Kenmore Washing Machine: not agitating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore washing machine is not agitating, it may fill with water and complete cycles without effectively cleaning your clothes. You might hear the motor running or humming, but the agitator remains still, indicating a potential issue with components like agitator dogs, drive belts, or the lid switch.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore-specific troubleshooting includes control board, actuator/shifter, and door/lid lock assembly issues.

Possible Causes

Worn or broken agitator dogs/splines

How to Identify: Agitator moves freely by hand or slips when turning; no resistance; clothes don’t move during wash.

Part: Agitator dogs / splines

Broken or worn drive belt

How to Identify: Motor runs but agitator doesn’t move; visual inspection shows cracked, frayed, or loose belt.

Part: Drive belt

Faulty lid switch

How to Identify: Washer won’t agitate or spin; lid switch does not engage or fails continuity test with multimeter.

Part: Lid switch assembly

Motor coupling failure

How to Identify: Washer fills, may drain, but neither agitates nor spins; coupler plastic shows wear/cracks.

Part: Motor coupler

Faulty electronic control or timer

How to Identify: No agitation and other irregular behaviors; diagnostic codes or no response to cycle selection.

Part: Electronic control board / timer

Transmission or drive motor failure

How to Identify: Agitator shaft not oscillating despite motor running; unusual noise or burning smell.

Part: Transmission / drive motor

DIY Solutions

Inspect and Replace Agitator Dogs/Splines

Moderate 30-90 minutes
Tools Needed: socket wrench, flat screwdriver, pliers
  1. Unplug washer and remove agitator (refer to model guide).
  2. Inspect dogs/splines for wear or broken teeth.
  3. Replace with compatible agitator dog kit and reassemble.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before working inside washer.

Check and Replace Drive Belt

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, wrench set
  1. Unplug washer and access back/bottom panel.
  2. Inspect belt for cracks, wear, or looseness.
  3. Install new belt routed correctly on pulleys.
  4. Reassemble and test agitation.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure machine is unplugged before accessing belt area.

Test and Replace Lid Switch

Moderate 20-45 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver
  1. Unplug washer and access lid switch assembly.
  2. Use multimeter to test continuity when activated.
  3. Replace switch if no continuity and reassemble.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power; lid switch testing requires basic electrical safety.

Professional Repairs

Replace Electronic Control Board/Timer

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Transmission or Drive Motor Replacement

Estimated Cost: $250 - $600+

When to Call a Professional

If internal transmission or motor failure is suspected
If control board diagnosis is required
If DIY steps do not restore agitation

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly inspect agitator and belt wear: Agitator and belt related agitation failures
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Avoid overloading washer: Stress on motor, belt, and coupler components
    Frequency: every use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Washing Machine not agitating?
Common causes include worn agitator dogs, a broken drive belt, or a faulty lid switch.
How do I fix Kenmore Washing Machine not agitating myself?
You can inspect and replace agitator dogs, check the drive belt, or test the lid switch for continuity.
How much does it cost to fix not agitating?
Professional repairs can range from $150 to $600+, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not agitating?
Call a technician if DIY solutions do not resolve the issue or if you're unsure about handling repairs.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

33%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • OE code indicating drainage issue (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced the timer and secured a loose wire connection to the run capacitor.

    Success rate: 25.0%
Analysis based on 3 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore (LG built) top-load washing machine. I am despair-at...
  2. kenmore washing machine model 110.29842991 that won't agitat...
  3. Kenmore (LG built) top-load desperate help question. Please ...

Community Discussions

won't agitate but drains and spins

Replaced the timer and secured a loose wire connection to the run capacitor.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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