How to replace the motor on a Whirlpool washing machine

Is your Whirlpool washer refusing to agitate or spin, leaving you with soggy laundry? Don’t worry; you can turn that frustration into DIY success! Check out our step-by-step guide, complete with an easy-to-follow video, on how to replace the motor and get your washer back in action.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

On a Whirlpool washer, the motor is responsible for driving the agitator or drum, allowing your washer to agitate clothes during the wash cycle and spin them during the spin cycle. 

Common signs that indicate the need for replacement include the washer not agitating, not spinning, burning smells, or making unusual noises. 

Fortunately, with a few basic tools and some patience, you can tackle this repair yourself and get your washer back in working order. So, let’s get started!

You can find a replacement motor here. If you need other replacement parts for your Whirlpool washer, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch here: How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Washer Motor WP661600

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Tools and materials

• Replacement part (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing)
• Flat head screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• 1/4 inch nut driver

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.

Replacement steps

Step 1: Disassembly  

1. Remove the two screws holding the control panel in place at the front and rear. 
2. Lift off any trim covers or use a putty knife to release spring clips. 
3. Slide the control panel forward about 1/2 an inch and lift it back over the back of the machine.
4. Disconnect the lid switch and use a flathead screwdriver to pry out the two retaining spring clips that hold the body to the frame.
5. Lift up on the lid, grab the body near the front, put your foot against the body of the machine, tilt the body up to a 45-degree angle, and carefully lift it off the machine.
6. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the two clips on the pump. 
7. Rotate the upper clip 90 degrees and pull it out of the way. 
8. Pull the pump off the motor.  
9. Take out the second clip holding the motor in place. 
10. Turn it 90 degrees and pull it out of the motor. 
11. Disconnect the electrical connection by lifting up on the tab and pulling it out. 
12. Remove the retaining screws from the clips holding the motor. 
13. Support the motor from underneath, release the upper clip, lower the motor slightly, turn it 90 degrees, and pull it out of the frame.
14. Make sure the motor shield is in place according to the instruction sheet. 
15. Swap out the grommets from the old motor and put them on the new motor. 
16. Use a hammer to pry the old coupler off and tap it onto the new motor. Make sure the shaft is flush with the inner lip of the coupler when tapping it on.

Step 2: Reassembly 

1. Align the flats on the motor shaft with the coupler. Make sure one of the cogs is at 12 o’clock and that the transmission side is also at 12 o’clock. 
2. Place the piece of cardboard from the box in the bottom of the motor to shield it.  
3. Slide the new motor back into the frame. 
4. Drop it down a bit and insert the spring clamp into the motor mount frame. 
5. Turn it 90 degrees and snap it down over the motor. 
6. Reconnect the electrical connection to the motor and make sure it locks into place. 
7. Place the pump back over the motor. 
8. Put the spring clips into the motor, turn them 90 degrees, and snap them down over the pump.
9. Lift up the lid, grab the lip of the machine, put your foot at the base, tilt it up 45 degrees, and carry it back over to the machine. 
10. Slide the body back onto the frame, ensuring that the lower lip goes underneath the frame. 
11. Lower the body onto the four locking tabs. 
12. Hook the retaining spring clips onto the back panel and use a flathead screwdriver to push them down into place. 
13. Reconnect the lid switch.
14. Rotate the control panel forward over the front of the machine, ensuring the locking tabs lock in place. 
15. Pull it back about half an inch and replace the screws.
16. Plug the washer back in and turn the water back on.
17. Test the washer to check for any problems. 

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the motor on your Whirlpool washer. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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