I have a whirlpool washer that will not spin. It will adgitate and drain the water, but during all cycles it will not spin. What may be the problem.

Hello Andrew !

You have to do a little research here, to check what is going on in your machine :

Older model washing machines have often a motor that actually consists of two different motors into one, one for washing and one for spinning. Each motor has it's own start capacitor.
With newer models with electronic speed controllers spinning may be arranged either the same way, or via an electronic board.

With an older model there are two possible causes for the spinning problem :

1 - The spinning motor itself is faulty. This actually seldom happens.
2 - The start capacitor is faulty.This is a frequent problem.

The real problem is to find the start capacitor, as there are two of them : one for the washing, and one for the spinning motor.
Start with removing the power : take the power cable out of the socket and put it on to the ground.

Find the two capacitors : they look very similar : an oval or round metal container with two or three connection points. Often with stick-on connections.
Now disconnect one wire from one capacitor (does not matter which one).
Reconnect the power, and see if the washing cycle still functions (empty drum).

If NOT so : this is the washing motor capacitor.
Remove the power : take the power cable out of the socket and put it on to the ground.
Careful : there still can be power on the capacitor, so do not touch both contacts.
Reconnect the wire you took off. Disconnect the other capacitor, and bring it to a service shop for washing machines to have it tested and - if needed - to be replaced.

If so : this is the spinning motor capacitor.
Remove the power : take the power cable out of the socket and put it on to the ground.
Careful : there still can be power on the capacitor, so do not touch both contacts.
Disconnect the second wire also and remove the capacitor. Bring it to a service shop for washing machines to have it tested and - if needed - to be replaced.

If you have a multi meter you can also measure the capacitor for leaking. Let me know if you want to do that, and I'll advice you what to do / how to do that.
Just let me know by private mail (click on my handle and follow instructions) and I will return here to reply.
If this helps solving your problem, than please rate this reply.

Success !

:)

Try the safety lid lock thingy. Can't think of the name of the switch but if the switch is gone, it keeps the machine from spinning. Safety mechanism. If you get the lid lock changed out your machine will spin just nicely.