I have a washing machine that won’t spin on its own. I bought a front loader from Sears, says Kenmore but believe it is a Frigidaire, Model #417.41042000. When machine is in the agitate cycle, the motor will not run unless I physically help it. When it starts it only goes for about 8 seconds until I move it again. When it’s in the spin cycle, it won’t start unless I physically help it and then seems to keep on spinning. Does this sound like a tired motor – any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Tim.

I had a similar problem and in my case it was a worn out Drive Belt. Yours might be a different problem but you never know. Take a look at this diagram and you might be able to pin it down better http://www.repairclinic.com/0100_25.asp

You can hover your mouse over the various parts for a better description of each part.

Casey

The belt was my first choice, it even does it with the belt off, I went to that web site and it looks like it might be the speed control bd.

Glad that you can narrow it down. The same site also gives some help in trouble shooting your washer here http://www.repairclinic.com/0088_11_1.asp if you haven't found that link already.

The Speed/Spin Control part looks mightly expensive :eek:. I hope for your sake that's not the problem.

Casey

Three phase DC pulse drive systems will not operate correctly with no load attached to the motor. The machine or motor controllers are watching for load conditions. Usually there will be a tech sheet somewhere inside the unit that describe how to test the motor with a volt-ohm meter or a diagnosic mode function. If you don't own a meter, you might consider calling for some help. The motor and the controller are both very expensive parts, and guessing may not get you anywhere. Good luck.