Kenmore 80 Series Washer Won't Spin? (Fix It Now!)

Nothing is worse than being in a hurry to get your laundry done, only to find out that your washer won’t enter the spin cycle so that you can throw your clothes into the dryer. Now, you must wring each item by hand and hope that they’re not too wet to dry in time. Frustrating, isn’t it?

If your Kenmore 80 Series washer doesn’t spin, this could be a sign of a motor coupling issue, or possibly a problem with your lid switch, or uneven laundry distribution. It could even be as simple as your lid not shutting all the way.

Before you get stressed out, take some time to inspect your washer according to this guide. We’ll walk you through the possible issues and help you troubleshoot your Kenmore 80 Series washer. That way, you don’t have to spend money on hiring a professional right away, especially if it’s a simple fix.

If your hose is clogged, this will result in your washer not entering the spin cycle because it doesn’t have adequate drainage. Also, if your hose is kinked, this will cause the same problem. In this case, you will need to pull the washer out and look in the back for a kinked hose. If the hose isn’t kinked, check to see if it’s clogged.

Removing the hose is simple as you will need to remove the clips that hold it in place and shine a flashlight through to check for blockages. You can also use a vacuum hose to ensure that it’s free-flowing before putting the machine back in place.

Sometimes, if you’re running a bulky load, the weight can become too much on one side of your washer. In this case, you will need to stop the cycle and distribute the load evenly, and then restart your dryer to see if it will then enter the spin cycle.

If it won’t enter the spin cycle, circulate the dial to drain the water out. Then, with the washer empty, redistribute the items in the tub. If you’re washing comforters, you may have to do this at a laundromat with a higher capacity washer as the comforter may be what’s throwing your washer off.

Your drive belt is what helps connect the motor and transmission so that they can work together to power your washer. Sometimes the drive belt is broken, and other times it may have fallen off the pulleys. Regardless, you will need to fix it so that your washer can spin again.

To ensure the drive belt isn’t broken, you will need to pull off the back panel to access it. If it’s loose, tighten it. If it’s broken, you will need to buy a new one.

Your motor control board is what helps give power to your motor. This fragile component also regulates the spin speed, so if it’s not working, then your washer may not enter the spin cycle. Eventually, this will cause your washer to shut down completely.

To check the motor control board, you need to ensure that it provides power to your motor. If it’s not, then it will need to be replaced. However, it might be a better idea to purchase a new washer since these are expensive.

The drive motor is what drives the spinning of your washer by rotating the spin basket. However, a drive motor problem will produce a burning smell like a hot wire or hot metal. If you smell something like this, it’s most likely due to a defective drive motor.

If your motor is not getting power or is only humming, then this indicates that your drive motor needs to be replaced. However, it’s best to check all other options before doing this, as this can be laborious and costly.

The bearing to your washer is in the center of your washer, on the inside of the outer casing. The bearing ensures that your washer spins smoothly; however, if it’s old or worn out, then it may seize up and won’t allow the tub to spin.

Replacing a bearing may not be possible, depending on the washer. Sometimes, bearings are sold separately, but you will need to purchase a new outer casing if they’re not. This can be too involved and expensive, which is why it’s a better idea to replace your washer altogether.

Most of these diagnoses are easily made on your own; however, there’s no shame in hiring a professional if you are unsure of or uncomfortable with the process. If you feel that it’s more convenient for you to hire a professional, or you’re new to the DIY world, there’s no shame in that.

However, it’s best to call around to several different places for quotes to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. You can also look into hiring a friend instead so that you can learn what to do and save on the cost of services.