Whirlpool top load washer stopped draining

[txneedsassistanc]

we need help pretty please...
our whirlpool top load washer works to the point where it will not spin nor drain.
my husband checked all wires, etc. then took the coupler (sp?) off.
any suggestion on what might be the problem.  we can not afford to call someone out.  my husband is very mechanical in fixing things but we are on a tight budget and cant afford a new washer.
thanks for your time...

[AJ]

Hi,

Please post the model number of your washer.
The model number can be found on the model/serial number tag that is located on the washer.

Thanks,

[txneedsassistanc]

ok. I will get it from my husband here shortly when he gets home as I am at work....Thank you!

[AJ]

Being it's a whirlpool and you said he checked the coupler I'm going to assume it's a direct drive top load washer.

That being the case you may simply have a bad lid switch. Here is a very common lid switch for direct drive washers. Once you post the model number I can look up the exact switch your washer would take.

http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/Lid-Switch-Assembly/3949247/547225

[AJ]

Here is a good video that show you how to replace the lid switch.

[txneedsassistanc]

wow this is a FANTASTIC forum. Thank you guys for the responses.

My husband is on his way home to get the model number.

however I have misinformed you....He said he took the coupler off because a friend that he called thought it was that but we dont really know. 
is there a way we can test the coupler? would it be related to our issue of the washer not spinning or draining?

we just have no money for a new one. he is on his way home from the washeteria right now...

you guys a fantastic!

[txneedsassistanc]

My husband says he cant find anything on the washer other than these numbers - SM8280869

another small list of numbers - PN3953615

then he says part number that is on the back of the washer where controls at....
part number 3954183
engraved number in black panel 3357978

and per your advice above he just checked the lid switch and he says it seems like that its broke...

[AJ]

is there a way we can test the coupler? would it be related to our issue of the washer not spinning or draining?

Most of the time when the coupler goes bad it's broken into pieces.

If he had it off and it looked ok then it probably is fine. Besides if the motor coupler was bad the washer would not agitator or spin, but it would still drain.

Here is a good video on the motor coupler.

[AJ]

Open the lid and look for the model/serial number tag under the lid towards the back were it hinges. Sometimes the tag gets caked over with soap. In any case they can be hard to see sometimes.

and per your advice above he just checked the lid switch and he says it seems like that its broke...

There should also be a part number on the old lid switch.

[txneedsassistanc]

Thanks guys!
we are totally stressed out because of money.  I love this forum. Yall have been wonderful.
ok....
My husband is blind as a bat and still can't find the serial/model number.  i will look when I get home....

He tried to see if the washer would spin by rigging it and it did.

He found a number on the lid switch which is 8949237 in case that is useful.

he said that the part of the switch that is bad is like a little arm piece and he said that is broke???

He also said he is puzzled because when he looks at the lid switch it seems like there is no way to disconnect the wires....

Sorry this is 3rd party relay via our telephone.

I will look for the serial/model number when i get home....

[jumptrout51]

The wires do not come off the switch. A new lid switch comes complete with new wires.

[AJ]

He tried to see if the washer would spin by rigging it and it did.

Awesome, he found the problem...  

He found a number on the lid switch which is 8949237 in case that is useful.

I researched the number and it does not seem to be a good part number, maybe he or you could double check the number.

He also said he is puzzled because when he looks at the lid switch it seems like there is no way to disconnect the wires....

The wire harness is part of the lid switch. The new lid switch will come with the wire harness attached to it just like the old lid switch. The first video I posted above shows you how to replace the switch.

I will look for the serial/model number when i get home....

Sounds good, let us know what you find.

[txneedsassistanc]

Thanks!
I will post the info *hopefully* if I get home earlier enough tonight but if not I will for sure in the morning!
thank you so much!

[AJ]