Our washing machine (Whirlpool Ultimate Care II) will not spin, possible cause? appx. cost to repair?

Question

We have a Whirlpool Ultimate Care II washing machine, and for a few months, from time to time, at the end of the cycle, the clothes would be all wet (not a measurable amount of water left in the drum, just the soggy mess from not spinning out), and if I put the cycle back to rinse again, usually it would work fine the second time.

Now however, it will not spin, in any cycle setting (delicates, regular, etc) and there is a bit of a whirring sound though nothing is moving, and not a smokey smell per se, but it is emitting a bit of an 'overheated' smell a bit when it reaches that point in the cycle (I of course have not used it since the newest 'symptoms').

It washes and drains fine, but it will not spin. What could the cause be, and would it be an expensive fix? I am thinking if it is something pricey, I might be better off buying a new machine -- I am hoping it is a simple fix though :)

Answer 1

How old is the unit?  If it's less than 1 year...it should be under warranty.  The Belt might be worned and u have to open the washing machine to replace it.  If ur not handy with fixing things...I recommend a service tech for that...because,  U'll probably break more than fix....if not experienced.  Now,  if the unit is more than 10 years...think about getting a new 1...The life expectancy on these unit is 10 years service. It's not worth the trouble if u want trouble free and unit like 10 years/  u fix 1 thing another thing breaks.

Answer 2

Maybe the whirring sound is coming from the motor of the selector switch timer. You can test it by yourself, if you open the lid cover you can see a hole in the right side with 2 screws. Unplug the unit first then remove the 2 screws that holds the lid switch and get the lid switch under it. there are 3 wires connected to the lid switch, one line is green and join the 2 other wires together  & have it taped by electrical tape. remember leave the green alone. now turn on the unit and set it to spin cycle. If it works that means the lid switch was the problem. Most common problem with that lid switch was cracking of casing due to the impact of the push rod that is connected to the lid cover. If the lid switch is opened and if all parts are intact, you can do some remedy by epoxy glue or tie it with insulated hard wire. i have encountered this problem more than ten times and my charge is P450.

Answer 3

The wig wag is not wigging or wagging. This is a common problem call the repair man. I have changed them myself but it's a pain $50 for parts plus labor.

The wig wag is a part that shifts gears. Its ether that or the transmission if you see any oil on the floor just get ready to buy a new one.

Answer 4

It could be as simple as a lid switch.  See http://www.repairclinic.com/0088_11_1.as... for some troubleshooting advice.  Good site to help you troubleshoot the problem and will sell you parts if you need them.