Why Won't My Washer Spin or Drain?

I recently came across this in an Appliance Repair Forum.  It's a fairly simple problem, thought it might help someone out.

Q:  When I start the machine, it fills and agitates fine. When it finishes the wash (agitation) cycle, it stops when it should start the drain/spin cycle. The same thing occurs during the rinse cycle. If I advance the time it won't do anything but fill and agitate.  Does this sound like a lid switch or a timer problem? :

A: Most likely it's a lid switch problem.  A bad lid switch will allow the washer to work a little bit, but will likely stop the washer before the drain / spin cycle. 

The lid switch is a safety device that's there to protect you from sticking your hands into a spinning washer. If this switch goes bad, the washer will not work. You will have to replace it. It is inside the main housing for the washer, and located near the door frame.

If this doesn't quite answer your question, visit the Appliance Repair Forum and post your question there.

Here is a little more information on clothes washers as well as maintenance tips.