your Whirlpool washer won’t agitate? This washing machine repair guide will walk you through the steps in repairing your washer. These are the same steps I take in repairing washers professionally. So read each section carefully and your washer will be fixed in no time. Note that this page is for washers that will not agitate but will spin, so if your washer won't spin or agitate click here Show AGITATOR DOGS Agitator dogs are in most Whirlpool washers made since about the year 1990. Agitator dogs make the top half of the agitator to ratchet. If the dogs are broken it will appear that it is not agitating when in fact this is not true, but the clothes may not get as clean when they were working properly. The best way to tell if the agitator dogs are bad is to try to turn the top of the agitator. If the agitator will turn freely both ways, the dogs are bad and need replacing. If it only turns one way, the dogs are working properly and your problem is elsewhere. To replace the agitator dogs, first remove the cap or fabric softener dispenser off the agitator. Now remove the 7/16 bolt that you see down in the agitator. Once off, the agitator should lift straight up. Now separate the top half of the agitator from the bottom by pulling them apart. Once apart you should see the agitator dogs – remove them and replace with new dogs. Reassemble the agitator then reinstall it. Your problem should be fixed now. Agitator dogs can be purchased at AppliancePartsPros.com. Whirlpool Washer Agitator Dogs Replacement video WATER VALVE If your water valve is broken, your washer cannot wash obviously. To check your water valve, first cut the water off and remove the hoses off the back of the washer. Then one at a time point the hoses inside the washer tub and turn the water back on. If you don’t have good water pressure, turn the water back off and remove the strainer that should be in one end of the hose. Inspect the strainer to see if it is stopped up, clean it and reinstall it. Now repeat this test. If you have good water pressure now, reinstall hose and your problem is fixed. If you still don’t have good water pressure, the problem is in your house plumbing and you need to call a plumber. If you had good water pressure the first time you performed the test, the water valve is bad and needs replacing. Water valves can be purchased at AppliancePartsPros.com. Return From Whirlpool Washer Won't Agitate
About this repair:
AgitatorIn top loading washing machines, the agitator is responsible for moving the clothes through the water and detergent and is driven by the output shaft of the transmission. The output shaft is normally splined, and the center of the plastic agitator will have a matching spline to ensure a tight fit. Depending on the brand, the agitator may be a single piece unit or a two-piece dual action agitator. How to inspect the agitator in a washing machine:
Agitator Directional Cogs
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. If the upper portion of your agitator will turn in either direction or makes a grating sound during the wash cycle, then the directional cogs may need to be replaced. How to inspect the directional cogs in a washing machine:
Agitator Coupler & Cap & BoltSome 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 the agitator coupler in a washing machine:
Direct Drive Motor CouplingSome top load washers use a direct drive motor coupling to transfer power from the motor to the transmission. The drive coupling connects the motor to the transmission and consists of 2 plastic drive forks with a rubber coupling between them. One of the drive forks is attached to the drive motor shaft and the other is attached to the transmission input shaft. As the motor shaft rotates, the rubber coupling between the drive forks absorbs the torque to prevent the forks from breaking. Normal use will create wear on the coupling and eventually, the drive forks may slip and not engage the transmission and clutch. A common symptom of a failing motor coupling is that the washing machine fills and drains normally but will not agitate or spin. How to inspect the direct drive motor coupling in a washing machine:
Drive BeltSome models of top loading washers use a belt to drive the transmission. If the washing machine stops agitating, then the belt may be at fault. How to tell if the drive belt in a washing machine needs replacing:
TransmissionThe transmission in a top load washer is responsible for converting the rotating motion of the motor to the back and forth motion for the agitator. The transmission has an input shaft that is driven by the motor either directly or by a belt, as well as an output shaft to drive the agitator. If your agitator drive shaft does not oscillate then you should first, ensure that the input shaft is being driven. If the input shaft is turning but the agitator shaft does not turn, then the transmission is at fault. Most manufacturers do not supply internal parts and the complete transmission would be required. You should also be prepared to replace any tub seal that is located where the shaft enters the tub. How to inspect the transmission in a washing machine:
Drive MotorAll top load washers use a motor to drive the transmission for agitating. Many washing machine brands use a reversing motor, which means the motor rotates in one direction for agitating and the opposite for spinning and draining. The motor may operate correctly in the spin direction but not in the agitation direction. How to test the drive motor in a washing machine:
TimerThe drive motor is controlled by the timer, lid switch, water level switch and sometimes the selector switch. The function of the timer is to supply the correct power to turn the motor on in the right direction. If the drive motor on your washer does not receive power during the wash portion of the cycle, then the timer may be at fault. How to test the timer in a washing machine with a multi-meter:
Lid SwitchA safety feature found in top load washing machines is the lid switch. The lid switch is normally located beneath the main top and is in series with the motor circuit and must be activated for the motor to operate. When the lid is closed a pin or projection on the lid pushes against the lid switch lever and closes the switch. If your washer does not agitate and the motor is not getting any power, you should check the lid switch. How to inspect the lid switch in a washing machine:
Selector SwitchThe selector switch is used on some models to control the drive motor speed. If the switch is defective it may stop the motor from operating. How to test the selector switch in a washing machine with a multi-meter:
Water Level SwitchThe water level switch on a top load washer is used to select the correct water level. The switch is also used to supply power to the drive motor. When the correct water level is reached, the switch will remove power from the water inlet valve and supply power to the drive motor circuit. If your washer fills but does not agitate then the pressure switch may be at fault. How to test the water level switch in a washing machine:
More Repair PartsStill not sure which part is broken? We can offer you custom troubleshooting help if you search with your model number. Why does my washer spin but not agitate?If your washer won't agitate but spins, a broken agitator may be to blame. The agitator is the centerpiece in a top load washer that agitates and moves the clothes through the water during the wash cycle. The output shaft of the transmission is splined to the agitator to secure it in place.
When a washing machine will fill but not agitate you should check?Washer Fills but Does 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.) To diagnose the problem, do the following: 1.
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