What Is the Probable Cause of a Maytag Atlantis Not Spinning?

Drain Hose Condition

• Your Maytag Atlantis washer removes water from wet clothes by taking advantage of a very basic physical science law called "centrifugal force." The rotation of the tub causes most moisture to detach from soaked clothes. The water then seeps through the tiny holes that dot the sides and bottom of the tub. However, if the drain hose that funnels that used water out of the machine is damaged or obstructed, Maytag designed the washer not to enter the spin cycle. You might be able to fix this issue by examining the drain hose for leaks or bends. You may have to obtain a new hose or contact a service technician for help.

Drain Hose Height

• Below the bottom of the basket of top-loading washers is a pump that helps to force used wash and rinse water out of the machine through the drainage system. However, the pump has limitations on how much force it can put behind the water that needs to leave the machine. Gravity is the physical force that affects pumping performance. If the drain hose is mounted too high, the force of gravity pushing down on the water might be too great for your Atlantis model washer to effectively overcome to pump water up and out of the machine. Maytag recommends the drain hose has a clearance of less than 8 feet. Again, the washer will not enter the spin cycle if it cannot pump out used water.

Safety Lid

• The tall, vertical arrangement of the tub in a top-loading washer means it can effortlessly hold in wash water and clothes, whether the machine is stationary or spinning. However, for your safety Maytag designed Atlantis model washers to immediately disengage the motor when you lift open the lid. A child, disabled or mentally-challenged person could suffer injury if they were to accidentally or curiously touch the dispenser that rises in the center of the tub while it is agitating and spinning. Simply close the lid and pull the dial to restart the washer.

Lid Switch Failure Detector

• Maytag also included a type of back-up, lid switch detector that may prevent your washer from spinning, even when it is properly closed. Consider that cycle times vary, where the "Extra Heavy" cycle can last 27 minutes in Atlantis model washers. A vulnerable person in your household has plenty of time to carelessly open the malfunctioning lid on an actively spinning and potentially dangerous washer that doesn't shut off as designed. Maytag recommends that you contact a service technician to resolve this problem.