Maytag Washer Drum Not Turning? Here's How to Fix It

So, your Maytag washer fills but the drum is not turning during the wash? Whether the drum won't rotate, the drum is not agitating, or the agitator is not moving, your clothes cannot get clean.

Don't panic. I have seen an overloaded tub, trapped item, or lid problem cause this. A motor sound with no drum movement can point to a drive part, so stop the washer if you hear grinding.

How to Fix a Maytag Washer Drum Not Turning

If a Maytag washer drum is not turning, lighten the load, remove trapped items, close the lid or door, reset it, then have the drive parts tested.

This article is for a drum or agitator that never moves during wash. If the machine completes a spin but the laundry remains wet, check why your Maytag washer leaves clothes soaking wet.

Lighten and Rearrange the Load

Pause the cycle and remove some clothes from a tightly packed tub. Untangle sheets and spread the remaining items loosely around the drum.

A heavy loads can keep the drum from starting or cause the washer to stop it for protection. Try a short cycle with the drum empty after rearranging the laundry.

Look for a Trapped Item

Unplug the washer and inspect the visible gap around the drum, the door seal on a front loader, and the area around a top-loader agitator or wash plate. Remove only items you can reach without taking the machine apart.

Turn the empty drum slowly by hand. A scraping sound or a drum that will not move suggest an object or damaged moving part inside, which needs a technician.

Close the Lid or Door Properly

Move clothing away from the opening and close the lid or door firmly but gently. Clean detergent from the latch area with a damp cloth.

The washer may fill but refuse to move the drum when it cannot tell that the lid or door is closed. A broken latch should never be bypassed.

Reset the Washer

Disconnect the washer from power for five minutes, then reconnect it and try an empty wash cycle. This can clear a small control error after a power interruption.

There may be control glitches that clears once the washer restarts. If it remains stuck on the same part of the cycle, see our guide to a Maytag washer stuck on wash.

Have the Drive Parts and Motor Tested

If the motor runs but the drum does not turn, a belt, coupler, or another drive part may have failed. The exact parts depend on the Maytag washer design, so do not order a replacement from symptoms alone.

There is many electrical and moving parts inside the cabinet. Keep the washer unplugged and ask a qualified technician to inspect it. Contact Maytag before service if opening the machine could affect its warranty.

Conclusion

A simple load or latch issue is worth ruling out before a drive repair. Work through these five steps:

• Lighten and rearrange the load
• Look for a trapped item
• Close the lid or door properly
• Reset the washer
• Have the drive parts and motor tested