Should Agotator Move Back and Forth When Agitating
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.
Unless all the components of the washer work seamlessly, your laundry day gonna be a little tough, I became so frustrated seeing my GE washer won't agitate but will spin!
There could be several reasons behind that. So in this article, I will explain what are those reasons and how did I solve the problem. Keep reading…
Reasons Why Washing Machine Agitator Not Working
You can't troubleshoot the washing machine agitator until you figure out what's causing it not to agitate. Here are some possible reasons:
- Worn out Drive Block
The drive block connects the agitator to the washer transmission. Over time, the drive block may wear out and, in that case, your washer won't agitate.
When the drive block wears out, the transmission shaft can move back and forth but the agitator will move very slow or stay still completely. So, your washing machine can't spin or agitate.
- Transmission Failure
It happens over time as well. It's the transmission that keeps the agitator move back and forth. But your washer won't agitate but will spin nonetheless due to the transmission failure.
The easy way to examine it is to check the input shaft that is located inside the agitator. Does the input shaft turn?
If it does but the agitator doesn't, you may need to replace the transmission.
- 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. Double-check whether you have overloaded your washer or not.
- Lid Switch Not Working
I think I need to talk about this before explaining any other reasons simply because this is the most overlooked reason. People with top-loader just don't tend to notice it!
To simply put, it activates the wash cycle when you close the lid. It signals the agitator to agitate as soon as you close the lid. A defective lid switch can't send any such signal.
Usually, it loses continuity and you can use a multimeter to check its continuity. You need to check the selector switch, timer, and the rest of the motor circuit if the continuity of the lid switch is found okay.
- Timer Failure
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.
If there is no continuity of the time contacts, the washer won't agitate. To check the continuity of the time, disconnect the power supply to the washer first. Then use a wiring diagram and a multimeter to check the continuity.
If there is no continuity, you need to replace the timer.
- Faulty Drive Motor
If the washer spins and drains water but won't agitate, there is a chance you have a faulty drive motor problem.
I came across this issue from a Kenmore owner when his Kenmore washer wont agitates but will spin. And it was due to the failed drive motor.
This is how the drive motor works…
It drives the transmission and that makes the agitator to oscillate. You need a technician to diagnose the drive motor and subsequently fix the washer.
- Water Level Switch
Another vital component of the washer and without the water level switch or with a damaged water level switch, your washer won't agitate.
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.
So, when the washer is filling but not agitating, it's worth checking the water level switch. You need to check the continuity of the water level switch using a wiring schematic and a multimeter.
- Failed U-Joint Kit
Another reason why the washer won't agitate is the failed U-Joint kit. Because of this kit, there is agitation motion in your washer, and it's a vital part of it.
The U-Joint kit is very expensive. So, you are welcome to repair it if you can by yourself or by a professional. Otherwise, you need to buy a completely new washer.
- Selector Switch
I have put this at last simply because not all washers have the Selector Switch. But if your washer has a selector switch, it's worth checking whether it's controlling the speed of the drive motor correctly.
You will find everything in this video I just talked about. So, watch this video carefully to learn how to solve the agitation problem.
Lots of problems for washers! And it will get worse if you have a washer from a bad brand. There are certain washer brands to avoid to keep such problems at a minimum.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most likely cause of a washing machine will not agitate or spin?
Answer: Faulty lid switch, failed motor coupling, worn-out drive block, etc. are some of the notable causes why your washer won't agitate.
What causes a washer to not agitate?
Answer: A broken agitator is the prime suspect here. Remember, the agitator has many components and failure of any of such components can make the washer not agitate.
Why are my clothes too wet after the spin cycle?
Answer: Obviously, there is a drain hose problem if the clothes are still too wet after the spin cycle.
Can a washing machine agitator be replaced?
Answer: Yes, you can get an agitator repair kit to solve those problems. And such agitator replacement is normal for washers.
How much does it cost to fix a washing machine agitator?
Answer: It will cost you somewhere between the range of $400 to $700.
Why is washing machine not spinning properly?
Answer: If there is a blockage somewhere in the drainage system of the washer, it can't drain water fully. Until it can drain water fully, there won't be any spinning.
Final Thoughts
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.
Otherwise, you can always get it done by a professional.
Den Hicks
Traveler, food lover, interior designer, and blogger. I love gardening a lot! I designed my home myself with the help of my beloved wife. You are welcome!
Should Agotator Move Back and Forth When Agitating
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