Water pumps in timer cycles but machine will not agitate or spin

What is the complete model number of your unit?

probably you've got something blocking the water pump from doing its job properly so check that the water pump is free running emptying all the water if not then there is a blockage in the pump normally ist a button, paper clip or other debris out of a trouser pocket eric

Your main switch needs replaced. The motor that drives the switch operates because it goes through the other cycles, so the switch must be bad.
murf427

Water Problems
Sometimes water will not enter the machine in order to properly wash clothing. In that case, the water may be turned off or the water fill valve, water temperature switch or timer may not be functioning correctly. A defective water valve or timer can also cause the machine to not enter the spray rinse cycle. Another issue that arises is when the water will not drain out of the machine. The drain may simply be clogged, or the drain hose or pump may be malfunctioning. Water will splash on the floor if the pump or water valve is not working, or if the machine is operating on a low level of water with a high level of agitation, which means the force that promotes all the functions of the machine.
Cycle Problems
Malfunctions of the various cycles are common as well. If no agitation occurs, the agitator spine may be stripped, or the motor or internal transmission system could be broken. If the machine will neither agitate nor spin, the belt or coupling is most likely the problem. There are a number of issues associated with either no spin or a slow spin including an open lid, defective lid switch, spin tube, wigwag, timer or wigwag wire or a drive belt that is not properly adjusted. When the motor will not run at all, first check the power cord to make sure that it is plugged in. If that does not solve the problem, issues are found in the timer, lid switch, motor or water level switch.
Other Issues
Sometimes washing machines will excessively vibrate or "walk," meaning that they begin to inch forward while the motor is running. Check inside the machine to see if there is an unbalanced load. Heavier items, such as sneakers, cause vibration as well. The load can be fixed and any unnecessary items removed. If the problem persists, other possible issues include an improperly leveled machine, a worn-out snubber, broken suspension springs or shipping pins that have not been removed. Another problem that arises with washing machines is oil leakage caused by transmission failure, which is one of the more costly issues to fix.
Sometimes water will not enter the machine in order to properly wash clothing. In that case, the water may be turned off or the water fill valve, water temperature switch or timer may not be functioning correctly. A defective water valve or timer can also cause the machine to not enter the spray rinse cycle. Another issue that arises is when the water will not drain out of the machine. The drain may simply be clogged, or the drain hose or pump may be malfunctioning. Water will splash on the floor if the pump or water valve is not working, or if the machine is operating on a low level of water with a high level of agitation, which means the force that promotes all the functions of the machine.
Cycle Problems
Malfunctions of the various cycles are common as well. If no agitation occurs, the agitator spine may be stripped, or the motor or internal transmission system could be broken. If the machine will neither agitate nor spin, the belt or coupling is most likely the problem. There are a number of issues associated with either no spin or a slow spin including an open lid, defective lid switch, spin tube, wigwag, timer or wigwag wire or a drive belt that is not properly adjusted. When the motor will not run at all, first check the power cord to make sure that it is plugged in. If that does not solve the problem, issues are found in the timer, lid switch, motor or water level switch.
Other Issues
Sometimes washing machines will excessively vibrate or "walk," meaning that they begin to inch forward while the motor is running. Check inside the machine to see if there is an unbalanced load. Heavier items, such as sneakers, cause vibration as well. The load can be fixed and any unnecessary items removed. If the problem persists, other possible issues include an improperly leveled machine, a worn-out snubber, broken suspension springs or shipping pins that have not been removed. Another problem that arises with washing machines is oil leakage caused by transmission failure, which is one of the more costly issues to fix.

same problem

When the cycle doesn't advance, it's probably the timer or a cold-water supply problem:

• It's the timer, if your washing machine fills with water and begins agitating, but the timer never advances--or if the washer is in a spin cycle and the timer won't advance. Then you need to replace the timer.



• It may be a cold-water supply problem, if the washing machine fills with water, agitates, drains, and spins, but then doesn't fill with rinse water. See There's no cold water.

as you mentioned timer advances,then check out cold water entering the machine or not. If your washer won't spin, check these:

It doesn't pump or spin
It pumps, but doesn't spin
It spins only with the lid closed
It doesn't pump or spin If it doesn't pump water out or spin, check to see if the motor is running, then proceed as follows:

• If the motor is running, your washer probably has a frozen pump pulley or a broken pump belt. To check the pulley, remove the pump from the washer and try to rotate the pulley manually. If it doesn't turn freely--if it's frozen or stiff--replace it. If the pump belt is broken or looks quite worn, replace it--but be sure to check the pump pulley before you change the belt.



• If the motor isn't running, the lid switch may be defective. If so, the washing machine can't spin and may not function at all. The switch is inside the washing machine main housing near the door frame. Often you have to raise or open the top or front of the washing machine to get to the switch. If it's defective, you need to replace it.

It pumps, but doesn't spin If your washer pumps out the water but doesn't spin, check these:

• The lid switch may be defective. If it is, the washing machine doesn't spin. The switch is inside the washing machine main housing near the door frame. Often you have to raise or open the top or front of the washing machine to get to the switch. If it's defective, you need to replace it.



• The motor coupler may be broken. Many Whirlpool®-manufactured washers use a small, relatively inexpensive motor coupling. It's plastic and rubber and is mounted to the shaft of the motor on one side, and to the transmission on the other. Over time, the coupler wears out and fails. You may need to replace it.



• A belt may be broken. Many washing machines have one or two belts. If a belt is broken or badly worn, you need to replace it with a genuine belt from the manufacturer. (Some washing machine belts are designed with special characteristics not found in automotive belts.)



• The clutch may be worn. If your washer is a GE, it may use a clutch to come up to the proper spin speed. As the clutch wears out, it may prevent the unit from spinning well or at all. If the clutch is worn, you need to replace it. For this job, you probably want to hire a qualified appliance repair technician.



• The drive motor may be defective. Many washer brands use a reversing motor. For agitation the motor runs in one direction, for spinning and draining, the other. It's possible for a motor to burn out in one direction and continue to operate in the other. If this happens, you need to replace the entire motor.



• The transmission may not be shifting properly. Older washers produced by Whirlpool® have a transmission with an electro-mechanical shifter. If the shifter becomes even partially defective, the unit may drain the water but not spin. This is a complex system, if your washer has a shifter problem, you may want to hire a qualified appliance repair technician to repair it.



• The spin bearing or basket drive may be worn or seized. These components allow the inner tub to spin freely inside the outer tub. When this is the problem, you usually hear a loud sound during the spin cycle. Call a qualified appliance repair technician.

It spins only with the lid closed For safety, washing machines are made so that they spin only with the lid closed. The lid switch prevents the spinning action when the lid is up.

Check your timer and make sure that it is working correctly with a multi meter

gabehart....sounds like belt is slipping. Replace it. The water pump is on a separate smaller motor so is not affected by the agitator/spin motor.

one of 2 things are happpening iether hte timer is not sending down the power to operate the pump , or switch is not closing correctly to allow power to the pump

If pump works fine or still pumps out water, then it is a timer malfunction. Replace the timer and you should be fine. To locate a part number for your timer, refer to www3.sears.com with the model number off your washer.