Kenmore Washing Machine: not agitating properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore washing machine not agitating properly? This common issue may leave your laundry unclean, as the agitator fails to move effectively. You may notice that while the washer fills with water, your clothes aren't being agitated or cleaned as expected. Understanding the causes and solutions can help you restore proper function and get your laundry back on track.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Many Kenmore models show common wear on agitator dogs, splines, and drive belt; Sears service notes include electronic control board & actuator related agitation failures.

Possible Causes

Worn or broken agitator dogs or splines

How to Identify: Agitator rotates freely by hand in both directions or shows no resistance; clothes are not moved effectively.

Part: Agitator dogs / agitator splines

Drive belt worn or broken

How to Identify: Motor runs but agitator does not move; belt visibly cracked, loose, or missing when inspecting underside/panel removed. (Hello Portable

Part: Drive belt

Faulty lid switch mechanism

How to Identify: Washer fills but won’t agitate and doesn’t signal agitation start; lid switch fails continuity test with multimeter. (Hello Portable

Part: Lid switch

Motor coupling or drive block failure

How to Identify: Motor hums but agitator doesn’t move; coupling shows broken plastic pieces between motor and transmission. (Appliance Parts Pros

Part: Motor coupling / drive block

Faulty motor or motor control problems

How to Identify: No agitation and no spin; motor humming or not starting; control board damage visible or error codes present. (Hello Portable

Part: Motor or motor control board

DIY Solutions

Inspect and Replace Agitator Dogs or Splines

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, socket set, pliers
  1. Unplug washer and remove agitator cap.
  2. Unbolt and lift agitator to expose dogs/splines.
  3. Inspect dogs and splines for wear and replace with a new agitator repair kit.
  4. Reassemble agitator and test washer.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before any disassembly.

Inspect and Replace Drive Belt

Moderate 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: nut driver, ratchet and sockets, flashlight
  1. Unplug washer and remove back or lower service panel.
  2. Locate and inspect the belt for wear or breakage.
  3. Remove old belt and route new belt around pulleys with correct tension.
  4. Reassemble panels and test operation.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected; use care when handling belt and pulleys.

Test and Replace Lid Switch

Easy 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver
  1. Unplug washer; access lid switch assembly under top panel.
  2. Test continuity of lid switch with multimeter.
  3. Replace lid switch if no continuity when engaged.
  4. Reassemble and test wash cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Power must be disconnected and tests done carefully.

Check Load and Remove Obstructions

Easy 5–15 minutes
  1. Ensure load is balanced and not overloaded.
  2. Check drum for foreign items caught at agitator base and remove.
  3. Restart wash cycle and observe agitation.

Professional Repairs

Replace Motor Coupling or Drive Block

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Motor or Control Board Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

If the motor assembly or electronic control board is suspected faulty
If DIY inspection reveals transmission issues or major part damage

Preventive Maintenance

  • Inspect and lubricate agitator components: Wear of agitator dogs and splines
    Frequency: annually
  • Avoid overloading washer: Stress on coupling and drive components
    Frequency: each use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine not agitating properly?
Common causes include worn agitator dogs, a broken drive belt, or a faulty lid switch.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine not agitating properly myself?
Check and replace agitator dogs, inspect the drive belt, or test the lid switch for continuity.
How much does it cost to fix not agitating properly?
Professional repairs can range from $80 to $400 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not agitating properly?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue, or if motor or control board replacement is needed.

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

  • Worn or damaged drive belt
  • Faulty lid switch preventing agitation
  • Malfunctioning motor coupler

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the drive belt. First, unplug the washer. Remove the back panel to access the drive belt. Check for signs of wear or damage. If necessary, replace it with a new one and reassemble the panel.

  2. Test and replace the lid switch. Unplug the washer and locate the lid switch. Use a multimeter to check for continuity. If it fails the test, replace it with a new lid switch.

  3. Check the motor coupler. Unplug the washer and remove the cabinet to access the motor coupler. Inspect for damage and replace if necessary. Reassemble the washer after replacement.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Please Help With Kenmore Washing Machine Diagnosis!

Community Discussions

lights flicker during agitation, mid-load issues

cleaned timer leaf switches

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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