Whirlpool washer not agitating
Common reasons your Whirlpool washer is not agitating
The most common reasons your Whirlpool washer is not agitating are a malfunctioning electronic control board, faulty actuator or a jammed door lock assembly.
63% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board13% of the time it's the
Actuator11% of the time it's the
Door Lock Assembly13% of the time it's the
Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool 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.
Why is my Whirlpool washer not agitating?
Many components come into play to move the agitator in your washing machine. A problem with any of them could prevent the agitator from working.
Worn Agitator Dogs
The agitator dogs engage with teeth inside the agitator to create a one-way ratcheting motion in the upper part of the agitator. That one-way motion at the top of the agitator combines with the back-and-forth motion at the bottom to move garments through the water during the agitation cycle. If the top part of the agitator moves in two directions, the agitator dogs are likely worn out and you’ll need to replace them.
Here’s a video that shows how to replace agitator dogs:
If you’re not completely confident that you can replace the agitator dogs on your own, schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to install them.
Broken Lid Switch
On many top-load washers, the lid switch must detect that the washer lid is closed before the washer will agitate. Unplug the washer and check the lid switch. Replace it if it’s broken or damaged.
Here’s a video that shows how to replace the lid switch in a common type of top-load washer:
If you’re unable to replace the lid switch on your own, schedule service and we’ll send a repair technician to your home to install a new lid switch.
Other Causes of a Washer Not Agitating
Problems with the water level pressure switch, the drive block or a faulty gearcase can also prevent a washer from agitating.
When you’re unable to determine the cause of the agitation failure on your own, schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a technician to your home to fix the machine.
What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool 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.
Troubleshooting a Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Not Agitating
When your Whirlpool Cabrio washer is not agitating, it can be quite a hassle. Agitation is a crucial part of the washing process, ensuring clothes are thoroughly cleaned. Understanding the potential causes of this issue can help you address it promptly and efficiently.
Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Not Agitating
If your Whirlpool Cabrio washer is not agitating, there could be several reasons behind it. One common cause is a malfunctioning actuator, also known as the shifter assembly. The actuator is responsible for shifting the washer between different cycles and modes. If it fails, your Whirlpool Cabrio washer won’t agitate properly. You might hear unusual noises like grinding or clicking, which can indicate a problem with the actuator. Replacing the actuator can often resolve these issues and restore proper agitation to your washer.
Another potential issue could be the electronic control board. This component serves as the brain of the washer, controlling various functions, including agitation. If the control board is faulty, it may not send the correct signals to the motor, resulting in the washer not agitating. Inspecting the control board for signs of damage or malfunction can help diagnose the problem. In some cases, the control board may need to be reset or replaced to fix the issue of your Whirlpool Cabrio washer not agitating.
In addition, a defective door lock assembly can also prevent the washer from agitating. If the door lock doesn’t engage properly, the washer won’t start the agitation cycle. Checking the door lock for any signs of wear or damage and ensuring it latches correctly can help solve this issue. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can prevent these problems from occurring, ensuring your Whirlpool Cabrio washer functions smoothly and efficiently.
If your Whirlpool washer won’t agitate, clothing won’t receive the scrubbing needed for a thorough clean. A stripped agitator or failing drive belt often stalls this motion. Rather than running multiple cycles, schedule a washer repair. A working agitator helps achieve pristine results each wash.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Washer Resources
Having trouble with your washer? Find out why won’t my washer drain and learn how to fix it quickly with Sears Home Services.
Learn the common causes of a washing machine leaking water from underneath and how you can fix the problem.
Learn common reasons why your washing machine is leaking from the bottom and get expert tips from Sears Home Services to find and fix the leak.
Learn why your washing machine is not spinning and get expert troubleshooting tips to fix the problem.
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 Whirlpool washer symptoms you may experience
- Whirlpool washer not rinsing
- Whirlpool washer no power
- Whirlpool washer not turning on
- Whirlpool washer burning smell
- Whirlpool washer vibrates
- Whirlpool washer leaking from bottom
- Whirlpool washer making loud banging noise on spin cycle
- Whirlpool washer noisy
- Whirlpool washer not draining
- Whirlpool washer not finishing the cycle
- Whirlpool washer no water
- Whirlpool washer rinse cycle not working
- Whirlpool washer won't spin or drain
- Whirlpool washer not spinning
- Whirlpool washer not working
- Whirlpool washer cold water not working
- Whirlpool washer not filling
- Whirlpool washer not sensing
- Whirlpool washer won't start cycle
- Whirlpool washer not starting
- Whirlpool washer won't stop filling
- Whirlpool washer won't turn off
- Whirlpool washer control lock won't turn off
These washer brands may also experience not agitating
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- Maytag washer not agitating
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- Amana washer not agitating
- Frigidaire washer not agitating