We have a front-loading Whirlpool washer that sits in our closet with a dryer stacked on top. Initially, our washer wasn't going into spin mode, so when the cycle completed, our clothes would be dripping wet. We ran the diagnostics test as well, and it didn't come up with any error codes, and the spin cycle worked in the diagnostic mode. We read on a lot of websites that when this happens it may be a door lock switch problem that causes it to skip the spin cycle. We also read that an imbalance can cause this, and our stackable set is on wood floors.

Today, we pulled out the washer from the closet and attempted to check the hoses and empty them. We put everything back in, and ran the washer. This time, the spin cycle did start...?! Not sure why. But, it seems like the washer is still having some problems with draining, as it seems to sit in that cycle for an extended period of time - meaning that the clock on the front of the washer says it will be done in 45 minutes, but it ends up taking about a total of 65 minutes. It seems like it spends a lot of time draining, and a very short time in spin. Any ideas on what may be getting the washer stuck in the drain cycle, and why our spin stopped working and now suddenly works again? Thanks in advance!

Update: It stopped spinning again. We've checked the filter, drain hose, stand pipe, and ECO valve (under the drum) and found no blockages. There were no blockages in the drain motor that we could see (however I did not disassemble the rectangular part in the rear behind the drain hose).

When running an empty load on a Rinse/Drain cycle, the water in the barrel drains very quickly, within 20 seconds, but the washer then continues to try to pump out water for the next 8 minutes (even though there is no visible water in the drum) as the drum agitates in alternating directions as if it is trying to "re-balance" the empty load. The pump is powerful enough to cause the empty drain hose to jerk about behind the washer. Eventually it gives up and moves on; skipping the high-speed spin.

Any suggestions?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: adava,

I think the problem is more complicated than I could even guess at, but I did want to offer one suggestion.

My well worn in GE top loader doesn't always go through an effective spin cycle so after it finishes, I reset it for a second spin cycle. It's been doing this for years but I don't want to pay to have it fixed so I just run it through 2 spin cycles if the first is incomplete and the clothes are a bit soggy.

I have noticed that it will not spin as well if I accidentally add too much soap (easy to do when the detergent is concentrated).

Until the problem can be diagnosed, you might try moving the setting a bit ahead to see if you can bypass the start of drain cycle and move a little bit further into that cycle. I've noticed that sometimes advancing farther into the cycle and skipping the initiation of it can jumpstart the machine.

I had a similar problem with another washer and had to do the same thing. The washer just seemed to sometimes get stuck when it changed cycles. This washer's "behavior" was more similar to yours; if I couldn't restart it by jumping the cycle, it just sat and did nothing.

Good luck.