Whirlpool washer will agitate and drain, but won't spin unless open/close lid

My whirlpool washer model LSQ9645KQ0 will agitate fine. When it changes cycles and is supposed to drain and spin, it only drains. In order for me to get it to spin, I have to raise the lid and re-close it. I have ruled out the switch because I disconnected it from the control panel and installed a temporary jumper in that connection (permanently closed lid condition). Even in this situation, I had to remove the jumper and re-install for it to begin spinning. Could this simply be the clutch?

Hello.

Most likely the problem is bad lid switch. It’s basically works as a safety switch. When you put the lid down the switch actuates. To replace it you will have to remove the cabinet.
Look at the attached diagram#8 part#11.

The lid switch AP5983746

The breakdown diagrams and Replacement parts for Whirlpool LSQ9645KQ0 WASHER | AppliancePartsPros.com

Post the results. Thank you.

I’m not convinced it’s the switch. I disconnected the switch and installed a jumper in the connector at the control panel. The attached photo shows the jumper installed in the control panel side of the lid switch connector. In order to get the washer to spin, I had to remove the jumper and re-install. When re-installing the jumper, the washer began spinning immediately. Any other suggestions?
Photo_00003.jpg (22.3 KB)

Hello.

You are right. The problem is not the switch. In your case it’s the timer.
Here why - Your washer has a neutral drain transmission. That means - the washer drains first then pausing for a few seconds
allowing the spin gears to engage, and only then the spin starts.
The timer is not pausing which makes the washer drain constantly. When you open and close the lid manually you imitating the pause.

The timer AP6008934

Thank you.
Please post the results.

Thanks for the info. I may try the new timer.

I did some more investigation last night. What I found isn’t much different than you say. When I heard the washer begin draining, I slowly lifted the lid. When I did, I noticed that upon the lid switch releasing and the draining operation stopping, the spin engaged slightly. Then, when closing the lid again, the drain and spin both worked. It appeared that lifting the lid either “reset” the timer as you say or it caused the spinning cycle to engage.

Does this change your opinion of it being the timer? I hate to spend the money on a new timer if it is not the right fix.

Hi.

I’ll stick with the timer.

You can return any unused parts, even if they has been installed.

Post the results.

I have replaced the timer and have run one cycle successfully. It appears the original timer went bad after 10 years. I’ll post again if this replacement doesn’t solve the problem long term. Thanks for the assistance and advice.

You are welcome.

After further review, apparently changing the timer did not solve the problem. Maybe it was a coincidence that it worked the first time after changing the timer, but since then it has not worked properly. It is still doing the same thing. It will drain, but not spin. If you lift the lid while it is draining, the washer stops and at the last second the “spin” engages and turns about 1/2 a turn. Then, upon closing the lid, it spins as normal.

What’s next?

Hi.

For how long the washer is draining before you open the lid?

Simon.

It can be anywhere from a few seconds after it starts draining thru the end of the drain/spin cycle. If I do not lift the lid at all during the drain/spin cycle, all of the water will drain, but the clothes will be sitting at the bottom of the tub and it is obvious that the tub never spun.

I have the same problem as you. i have changed the timer and have had the same results. i only have to lift the lid for a split second and close it and the spin cycle starts. please help.