My washer works fine until the final spin cycle. It doesn't always spin. When this happens I can push the lid button and turn the drum by hand & after a few times it will spin out. Every now & then it will do it on its own with my needing to get it started. Any ideas?

Yes, either get it fixed, or buy a new one.

Sounds like your belt is slipping. Do you know how to tighten the tensioner pulley?

Timer has several contacts. May be burned on the spin setting contacts.

Here are some manuals that will make it all simple and easy to fix: (You need a multimeter, though.) https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/Understanding%20automatic%20washer.pdf
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/Whirlpool-Kenmore%20washers.zip
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/Sears%20Kenmore%20Direct%20Drive%20Washer%20with%2 0Neutral%20Drain.pdf
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/Electrical%20Theory%20and%20Diagnosis%20of%20Major %20Appliances%20Service%20Manual.pdf
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/Electronics%20and%20Electrical%20Troubleshooting%2 0and%20Repair%20Handbook.pdf
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/Basic%20Washing%20Machine%20Wiring.pdf
These should help. Many times it's just a simple electrical solenoid. You can diagnose it easily with a good digital multimeter.