Whirlpool Washing Machine: not agitating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Whirlpool washing machine not agitating? This common issue can prevent your clothes from getting cleaned properly, even though the washer fills with water and spins. Let's explore the possible causes and solutions to get your washer back in working order.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

Many Whirlpool models use agitator dogs and spline systems that commonly wear out.

Possible Causes

Faulty lid switch (safety interlock) preventing agitation

How to Identify: Agitator doesnâ€™t run at all; washer stops agitation when lid open; lid switch may not click when pressed.

Part: Lid switch assembly

Worn or broken agitator dogs (internal directional cogs)

How to Identify: Agitator cranks freely by hand or spins with no agitation; common in Whirlpool agitators; agitator not moving while tub spins normally.

Part: Agitator dogs / directional cogs

Damaged spline shaft or agitator assembly

How to Identify: Agitator does not translate torque from transmission; visual inspection shows stripped splines.

Part: Agitator spline shaft

Broken or worn drive belt / motor coupling

How to Identify: Motor runs but agitator doesnâ€™t; belt frayed or broken; for direct drive machines (no belt check motor coupling.

Part: Drive belt or motor coupling

Faulty transmission or internal gear failure

How to Identify: No agitation and possibly abnormal noises; simple fixes donâ€™t resolve; professional diagnosis likely.

Part: Transmission / gear assembly

DIY Solutions

Test and Replace Lid Switch

Moderate 30-60 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter

Unplug machine and remove top/front panel to access lid switch.
Press lid switch to check click and test continuity with multimeter.
If no continuity, install replacement lid switch matching model.
Reassemble panels, plug in and test agitation.

⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before working inside appliance

Replace Agitator Dogs

Moderate 45-90 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, pliers

Unplug washer and remove agitator cap.
Pull agitator up to expose dogs.
Remove worn dogs and replace with correct new ones.
Reassemble agitator and test with a wash cycle.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure correct orientation of dogs to engage properly

Inspect and Replace Drive Belt or Motor Coupling

Advanced 1-2 hours

Tools Needed: screwdrivers, wrench set

Disconnect power, remove access panel.
Inspect belt for wear or breakage; replace if needed.
If direct-drive, inspect motor coupling and replace if broken.
Reassemble and test machine.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure proper belt tension and alignment

Professional Repairs

Transmission or Internal Gear Repair/Replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500+

Agitator Assembly Replacement

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

When to Call a Professional

Agitator doesnâ€™t move after DIY checks/replacements

Unusual grinding or metal-on-metal noises indicating internal damage

Transmission components suspected damaged

User uncomfortable with internal mechanical repairs

Preventive Maintenance

Periodically inspect agitator dogs and clear debris: Slipping and wear leading to non-agitation
Frequency: annually
Avoid overloading washer: Excess strain on agitator, motor coupling, and belt
Frequency: Each use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Washing Machine not agitating?

Common causes include a faulty lid switch, worn agitator dogs, or a damaged drive belt.

How do I fix Whirlpool Washing Machine not agitating myself?

You can test and replace the lid switch or agitator dogs. Inspect the drive belt and motor coupling as well.

How much does it cost to fix not agitating?

Professional repairs for transmission or agitator assembly range from $50 to $500.

When should I call a technician for not agitating?

Call a technician if you've inspected basic components but the issue persists, especially for internal gear or transmission problems.

References & Sources

Whirlpool Not Agitating Troubleshooting Official

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

Lid switch issue (1 mentions)
Actuator malfunction (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

Reattached actuator that was stuck in spin mode

Success rate: 50.0%
Reinstalled screws in the lid and addressed lid switch connection

Success rate: 50.0%

Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

Community Discussions

clicking noise, not agitating

The actuator was stuck in spin mode and needed to be reattached.

DIY View on Reddit →

drum filled with water but did not start washing (spinning or agitating)

Reinstalled screws in the lid, but has a bad connection in the lid switch.