Maytag Washing Machine: not agitating properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag washing machine not agitating properly during the wash cycle? If the agitator isn't moving clothes effectively or at all, your laundry may be left soaking and unclean. This issue can stem from common causes such as worn agitator dogs, a broken drive belt, or a faulty lid switch. Identifying the problem quickly can help restore your washer's performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Some Maytag models use a mode shifter and electronic control board that can prevent proper agitation; Sears Home Services notes these as possible causes beyond basic mechanical parts. (Nika Appliance Repair

Possible Causes

Worn or damaged agitator dogs (directional cogs)

How to Identify: Agitator upper portion spins freely in both directions or weak/sluggish movement during wash; agitator not engaging properly though motor runs. Often the upper part of a two‑piece agitator will not move while lower part may appear normal. Inspection shows worn plastic cogs.

Part: Agitator dogs / directional cogs

Broken, worn, or loose drive belt / drive block

How to Identify: Agitator does not move at all but motor runs; visual inspection of belt underside shows fraying, breaks, or if belt has slipped off pulleys. Drive block worn signs when agitator only slightly moves despite motor rotation.

Part: Drive belt or drive block

Motor coupling failure

How to Identify: Machine fills but neither agitates nor spins; humming motor sound without effective movement; visible broken plastic/rubber coupling parts upon inspection.

Part: Motor coupling

Faulty lid switch

How to Identify: Agitator does not start when lid closed; failure to detect closed lid even though machine fills; multimeter shows no continuity on lid switch.

Part: Lid switch assembly

Control board or electronic mode shifter failure

How to Identify: No agitation despite other mechanical parts intact, error codes present, diagnostics show control fault; likely requires professional testing tools.

Part: Electronic control board / mode shifter

DIY Solutions

Replace worn agitator dogs

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: socket wrench set, screwdriver set, replacement agitator dog kit
  1. Unplug the washer and turn off water supply.
  2. Remove the fabric softener dispenser or top cap on the agitator.
  3. Use a socket wrench to remove the central agitator bolt.
  4. Lift the agitator assembly to access agitator dogs.
  5. Remove worn agitator dogs and install new ones from the kit.
  6. Reassemble agitator and test the washer.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected before working on the washer.

Inspect and replace drive belt or drive block

Moderate 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: socket set, screwdrivers, replacement belt or drive block
  1. Disconnect power and access the washer’s lower rear panel.
  2. Visually inspect the drive belt for fraying, looseness, or breakage.
  3. Remove and replace the belt or drive block as needed, ensuring correct routing and tension.
  4. Reassemble and test the washer’s agitation cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Be cautious of sharp edges when accessing the underside of washer.

Test and replace lid switch

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdrivers, replacement lid switch
  1. Unplug the washer and locate the lid switch assembly.
  2. Use a multimeter to test continuity when lid closed.
  3. Replace the lid switch if no continuity is detected.
  4. Reassemble and test the washer.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before testing electrical components.

Professional Repairs

Motor coupling replacement or transmission repair

Estimated Cost: $200 - $480

Electronic control board / mode shifter diagnosis and repair

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400+

When to Call a Professional

If the agitator still does not move after replacing agitator dogs and belt/drive block.
If internal transmission or motor coupling failures are suspected.
If control board or mode shifter faults are indicated by error codes or diagnostics.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Avoid overloading the washer: Excessive wear on agitator dogs, belts, and motor components
    Frequency: Each use
  • Inspect agitator dogs and belts during routine maintenance: Wear‑related agitation failures
    Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine not agitating properly?
Common causes include worn agitator dogs, broken drive belts, or faulty lid switches.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine not agitating properly myself?
You can replace worn 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 $200 to $480 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not agitating properly?
Call a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect a complex problem.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Improper installation of shift actuator (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Correctly installing the shift actuator

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Broken clutch? Washing machine
  2. Maytag Washer MVW6230HW2 - Clothes not getting clean, agitat...

Community Discussions

Clothes not getting clean, agitator not moving much during wash

The issue was resolved by correctly installing the shift actuator.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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