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Possible Causes
There are a few common reasons why a washer may not agitate but still spins:
Broken or Loose Agitator
The agitator is the plastic piece in the middle of the wash tub that moves back and forth to agitate the clothes during the wash cycle. If this piece becomes damaged or loose, it can stop agitating properly while still allowing the tub to spin during the spin cycle. Signs of a broken agitator include hearing rattling noises during the agitate cycle or noticing the agitator is loose and can be wiggled by hand.
Faulty Agitator Dogs
The agitator dogs are small plastic parts under the agitator that connect it to the transmission beneath the washer. As the transmission turns the agitator post, the dogs engage with the agitator to make it move back and forth. If the agitator dogs become worn out or break, they can no longer move the agitator even though the transmission still works to spin the tub.
Bad Agitator Repair Kit
If an agitator repair kit has recently been installed, it’s possible the repair was not done properly. The dogs may not have been fully secured, the seal may be off, or pieces may be missing. This can result in the agitation not working.
Faulty Transmission
Inside the transmission are gears that drive both the agitation and spin motions. If a gear or part fails, it may only impact the agitation cycle while still allowing the tub to spin. A damaged transmission usually requires replacement by a technician.
Broken Belt
The drive belt connects the motor to the transmission pulley. If the belt is severely worn, slips off the pulley, or breaks altogether, this can stop the agitation while still allowing the tub to spin slowly. A broken belt will need to be replaced.
Bad Motor Coupler
The motor coupler attaches the motor shaft to the transmission input shaft. It’s made of rubber and allows the shafts to connect while absorbing vibration. If the coupler breaks apart internally, it can still hold the shafts together enough to spin the tub but not transfer enough motion to agitate properly.
Faulty Motor Control Board
The motor control or central control board controls power to the motor for both agitation and spinning. If there are issues with the motor control circuitry, it could prevent agitation only while still spinning the tub. Control boards often need professional troubleshooting and replacement.
Defective Motor
In rare cases, the washer motor itself may be defective in a way that only allows it to reach the lower spin speeds but not the higher speed needed for agitation. This would require the motor to be tested with an ohmmeter and potentially replaced.
How to Diagnose the Issue
Pinpointing exactly which of these parts has failed is key to getting a washer agitating again. Here are some steps to diagnose the problem:
Step 1: Check the Agitator
Examine the agitator for signs of damage or looseness. Try wiggling it by hand to see if there is any movement. If it feels loose and can be moved easily, the agitator dogs are likely damaged or missing. You may be able to remove the cap in the middle of the agitator to expose the dogs and check their condition directly.
Step 2: Spin the Tub by Hand
Unplug the washer and check that the wash tub spins freely by hand. If the tub will not spin at all, that points to a seized transmission, bad belt, or faulty motor coupler. If the tub spins freely, those components are likely okay.
Step 3: Check Resistance in Motor
Use a multimeter to test the motor windings for proper resistance. If the readings are abnormal, the motor could be defective. Normal readings will indicate the problem lies elsewhere.
Step 4: Test Agitator Dogs
If the agitator and transmission test out fine, remove the agitator cap and try lifting up while turning the inner post. Properly working dogs will engage and turn the agitator. Failed dogs will not engage the agitator, confirming the issue.
Step 5: Inspect Control Board
Check for any burned spots or damage on the motor control board. Use a voltmeter to test that the correct power is reaching the motor during agitation and spin cycles. If power is missing during agitate only, the control board should be replaced.
How to Fix the Problem
Once the source of the problem is found, repairs can be made to get the agitation functioning again. Here are some tips on correcting the most common issues:
Repairing a Loose Agitator
Remove any old glue or sealant from the agitator shaft and top of the transmission drive shaft. Clean both surfaces thoroughly. Apply new agitator sealant or epoxy evenly and attach the agitator. Allow to fully cure before use. Make sure no sealant drops inside the transmission.
Replacing Agitator Dogs
Order replacement agitator dogs, remove the old ones by pulling firmly, and press the new ones evenly into place in the agitator. Use vaseline to lubricate the dogs and post before reinstalling the agitator. Test for proper engagement before reassembling.
Fixing a Bad Control Board
First, double check all wire connections to the board. If necessary, replace the control board with an identical new part. Be extremely careful when handling and inserting the board to avoid damage. Program any settings if needed.
Replacing a Worn Drive Belt
Note the path of the old belt before removing. Loosen the motor mount to add slack. Roll on the new belt, ensuring it sits well in the pulley grooves. Adjust the motor mount to tension the belt, then test for agitation.
Swapping Out a Bad Transmission
This requires disconnecting all hoses and parts to fully extract the transmission. Obtain an exact replacement and carefully install. Attach all mounts, tubes, hoses, and harnesses properly. Leak test before reassembling covers. Program settings if needed.
Fixing Motor Issues
If the motor windings are damaged or burned out, a new motor will be required. Make sure the replacement matches the voltage, horsepower, and mount configuration. Transfer any necessary components from the old motor before installing the new one.
Preventing Future Problems
To help avoid agitation failures in the future, there are some simple maintenance steps you can take:
Clean the Agitator Regularly
Remove hair, lint, and other debris wrapped around the agitator frequently. This prevents buildup that can impede or unbalance the agitator.
Lubricate the Agitator Post
add a dab of white lithium grease or Vaseline to the top of the agitator post every 3-6 months. This lubricates the connection point with the transmission.
Check Belt Tension and Condition
Examine belts every few months for cracks, glazing, or dry rot. Press on the belt – proper tension should allow 1/2 inch deflection. Adjust as needed.
Leave Washer Door Open
After finishing use, prop the washer door open to allow air circulation and drying. This prevents mildew and odors which can damage components.
Level the Washer Properly
Use a bubble level placed on the washer lid or cabinet top to check for level. Unbalanced loads can strain the transmission over time. Adjust leveling feet as needed.
Avoid Overloading
Only wash the maximum recommended weight of laundry in each cycle. Overloading places excessive stress on belts, bearings, and other wash components.
Following these tips can help provide many more years of reliable service from a washer. But even with proper care, parts like belts and agitators wear out eventually. Catching problems early by performing regular checks makes repairs much easier when breakdowns do occur. With quick diagnosis and replacement of common parts like agitator components, a washer that is not agitating can often be up and running smoothly again.
Conclusion
When a washer fails to agitate but still spins, the problem typically lies with a broken part that specifically connects to the agitator mechanism itself. By methodically checking each component in the drive system, you can isolate which one is not transmitting power properly. Focus your repair efforts on the agitator itself, the transmission dogs, inner tub, control board, drive motor and belt. Make simple fixes like tightening an agitator or replacing worn dogs. For bigger jobs like transmission, motor or electronic repairs, trusted appliance pros have the skills to get your washer agitating again. With regular washer maintenance and prompt attention when problems arise, you can prolong the life of your washer and keep it cleaning effectively for years to come.