Washer displays F06 or F6, may not spin or may stop shortly after starting, sometimes with a humming motor sound.

Safety first: Unplug the washer before accessing the rear panel or motor area. The drum and motor can move unexpectedly.

Step-by-step:

• Check for overload: Remove excess laundry and redistribute the load. Restart the cycle to see if the error clears.
• Access motor area: Remove the rear panel (or lower rear access panel) to expose the drive motor and belt (on belt-driven models) or direct-drive motor.
• Inspect wiring harness: Check the harness from the main control (or motor control unit) to the motor. Look for loose connectors, chafed insulation, or broken wires. Reseat all connectors.
• Check motor rotation: Spin the drum by hand. It should turn smoothly. A stiff or grinding feel may indicate bearing or motor issues.
• Test motor windings: With the harness disconnected and power off, measure resistance across the motor windings per the tech sheet. Open or shorted windings indicate a bad motor.
• Inspect tachometer (if accessible): Some Whirlpool motors have an integrated tach sensor. Check its connector and wiring. If the tach is open or damaged, the motor assembly usually must be replaced.
• Motor control board: On models with a separate motor control unit (MCU), inspect the board for burn marks or damaged components. If wiring and motor test good, the MCU or main control may be faulty.

When to call a technician: Motor and control diagnostics can be complex and involve live voltage testing. If you are not experienced with electrical measurements, have a technician perform these checks.