If your Whirlpool washing machine is not agitating properly, there are a few things you can check to try and determine the cause. Agitation is the back and forth motion that cleans the clothes during the wash cycle. When this action is not happening or is weak, it means the clothes are not getting fully cleaned.
Page Contents
Common Causes of a Whirlpool Washing Machine Not Agitating
Here are some of the most common reasons a Whirlpool washing machine may not be agitating properly:
- Broken or worn agitator dogs – These small plastic parts connect the agitator to the central shaft inside the tub. If they become damaged or worn out, the agitator will not rotate properly.
- Agitator issues – Problems with the agitator itself like a loose cap, crack, obstruction, or broken agitator can prevent proper movement.
- Broken drive belt – The drive belt rotates the agitator and tub. If it is damaged or worn out, it can slip and fail to turn the agitator.
- Faulty agitator drive assembly – This part contains components like the transmission, motor coupler, clutch, and drive shaft. Issues with any of these parts can stop agitation.
- Bad lid switch – The lid switch prevents the washer from agitating when the lid is open. If it malfunctions, the machine thinks the lid is always open.
- Motor or motor control board failure – If the motor or control board is defective, it can prevent the proper agitate motion.
Problems with the agitator or its drive components are often the culprit when a Whirlpool washer won’t agitate. Let’s look at the most common issue – worn or damaged agitator dogs – in more detail.
Agitator Dogs
The agitator dogs are small plastic parts with a triangular shape. They are located under the agitator cap at the bottom of the central agitator shaft. Typically, there are 4-6 dogs that fit into grooves to connect the agitator to the transmission drive hub.
As the hub turns, it makes the agitator dogs move up and down in a motion that rotates the agitator back and forth during the wash cycle. This agitation is what cleans the clothes by moving them around in the water and detergent.
Over time, these plastic dogs can become worn down or damaged. Cracks, chips, and general degradation of the plastic can prevent them from properly grasping and moving the agitator. When the dogs are worn out, you’ll notice the agitator no longer rotates or only moves weakly and slowly.
Checking the Agitator Dogs
To inspect the agitator dogs, you’ll need to remove the agitator from the washer tub. Here is the general process:
- Unplug the washing machine from the power source.
- Open the washer lid and remove the cap from the top of the agitator. It may need to be pried off.
- Underneath there is a bolt holding the agitator in place. Use a socket wrench to remove this bolt.
- Lift the agitator straight up to remove it. You may need to gently rock it side to side while pulling up.
- Visually inspect the dogs underneath for signs of damage. Look for cracking, chipping, bending, and excessive wear of the plastic.
- If the dogs are intact, test them by lifting them up and making sure they drop back down into position freely.
Damaged or worn agitator dogs will need to be replaced. You can purchase an agitator dog kit with a full set of new dogs for your model. Make sure you get the exact right part number kit.
Replacing the Agitator Dogs
Follow these steps to install new agitator dogs in a Whirlpool washer:
- Insert the new agitator dogs into the grooves around the drive hub. Make sure they are fully seated.
- Reinstall the agitator on the central shaft by lining it up and pushing down firmly.
- Replace and tighten the agitator bolt securely.
- Snap the agitator cap back into place on top.
- Reconnect power and run a test cycle to verify proper agitation.
This should have your Whirlpool washer agitating like normal again if the dogs were the cause of the issue. Keep in mind that severely worn agitator dogs can sometimes indicate other problems in the agitator or transmission. If replacing the dogs does not resolve the issue, further diagnosis may be needed.
Other Common Agitator Problems
In addition to worn dogs, here are some other common agitator faults that can occur:
Loose Agitator Cap
The plastic cap fits over the top of the agitator shaft and clips in place. It can pop loose over time and move around while the washer is running. This throws off the balance of the agitator and prevents proper rotation. If the cap is loose, simply snap it back into place to restore normal agitation.
Cracked or Damaged Agitator
Agitators are made of durable plastic but they can crack, chip or break with repeated stress and use over many years. If the agitator is damaged, it will need to be replaced. Match the original part number when ordering a new agitator.
Obstruction in Agitator
Items like coins, buttons, or fabric pieces can sometimes get lodged inside the agitator. This throws off the balance and prevents smooth rotation. Carefully remove any debris stuck inside the agitator to allow normal movement again.
Transmission or Motor Coupler
The transmission uses gears, shafts, and couplings to transfer the motor’s rotation to turn the agitator and tub. Problems inside the transmission or failure of the motor coupler can prevent the agitator from turning properly. These issues require professional service to diagnose and repair.
Drive Belt
The drive belt is a continuous loop that connects the motor pulley to the pulleys on the drive transmission. As it rotates, it spins the tub and agitator. If the drive belt is worn out or broken, it can slip on the pulleys and fail to turn the agitator.
Checking the Drive Belt
To inspect the drive belt, you’ll need to remove the cabinet panel on the front bottom of the washer. Look for a long, flat rubber belt looping around the motor pulley and transmission pulleys. Check for:
- Cracking, drying, or glazing – Signs of aging and deterioration
- Stretching or looseness – Indications of wear and belt elongation
- Black debris or grease – Evidence of friction and belt wear
- Obvious damage like cuts, tears, or missing sections
A belt in poor condition will need replacement. Check the belt model number and order an exact replacement belt for the washer.
Replacing the Drive Belt
Follow these general steps to change the drive belt in a Whirlpool washing machine:
- Unplug the washer and disconnect hoses.
- Tip the washer back to access the bottom panel.
- Remove the panel and locate the drive belt.
- Carefully roll the belt off the pulleys and motor shaft.
- Loop the new belt around the pulleys.
- Double check that the belt is seated properly on all pulleys.
- Reinstall the access panel and tip the washer back into place.
- Reconnect hoses and power cord.
- Run a test cycle to verify normal agitation and spin.
Replacing a worn or broken drive belt is an effective solution if that is determined to be the cause of agitation problems in a Whirlpool washing machine.
Lid Switch
The lid switch disables the washer tub when the lid is open as a safety precaution. If the switch malfunctions, it can constantly tell the machine the lid is open even when it’s closed.
This will prevent the washer from spinning or agitating. The lid switch is located inside the main cabinet top. It has a small plastic plunger that gets pushed in when the lid closes.
Testing the Lid Switch
To test a suspect lid switch, disconnect power from the washer. Open the cabinet top and locate the switch. Actuate the little plunger by hand while using a multimeter to check for continuity. It should show continuity when the plunger is pushed in, and no continuity when the plunger is released.
If the switch does not change from open to closed circuit when operating the plunger, the switch will need to be replaced. This is a relatively inexpensive repair. Make sure the replacement lid switch matches the original.
Replacing the Lid Switch
Follow these steps to replace the lid switch on a Whirlpool washing machine:
- Unplug the washer and open the cabinet top.
- Disconnect the wire harness from the faulty lid switch terminals.
- Remove the switch mounting screws and detach the switch.
- Install the new lid switch using the same screw holes.
- Reconnect the wire harness to the switch terminals.
- Make sure the connections are secure.
- Close the cabinet and test operation with a rinse cycle.
Once the faulty switch is replaced, the washer should be able to agitate and spin with the lid closed again.
Motor and Control Board
The motor and main electronic control board work together to operate the drive system. The control board sends voltage to the motor to turn the agitator and tub according to the wash cycle selected.
If either the motor or control board are defective, it can cause agitation problems due to the failure to properly energize the drive system.
Testing the Motor
The electric motor can be tested in the following ways:
- Visual inspection – Check for burnt out windings or electrical connections.
- Turn test – Spin the motor pulley by hand, it should spin freely with some resistance.
- Voltage test – Use a multimeter to check for 120V to the motor when activated.
- Continuity test – Verify electrical continuity through the motor windings.
If the motor does not pass these tests, it likely needs to be replaced. Match the part number when ordering a new washing machine motor.
Testing the Control Board
The control board can be tested with a multimeter to check for proper voltage outputs during a wash cycle. However, control board failures often require advanced troubleshooting and repair by a professional service technician.
If motor windings, connections, and voltages are good, but the motor still does not activate to agitate, the control board may be faulty.
Component Replacement Tips
When replacing an electrical component like the motor or control board, be sure to:
- Carefully disconnect all wire harness connectors.
- Double check that all wires are properly reconnected.
- Securely refasten all mounting screws and hardware.
- Perform a test cycle to confirm proper operation.
Replacing a defective motor or control board can successfully resolve agitation problems caused by electrical system faults.
Conclusion
A Whirlpool washing machine that is not agitating properly likely has an issue with the agitator components, drive belt, lid switch or electrical control system. Here are some final tips for diagnosing and repairing agitation problems:
- Inspect the agitator dogs, cap and shaft first if agitation seems weak or off.
- Check the condition of the drive belt next if the agitator is not turning at all.
- Test components like the lid switch, motor and control board for electrical faults.
- Always unplug the washer and disconnect hoses before doing repairs.
- Match part numbers exactly when ordering replacement parts.
- Reconnect all connectors properly when changing electrical parts.
- Confirm full agitation motion and proper spin after completing repairs.
With some diagnostic testing and mechanical troubleshooting, you can determine the cause of an agitation problem and make the necessary repairs to keep your Whirlpool washer performing properly.