what causes a washer to not agitate

There are various reasons the agitator may not be working:

• Something is jammed at the base of the agitator.
• The lid switch is broken.
• Your washer's agitator is broken.
• The directional cogs need to be replaced.
• The agitator coupler is damaged.
• The motor coupling is failing.
• The drive belt is worn out.
• The timer is faulty.

Full Answer

How to fix a washer that does not agitate?

• Unplug the washer for 1 minute from the electrical outlet.
• Plug the washer back in and lift and lower the lid 6 times within a 12 second period.
• You have 30 seconds to start lifting and lowering the lid. ...
• The motor has now been reset and is ready for you to start a cycle.

How to fix washer top agitator not working?

What Causes An Agitator To Stop Working?

1. Damaged Agitator Assembly. Start the troubleshooting process by considering that the agitator assembly might have suffered damage.
2. Worn-Out Drive Block. Next, you’ll want to inspect the drive block on your washing machine for wear. ...
3. Loose Or Broken Drive Belt. ...
4. Failed Motor Coupling. ...
5. Faulty Transmission/Gearcase. ...

Why will my washer not agitate or spin?

Try These Easy Fixes

• Common Reasons a Washer Won’t Spin. In this post, we’ve outlined the most common reasons a washer won’t spin. ...
• Drive Belt. Your washing machine’s drive belt helps the motor power the spin of the drum by wrapping around the motor and a pulley wheel.
• Drive Motor. ...
• Motor Coupler. ...
• Lid Switch. ...
• Broken Pump. ...
• Repair Costs When a Washer Won’t Spin. ...
• Washer Won’t Spin? ...

Why is my washing machine not spinning or agitating?

There are various reasons the agitator may not be working:

• Something is jammed at the base of the agitator.
• The lid switch is broken.
• Your washer's agitator is broken.
• The directional cogs need to be replaced.
• The agitator coupler is damaged.
• The motor coupling is failing.
• The drive belt is worn out.
• The timer is faulty.
• There's a problem with the drive motor.
• There's an issue with your washer's transmission.

How do you fix a washer that won't agitate?

1:182:39Top-Load Washer Won't Agitate — Washing Machine TroubleshootingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf your washer uses a belt to agitate the tub the belt may have broken or may be slipping on theMoreIf your washer uses a belt to agitate the tub the belt may have broken or may be slipping on the pulleys. In either case the belt should be replaced.

How do you reset the agitator on a washing machine?

0:203:46How to Do a Whirlpool Washer Reset & Recalibration - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first rotate your washer's control dial counterclockwise. Until it's at the north or 12 o'clock.MoreSo first rotate your washer's control dial counterclockwise. Until it's at the north or 12 o'clock. Position. Once that's done unplug the washing machine from the wall.

What causes a washing machine not to agitate or spin?

If your washer fills with water but doesn't agitate, the problem is likely to be a faulty lid switch, a broken belt, or a problem with the motor. (Note: Direct-drive washing machines do not have belts.)

Where is the agitator sensor located?

2:1511:01Washing Machine Won't Agitate - Top 8 Problems and Fixes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut your agitator checked out okay the coupling may be bad they're located underneath the agitatorMoreBut your agitator checked out okay the coupling may be bad they're located underneath the agitator or pulsator at the top of the drive shaft.

How do you tell if your agitator is broken?

The agitator should start to oscillate back and forth, mixing up the clothes in the water. If the agitator does not move, double check that the sensor is depressed. If it still does not move with the sensor depressed, the agitator is broken and should be repaired.

How much does it cost to fix a washing machine agitator?

$350 to $575On average, expect to spend $350 to $575 for washing machine agitator replacement. A broken agitator in a washer is a significant fix. If the agitator is broken, the clothes will not oscillate back and forth. The agitator is critical since it moves the clothes through a combination of detergent and water.

How much does an agitator cost?

One reason is cost. “They're often your least expensive type of washer, typically about $550 and up,” says Mark Allwood, a senior market analyst at CR. Almost half the agitator top-loaders in our washing machine ratings sell for $700 or less.

How do I reset my washing machine?

1:173:47Washer Not Spinning - How to Reset Motor (Easy) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe machine gives you 30 seconds to lift the lid and close. It six times and once you start liftingMoreThe machine gives you 30 seconds to lift the lid and close. It six times and once you start lifting the lid. You have 12 seconds to do the six repetitions.

Why are my clothes still wet after washing?

Loading Too Many Items If the washer leaves clothes soaked after a large load, remove some items, redistribute others and run another rinse and spin cycle. This will create a more balanced load and enable proper spin cycle speed. Avoid overloading by only filling the washer ¾ of the way full with each wash load.

Can I run washing machine without agitator?

Updated technology has made it possible for top load washers without agitators to get your clothes clean using a low-profile impeller, the movement of the water inside the tub, and the tub interior itself. This opens up space inside your washer, so you can fit more laundry inside.

What would cause a Whirlpool washer not to agitate?

When your Whirlpool washer won't agitate, spin, or drain, the culprit could be a defective drive block. The drive block connects the agitator to the washer transmission. When the transmission shaft moves back and forth, the agitator should move accordingly.

How do you clean the agitator in a washing machine?

0:282:50How to Clean, Remove and Replace the Agitator in your Washing MachineYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd good clean the best way to do this is with warm soapy water and a softer clock. Once theMoreAnd good clean the best way to do this is with warm soapy water and a softer clock. Once the agitator and inner drum a clean again we can replace the agitator. This just pops back in locate.

How do I reset my washing machine?

1:173:47Washer Not Spinning - How to Reset Motor (Easy) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe machine gives you 30 seconds to lift the lid and close. It six times and once you start liftingMoreThe machine gives you 30 seconds to lift the lid and close. It six times and once you start lifting the lid. You have 12 seconds to do the six repetitions.

How do I know if my washing machine agitator is broken?

1:267:38Washing Machine Agitator Repair (All Models) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you could easily check if yours is faulty just grab the agitator. And rotate it one way and thenMoreSo you could easily check if yours is faulty just grab the agitator. And rotate it one way and then rotate it the other way.

How do I reset my Whirlpool top load washer?

This is a handy technique for top loading Whirlpool washers.Turn the machine off manually via the control panel.Unplug the machine.Wait 1 minute before plugging the appliance back in.Open and close the lid six times within 12 seconds.Wait for a beep or for the control panel to light up to ensure it's reset.

How do I reset my Whirlpool washer?

Follow these steps to reset your Whirlpool washer:Turn the washing machine off using the control panel.Unplug the washing machine.Wait three minutes.Plug the washer back in, and wait thirty seconds before turning the washer on.

Why won't my washer agitate?

Many types of drive motors are available in washing machines, including those that have a direct drive motor and others with a belt and pulley system. If the drive motor isn’t working the way it should be , it can result in a washer that will not agitate.

What does it mean when a washer is not agitating?

When the washer isn’t agitating, this could mean that the part is no longer working. Newer washers are the most likely to have a separate board that is tasked with all the motor functions. When it’s not working, it may have trouble sending power to the motor so it can’t agitate a load of laundry.

What is the part of a washer that doesn't agitate?

One of the components that can lead to a washer that doesn’t agitate is the agitator itself. This is the part of the washer that agitates the clothes during a cycle. Agitators come in a variety of styles, depending on the model and year. Some are one piece while others come in two pieces. This part is only used in top-loading washers and can be found in the middle of the inner tub.

What does it mean when a washing machine doesn't agitate?

If the washer doesn’t agitate when it is full, the contacts responsible for sending power to the motor may have gone bad. If the washer doesn’t agitate on a front-loading washer, there might be an error code. The user manual will offer troubleshooting steps that you can go through to handle the problem.

Why won't my washing machine agitate?

The next component to look at when a washing machine doesn’t agitate is the drive belt. This part connects to both the motor pulley and the drive pulley so the inner tub can agitate and spin. Drive belts come in both a multi-groove style and a V style. Either kind of belt can cause the washing machine to stop agitating if it’s overly stretched out, broken, or has fallen off. Top-loading washers will have the belt at the bottom of the machine, while front-loading washers have the belt on the back of the washer.

Why does my washer make a noise when the coupler is broken?

Sometimes the coupler can also create loud noises if the broken pieces start to grind against each other. A broken coupler also may lead to broken pieces of rubber or plastic underneath the washing machine. If the coupling is bad, the component needs to be replaced.

What is a coupler on a washing machine?

The coupler can also be the source of a washing machine that isn’t agitating. This part is tasked with connecting the motor and transmission on older models of direct-drive top-loading washers. Couplers have three distinct pieces and are often made of plastic and rubber. Each of the parts works with the others to make the motor spin the transmission. One of the plastic parts will connect to the motor; the other will be located on the transmission. The rubber piece is placed in between the two plastic components and can help absorb vibrations.

1. Agitator Assembly Is Damaged

If your washing machine is clunking while in the spin cycle, it’s time to troubleshoot. The first step is to check the washing machine agitator assembly. This assembly is a series of rotating arms that can get damaged over time due to friction and use — which can cause the machine to make noise or lose balance.

2. Worn Out Or Damaged Drive Block

Another part of the agitator assembly is the drive block, which connects the transmission (the mechanism that moves the agitator) with the washing machine via a flexible coupling. Drive blocks are usually made of plastic and can wear out over time — causing problems with agitation and spin performance.

3. Drive Belt Is Broken Or Loose

If a belt-driven washer has a problem with its drive belt, this is what happens: the motor spins the transmission, which turns the agitator back and forth. However, if the belt breaks, the transmission can’t turn the agitator.

4. Faulty Motor Coupling

We see a theme with washing machines at the moment — their direct drive transmission. However, the wash is where the real action happens. The drum uses a powerful motor, and it’s coupled to effective agitator assemblies to make sure that clothing is clean and soil is removed from deep within garments, for a quality wash every time.

5. Bad Transmission

After you complete all of the steps above, you may still run into problems with your washer. If you notice that the agitator doesn’t spin, that’s a big indication that there is an issue with your transmission.

What is the agitator on a top loading washer?

On top loading washers that use a dual action agitator, it is possible for the upper portion of the agitator to become disengaged from the bottom portion. The upper part is driven by directional cogs or "dogs" that are made of hard plastic and can wear out from hard use.

How to inspect a washer motor?

Locate and remove the motor coupling to inspect it. To access it, you will need to open your washer’s cabinet, and you may also need to remove the drain pump and/or motor depending on your model.

How to inspect transmission in washing machine?

How to inspect the transmission in a washing machine: Before conducting inspections on your transmission, first ensure that your issue is not stemming from the agitator or any of its components. If you have ruled out the agitator, unplug your washer, remove the cabinet, and locate your transmission.

What is a top loading washer coupler?

Some models of top loading washers use a coupler between the transmission shaft and the agitator. The drive coupler is splined on the inside to match the transmission and splined on the outside to match the agitator. If your washer is making a grinding noise during the wash cycle and the agitator turns freely then the drive coupling may be damaged.

How to inspect agitator coupler?

How to inspect the agitator coupler in a washing machine: Before beginning, disconnect your washer from the power source. In order to access the agitator coupler, you will first need to remove the fabric softener dispenser or top cover, depending on your model, and you will then need to remove the agitator.

How to test drive motor in washing machine?

How to test the drive motor in a washing machine: Disconnect the power source from your appliance before beginning as you will be handling electrical components. Remove the cabinet of your washer in order to locate and remove the drive motor.

How to tell if a washer belt needs replacing?

How to tell if the drive belt in a washing machine needs replacing: After unplugging your washer, remove the cabinet or access panel in order to locate the drive belt. The drive belt will be connected to the drive motor and can be removed by disconnecting the clamps holding it in place.

Why does my washer not agitate?

If your washer fills with water but doesn’t agitate, the problem is likely to be a faulty lid switch, a broken belt, or a problem with the motor. (Note: Direct-drive washing machines do not have belts.)

Why won't my washer spin?

Washer Won’t Spin. If your washer seems to complete all of its cycles but won’t spin: 1. Check to see if the clothes have jammed or are unbalanced in the drum. Unbalanced clothes will also cause a washer to shudder or “walk.”. Open the lid and reposition the clothes.

How to fix a broken washer lid?

2. Check the lid switch and the tab on the lid that strikes it. If the plastic tab is broken, the washer may halt during certain cycles. Press and release the switch. If it doesn’t click each time you do this, it’s probably broken. Remove the switch, test it, and replace it if needed. 3.

How to stop a washer from draining?

Be sure the drain hose isn’t kinked. Then check the tab on the lid that strikes the lid switch; if it’s broken, the washer may stop during the drain cycle. Press and release the lid switch. If it doesn’t click each time you do this, it’s probably broken. Remove the switch, test it, and replace it if needed.

How to diagnose a top load washing machine?

To diagnose the problem, do the following: 1. Check the washing machine’s spin cycle. If the spin cycle works, the motor is operating and the belt is not broken. If the spin cycle doesn’t work, the belt may be loose or broken.

What to do if your tub is spinning?

2. If the tub is spinning, recheck the load to make sure it is balanced. If you are certain the load is balanced but your clothes still come out dripping, you may need to have a damaged motor pulley, tub bearing, belt, or clutch replaced.

Why does my washer not agitate?

A washer that does not agitate can mean disaster for most homes, especially during winters when they want to finish their chores quickly. Ideally, most homeowners would call their washing machine repairman to troubleshoot the problem with their residential appliance. However, if you want to save a few bucks, you can try to repair ...

How to tell if a washer coupler is damaged?

Some washers have a coupler between the agitator and the transmission shaft. If you hear a grinding sound when the machine is in operation and the agitator is not damaged, it indicates that the coupler may be damaged. To check the condition of the coupler, you must remove the agitator. Once the agitator is removed, you must unthread the retaining device and remove the coupling. Before replacing the damaged coupling, make sure the splines on the shaft is free from dust and rust. When replacing the coupler, use the new gasket and bolt that come with the coupler.

How does an agitator work?

The agitator is responsible for moving your clothes through the detergent and water and it’s driven by the output shaft. The agitator of the washer is a single or two piece unit depending on your model. If the agitator of the machine does not oscillate back and forth, it indicates that the spline may be broken or damaged. To check the condition of the agitator and the spline, you must remove the retaining device that connects the agitator to the machine base.

What is the upper part of a dual agitator?

At times, the upper portion of dual-agitator can get separated from the bottom portion. The upper portion of the agitator is made of a hard plastic, which can wear out due to regular use. If the directional cogs don’t turn while agitating or makes a grating sound, it must be replaced. Replacing the cog is not easy, as you have to dissemble several parts of the washer. To repair or replace the cog, you must get help from a washing machine service technician. They have all the required tools to service your household appliance.

What does it mean when a transmission is faulty?

If the shaft is turning properly, but the agitator does not turn, it indicates that transmission is faulty. If the transmission is faulty, the complete set must be replaced. You may also have to replace the tub seal, as it can get damaged when replacing the transmission.

Why won't my washer agitate?

Failed Motor Coupling. This is another reason why your washer won’t agitate because the motor coupling has simply failed. As the name suggests, the motor coupling connects the motor to the washing machine transmission. To protect the transmission and the motor, it is designed to fail when you overload the washer.

Why won't my washing machine agitate?

It’s not only the faulty agitator. There may be several other parts failures too when you see the washing machine will not agitate but will spin and drain.

What does a defective lid switch do?

It signals the agitator to agitate as soon as you close the lid. A defective lid switch can’t send any such signal.

Why does a motor get the power to turn on and move in the right direction?

The motor gets the power to turn on and to move in the right direction simply because of the timer. It connects the driver motor.

Does it cost to fix an agitator?

It does not cost much to get an agitator repair kit. If you try to fix it yourself when the washing machine will not agitate but will spin and drain, this is your safe bet.

When the tub of the washer has filled with enough water to trip the water level switch, what does the drive motor do?

When the tub of the washer has filled with enough water to trip the water level switch, the drive motor gets the signal to provide power for the agitation.

Can an agitator be repaired?

However, the agitator itself is made of several components that wear out over time and cause it not to agitate. The repair kit has all those components and getting such a kit is the easiest repair you can do yourself.

What happens if my washer is not agitating?

If the washer is not agitating, you may need to reset your washer motor. If your washer senses a power spike, an unbalanced load or disruption in power, it will send a fault code to the motor and may require the motor to be reset. To reset the motor, please do the following:

Why won't my washer spin when the lid is closed?

If the lid switch probe or magnet is missing or damaged, the washer will not agitate or spin, even with the lid closed.

What to do if washer stops after filling with water?

If the washer stops after filling with water, be sure to check the house circuit breaker/fuse as well as the outlet and plug. Washers should be plugged into their own separate outlet. If it is not a power supply issue, you can check the following in an attempt to remedy the concern:

What does canceling a washer mean?

If CAnCELEd ("cance led") is scrolling on the control panel or the two furth est lights are flashing (2015 and newer models): This indicates that an error has occurred. Select Drain & Spin and press Start, this will attempt to clear the error. If the problem persists, disconnect power to the washer for 1 minute, reconnect and retry by either re-starting your previous wash cycle settings by pressing Start or select Drain & Spin and press Start.

What is a magnet on a washing machine?

Magnet: Plastic coated magnet that is fastened with two screws in the top right side of the open lid. The wash cycle could have been stopped or paused by accident. Make sure the Start/Stop or Pause button was not pushed or that the timer knob was not pushed in.

How long does it take for a washer to sense load?

On newer washers, it takes about 20 to 30 seconds for the machine to sense the load and engage the drive system after the water has stopped filling.

How many times can you lower the lid on a washer?

Plug the washer back in and lift and lower the lid 6 times within a 12 second period.

Why won't my washer agitate?

If you have a top-load washer that won’t agitate and you’ve been hearing a vibration , there may be a problem with the direct drive motor coupling between the transmission and the motor. This coupling is two drive forks made of plastic, one attached to the shaft of the drive motor, and one attached to the input shaft of the transmission. Then there is a rubber coupling between them that protects the forks by absorbing the torque. But over time, the coupling can wear out and allow those plastic forks to slide and vibrate. The coupling can also get broken when the spin basket is impeded or the transmission seizes. You can enter your model number in the search engine here to find the exact location of this coupling, unplug the washer, and access the direct drive motor coupler behind the cabinet of your washing machine by removing the pump and the motor.

What to do if your washer is not agitating?

So if your washer is filling with water but not agitating, it would be logical to make sure the water level switch is operating. You can unplug the washer and check the terminals of the water level switch for continuity, using a wiring schematic for your washer model and your multi-meter.

How to tell if a coupler is damaged?

A symptom of a damaged coupler is a grinding sound during the wash cycle, and the agitator spins freely. Unplug the washer and use some strength to pull the agitator straight up because it’s generally tightly attached. Take off the bolt that holds the coupler onto the shaft of the transmission and pull that coupler off.

How to fix a washing machine that is making a grinding noise?

They click into a corresponding set of cogs to rotate the top of the agitator one way, and then release while the bottom half of the agitator turns in the opposite direction. This action causes the corkscrew shape of the top portion of the agitator to push the clothes down into the bottom of the tub which provides increased turnover of the clothes and better cleaning. The engagement and disengagement action of the cogs wears them smooth eventually, and then the upper half of your agitator won’t move any more. Unplug the washer and take the cover off the fabric softener dispenser . There will be a bolt there holding the top half of the agitator on. Undo the bolt, take off the agitator’s top portion, and look to see if the agitator cogs have worn smooth and need replacement. Check the bearing support, also made of plastic.

What is the agitator in a washing machine?

The agitator, propelled by the transmission output shaft, is what moves the clothes in the mix of water and detergent to get them clean. The transmission output shaft is splined, which means that grooves in the shaft mate to grooves in the agitator so they fit tightly together. On some models, the agitator’s in one piece ...

How does a washing machine work?

On a washing machine, the motor creates a rotating motion and the transmission is what transforms that circular motion into the push-and-pull of the agitator. The input shaft of the transmission receives power from the motor via a belt, or sometimes directly. The output shaft is what powers the agitator. Does the input shaft on your machine turn? If it does but the agitator isn’t moving, then the thing between the two of them – the transmission – is the problem. Rebuilding a transmission isn’t always practical here. It is often more practical to replace the complete unit if it is broken. Since the tub seal can be found where the transmission shaft enters the tub, you will probably need to get a new tub seal when you buy a new transmission.

What does it mean when a drive motor buzzes?

The drive motor is what powers the transmission that moves the agitator. A motor that hums or buzzes instead of agitating is one that’s defective in some way. Remove the belt or drive coupling and if the motor still just hums or buzzes, then it needs to be replaced.