0. I think we bought it in 2003, but my wife says 2001. It has no belt, all mechanicals appear to be inside the transmission housing.

Anyway, almost every load does not spin-up in the spin cycle. However, unlike previous similar posts, opening and closing the lid does not help. In fact we've inserted a plastic plug into the lid switch and get the same effect.

What does seem to make a difference, is spinning it by hand (either direction), then pulling the plastic plug. The washer then puts on the brakes. Replacing the plug, the drum spins like nothing was ever wrong

Well, almost. Sometimes it seem to spin at half speed. Occasionally it even sprays water on the load as it's spinning in a normal or heavy load cycle. They aren't supposed to have a spray, only delicate does. This does not happen every time, just intermittantly.

We're really getting annoyed. Do you have any idea what is wrong?

Nice web-site by the way.
Jeff M.

[HayZee518]

i have never seen a washer without a belt or two. perhaps the motor is inverted and the shaft goes through the base to one or two belts underneath the machine. maytag is good for this. in one direction the transmission stays still as the agitator operates, but when it goes into spin, the whole transmission spins so watch your fingers!

[Jeff M.]

Okay, so the belts are hidden farther up in the machine than I can see without turning the machine completely upside down.

But it still doesn't answer the question as to why it won't spin-up on it's own. It just did the same thing a few minutes ago. It didn't spin on it's own. I open the lid, push the lid switch down, spin it by hand, and release the lid switch. It puts on the brakes. I push the lid switch down, and it starts and spins like nothing's wrong.

Why?

Jeff M.

[HayZee518]

just an idea but inside the transmission might be a centrifugal clutch. when you manually spin it you activate the clutch and when you restore power it takes off.

[Dan O.]

'Direct Dive' washer

That is a Whirlpool 'direct drive' washer model which has no belts. You can read a bit about that washer design at the following link:

LINK > Sears and Whirlpool Direct Drive Washer

Poor spinning could be caused by just something caught between the tubs hampering its movement or more seriously, a problem in the brake and clutch assembly.

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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[Jeff M.]

Thanks Dan.

There are no belts on second, and more thorough, inspection.
There isn't anything between the drums, as I can turn it without hinderance by hand, and I hear nothing scratching, dragging, or whatever.

I will use the information in the link to separate the agitator and the drums to see if there's a sock stuck someplace.

The link you attached says that Whirlpool will exchange transmissions if that is the problem. I tried the Whirlpool web-site, but it lacks information about service & repair, or exchange policies.

Thanks again.

[Dan O.]

The link you attached says that Whirlpool will exchange transmissions if that is the problem.

I didn't see that. All I see is this quote:

If your machine is less than 5 years old, Sears or Whirlpool may give you a replacement gearcase free but you will have to replace the old gearcase yourself. However, you must truck your failed washer down to the nearest service center to prove that the gearcase has actually failed.

Even if they did supply you the replacement part, it is a VERY big job. I myself would have a professional do it, especially if the transmission is covered by warranty and at least didn't have to pay for that part (a ~$150 value).

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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[arlonadkinson]

lid switch is broke! take the 2 screws out and cut the wires after unplug and short them together and it will then spin-------------always where the lid is open or shut!!!! new switch is on ebay for $10.50!!!

[Dan O.]

OP does NOT have lid switch problem

lid switch is broke!

A failed lid switch would totally prevent all spinning AND all draining AND also stop movement of the timer through the rest of the cycle. Those are not the OP's symptoms.

cut the wires after unplug and short them together and it will then spin

The lid switch is a safety device. It is not a good idea to bypass such a thing except for the limited purpose of testing.

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
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