Kenmore Washing Machine: not agitating properly during spin

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore washing machine not agitating properly during the spin cycle? You might notice the agitator isn't moving or is moving weakly, leading to poorly cleaned clothes. This issue often stems from faulty agitator coupling or worn agitator dogs, among other causes. Understanding the problem can help you find a solution.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore/Sears washers often list electronic control board and actuator as top causes for no agitation.

Possible Causes

Faulty agitator coupling or agitator dogs worn

How to Identify: Agitator spins freely by hand when stopped, clicking noises during agitation, clothes not being moved by agitator

Part: Agitator coupling / agitator dogs

Drive belt loose or broken

How to Identify: Agitator and drum don’t turn despite motor noise, belt visibly loose/worn upon inspection

Part: Drive belt

Faulty electronic control board

How to Identify: No agitation on multiple cycles, sporadic operation, other functions erratic; may require diagnostics tool

Part: Electronic control board

Actuator or transmission shift mechanism failure

How to Identify: Agitator doesn’t engage but motor runs, specific to models with shift actuators

Part: Actuator / transmission shift mechanism

Door lock assembly jammed or faulty

How to Identify: Machine doesn’t detect door closed, agitation prevented; error lid lock code on some models

Part: Door/lid lock assembly

DIY Solutions

Replace agitator dogs/coupling

Moderate 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket set, pliers
  1. Unplug washer and access agitator by removing fabric softener cup and bolts
  2. Remove agitator and inspect agitator dogs/coupling for wear
  3. Install new agitator repair kit per model instructions and reassemble
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before service

Inspect and replace drive belt

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket set
  1. Unplug machine and access lower panel
  2. Visually inspect belt for cracks or slack
  3. Remove and replace belt if worn
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure proper belt routing on reassembly

Professional Repairs

Electronic control board diagnosis/replace

Estimated Cost: $120–$300

Actuator / transmission mechanism service

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

When to Call a Professional

If DIY inspections don’t isolate issue
If internal components beyond agitator/belt are suspected
If control board diagnostics needed

Preventive Maintenance

  • Periodically inspect agitator and drive belt wear: Worn parts causing agitation failure
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine not agitating properly during spin?
Common causes include faulty agitator coupling, worn agitator dogs, loose drive belts, or issues with the control board.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine not agitating properly during spin myself?
You can replace the agitator dogs or coupling and inspect or replace the drive belt.
How much does it cost to fix not agitating properly during spin?
Professional repairs range from $120 to $400, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not agitating properly during spin?
Consider calling a technician if DIY fixes don't resolve the issue or if it's related to the control board or transmission.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty transmission
  • Worn drive belt
  • Malfunctioning lid switch

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the faulty transmission. Disconnect the power, remove the agitator, and replace the transmission assembly. Reassemble and test the machine.

  2. Check and replace the drive belt if worn. Disconnect the power, access the belt by removing the front panel, and replace it with a new one. Reassemble and test.

  3. Test and replace the lid switch if malfunctioning. Disconnect the power, locate the lid switch, test with a multimeter, and replace if defective. Reassemble and test.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore 80 series washer repair

Community Discussions

trying to agitate on spin cycles

The issue was identified as a faulty transmission, which was replaced.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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