Amana Washing Machine: not agitating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Amana washing machine fills with water but the agitator fails to move or only moves slightly, it results in poorly cleaned clothes. This issue can stem from several causes, including faulty agitator components or a broken lid switch, and may require inspection or replacement of specific parts to restore proper function.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

Amana top-load washers commonly experience worn agitator dogs and drive block issues that prevent agitation even though motor and transmission may be functioning

Possible Causes

Faulty or worn agitator components (agitator dogs, splines, agitator itself)

How to Identify: Agitator does not move or moves freely without resistance; unusual noises; visible wear on plastic components when agitator is removed

Part: Agitator assembly (agitator dogs/direction cogs/splines)

Broken or loose drive block/bell

How to Identify: Transmission shaft moves but agitator does not; agitator motion is minimal or absent despite motor running

Part: Drive block/bell

Faulty lid switch

How to Identify: Washer skips agitation when lid is open or switch does not click; no agitation even though motor runs

Part: Lid switch assembly

Motor coupling failure

How to Identify: Washer fills and drains normally but neither agitates nor spins; coupling shows visible breakage on inspection

Part: Motor coupling

Drive belt loose/broken (belt-driven models)

How to Identify: Belt appears frayed, cracked, broken, or loose; no agitation or very weak movement

Part: Drive belt

Faulty control board or timer

How to Identify: No power signal to motor during wash cycle; visual signs of burnt components; multimeter tests suggest control fault

Part: Control board / Timer

Transmission failure

How to Identify: Agitator shaft does not turn even though motor runs; strange noises from transmission area

Part: Transmission

DIY Solutions

Inspect and replace agitator dogs or agitator components

Moderate 30â€“60 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket wrench set

Unplug washer and open the agitator by removing fabric softener dispenser or cap
Remove agitator to inspect dogs/splines for wear
Replace worn agitator dogs or components with correct parts
Reassemble agitator and test wash cycle

⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before service

Check and replace lid switch

Moderate 20â€“40 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter (optional)

Unplug washer and access lid switch assembly
Test lid switch for continuity if multimeter available
Replace switch if it does not click or lacks continuity
Reassemble and test machine

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off

Inspect and replace drive block/bell

Moderate To Advanced 60â€“90 minutes

Tools Needed: wrench set, screwdrivers

Disconnect power, remove agitator
Inspect the drive block for stripped splines or damage
Install new drive block/bell part
Reassemble and test

⚠️ Safety First: Power off before work

Inspect drive belt (belt-driven models)

Moderate 30â€“45 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdrivers

Unplug washer, remove access panel
Inspect drive belt for cracks or slack
Replace belt if worn or broken
Reassemble and test

⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before opening panel

Inspect motor coupling

Advanced 60â€“120 minutes

Tools Needed: wrench set, screwdrivers

Disconnect power and access motor area
Inspect coupling for breakage
Replace with new coupling
Reassemble and test

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure proper alignment on reassembly

Professional Repairs

Control board or timer replacement

Estimated Cost: $150â€“$350

Transmission repair or replacement

Estimated Cost: $300â€“$800+

Drive motor replacement

Estimated Cost: $150â€“$400

When to Call a Professional

No improvement after DIY inspection/replacement of agitator components

Control board or timer suspected based on electrical tests

Transmission or motor appears to be the root cause

Unusual loud noises or smoke emanating from washer

Preventive Maintenance

Balance and properly load washer: Uneven stress on mechanical parts that accelerate wear
Frequency: every wash
Inspect agitator components annually: Wear on agitator dogs and splines leading to agitation failure
Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Washing Machine not agitating?

Common causes include faulty agitator components, a broken lid switch, or issues with the motor coupling.

How do I fix Amana Washing Machine not agitating myself?

Inspect and replace agitator dogs, check the lid switch, or examine the drive block for damage.

How much does it cost to fix not agitating?

Professional repairs can range from $150 to $800+ depending on the specific issue.

When should I call a technician for not agitating?

If DIY solutions are complex or if the problem involves the control board or transmission, it's best to consult a technician.

References & Sources

Amana Washer Not Agitating - Amana Product Help Official
Washing Machine Not Agitating: Repair Guide & Solutions Repair-Blog

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

Bad motor coupling (1 mentions)
Clutch issue (1 mentions)
Faulty control board (1 mentions)
Lid lock issue (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

Calibration cycle and checking lid lock

Success rate: 17.0%
Replace bad motor coupling, clutch, or control board

Success rate: 17.0%

Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

Community Discussions

Washer randomly grinds to a stop during agitation

Replaced worn bearings and gasket, added anti-leak feature, aligned lid lock.

DIY View on Reddit →

machine gets to the wash cycle and then just drains the water and stays on 'wash' for an indefinite amount of time

Calibration cycle and checking lid lock