The 4 Most Common Washing Machine Problems and How To Fix Them

Instead of searching the internet for “washer repair near me,” we’ll show you how to fix it yourself. Washing machine repair may sound complicated, but these machines are pretty simple inside. With a few basic tools and the steps we show here, you can solve most problems yourself—and save the cost of a service call. We won’t cover every fix, but the repairs we show will correct about 90 percent of washer troubles, like Maytag or Kenmore washer repairs.

These common washer repairs are a snap for the average do-it-yourselfer. You’ll need a socket set or nut drivers, screwdrivers and a flashlight. Repairs can take as little as an hour but set aside a full morning to diagnose the trouble, get parts and complete the repair.

The outer cabinet in Whirlpool and some other brands lifts off completely, giving you access to all the parts. The washer in Maytag and some other brands has removable front and back panels.

• Tip: Make sure your washer has power! Unplugged cords and tripped breakers are common causes of appliance “breakdowns.”

How to Access Your Washing Machine’s Parts

Whirlpool-Type Washer

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To remove the outer cabinet from this type of washer, first pull off the side trim pieces and remove the retaining screws. Flip the console up and release the spring clips with a screwdriver. Tilt the cabinet forward and lift the cabinet off.

Maytag Washer Repair

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To remove the front panel on this type of washer, yank the bottom of the panel outward (you may have to first remove screws). Pull the panel down and out.

Common Washer Machine Problems

Grinding Noise

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If you own a Whirlpool direct-drive washer (the water hoses attach to the left side when viewed from the back), you’ve probably got a broken coupler—a common failure caused by overloading the machine. It’s an easy and inexpensive fix.

Pop the snap retainers with a screwdriver and pull the pump off the motor shaft. Then disconnect the electrical connectors from the motor. Pop the bottom retainer off the motor and prop up the motor while you pop the top retainer (it’s heavy). Pry the broken coupler pieces off the motor and transmission. Tap the new coupler into place with a wooden block.

Draining Problems

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When clothing or jewelry gets stuck in the hose to the pump or the pump itself, the machine won’t drain, and you might hear squealing, grinding or smell burning rubber. First, remove the stuck hose that goes from the tub to the pump (drain the water into a bowl) and check for stuck socks (yes, that’s where they go). Then, run a coat hanger through the tube and pull out the stuck objects. Next, check the pump for broken blades by shaking it.

Rotate the pump shaft to make sure it spins freely. Replace the pump if you find any damage. If you see any burned or melted sections on the belts, replace them. Maytag belts are specially designed, so don’t substitute an ordinary “V” belt.

Slow Fill or No Fill

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If your washing machine fills slowly or won’t fill at all, try cleaning the inlet screens on the water valve. If that doesn’t help, replace the entire water valve assembly.

Won’t Agitate or Spin

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If the machine fills with water and then just sits there, suspect a broken lid switch. To test the switch, you’ll need a continuity tester or a multimeter. Remove the wires connected to the switch and touch the tester’s probes to the switch’s connectors. As you open and close the lid, readings should alternate between continuity and no continuity. If not, replace the switch.

To replace the switch on a Whirlpool-type washer, just remove the two screws and screw in the new one. To get at the switch on a Maytag-type washer, you’ll have to unscrew the access panel behind the console and replace the switch as shown here. Remember to raise the lid before you remove the old switch.

• Tip: Never drop a washing machine’s lid! Slamming the lid eventually wrecks the lid switch.