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  1. Repair
  2. GE
  3. GE Washer
  4. Washer not agitating

GE washer not agitating

Common reasons your GE washer is not agitating

The most common reasons your GE washer is not agitating are a malfunctioning electronic control board, faulty actuator or a jammed door lock assembly.

  • 66%

    66% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 15%

    15% of the time it's the
    Actuator

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the
    Door Lock Assembly

  • 6%

    6% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a GE washer

    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    A malfunctioning electronic control board can lead to various failures in a washer. This is because the board serves as the brain of the washer, controlling crucial components such as the water valve, drive motor, drain pump, and cycles. If the electronic control board fails, the washer may not power up or display the cycle status. Additionally, it might fail to fill, agitate, spin, or drain. In some cases, a shorted board may emit a burning smell.


    Actuator Replacement

    A faulty washer actuator, also known as the shifter assembly, will cause difficulty or inability of the washer drive system to shift between different cycles or modes. This may result in the washing machine getting stuck in one phase of the laundry process, preventing it from progressing through the entire cycle. There may be unusual noises during operation, such as grinding or clicking sounds, which may indicate a malfunctioning actuator. A faulty actuator may also prevent the washer from agitating or spinning properly, affecting the overall washing performance. In some cases, a malfunctioning actuator can lead to the washing machine not completing the cycle or stopping abruptly.

    Door Lock Assembly Replacement

    When a washer door lock assembly is jammed, you may encounter difficulty in opening or closing the washer door. The door may not latch properly, leading to issues in starting or completing a wash cycle. The washer might display an error code indicating a door lock problem. During operation, the door lock may make unusual clicking sounds or fail to engage, preventing the washer from starting. Additionally, if there is a malfunction, the door lock indicator light may not illuminate as expected. Users might notice water remaining in the drum even after the wash cycle has finished, indicating a potential problem with the door lock assembly preventing proper drainage.

    What to expect when you experience a GE washer not agitating issue

    How is the not agitating problem fixed?

    Correcting most not agitating problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, actuator or door lock assembly. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for a washer that is not agitating

    When the washer is not agitating it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of washer failures.

    What to look out for with a washer not agitating diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your washer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

    Tips for Using a GE Deep Fill Washer With No Agitator

    GE top-load washers with an impeller instead of an agitator are designed to use less water and meet ENERGY STAR specifications as an HE (High Efficiency) model. When using the designed fill level, you’ll need to use HE detergent. Also, using less detergent – only a tablespoon – will get most loads clean.

    GE HE washers with an impeller do offer a Deep Fill option. This option is not intended for use with every load. The impeller will not agitate, move and turn over clothes in the Deep Fill mode as a deep fill GE washer with an agitator will.

    When using the Deep Fill option on a GE washer with no agitator, don’t overfill the washer. The practical load size to get clothes clean with this model is about a half load. Loosely drop garments or items evenly into the washer tub until the basket is up to half full. The less clothes you load when using the Deep Fill option, the better the washing, draining and spinning results will be.

    Using the Deep Fill option on a GE deep fill washer with no agitator requires some adjustments to washing habits that you normally use with a top-load washer with an agitator. These tips should help you achieve the best results from your GE washer.

    If your GE washer still doesn’t perform the way it should after following these tips, a problem with the impeller, drain pump or motor could be causing washing issues. Schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to examine and repair your GE HE deep fill washer with no agitator.

    Search for GE washer repair near me and you'll find Sears Home Services in your neighborhood and ready to fix your washing machine.

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    Glossary Terms

    Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

    A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.

    A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.

    Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.

    Additional possible GE washer symptoms you may experience